As I Leave You
Label:
Ecolorado [170596-2]
Format:
CD
Number of tracks:
25
Running time:
74:00
Type of album:
Concert
Linked to:
Unofficial discography
Year:
1996
Recording date:
June 19, 1977
Release date:
1996
Singles:
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As I Leave You was a bootleg CD by the European label Ecolorado released in 1996. It contains the complete shows from June 19, 1979 in Omaha, Nebraska. The work is currently out of print.
- 2. I Got a Woman / Amen: Elvis' first "weeeelll..." brings wild screams, showing that even in the midst of all the problems his power and presence were still great. The song goes well, with Elvis dropping a few bass notes along the way.
- 3. That's All Right: "I'd like to do the first song I ever recorded... That's All Right Mama... All we had was a bass, a guitar and another guitar... I only know three chords... No drums or nothing." A fan screams "Elvis!", to which the King of Rock, showing that he is connected to what is happening around him and thinking fast, responds immediately: "Honey, I told you to wait till after the show..."
- 5. Love Me: In a television special like In Concert, the song could not be missing. It was one of the highlights of his performances since 1969 and the first time Elvis was in direct contact with the audience and handed out scarves.
- 6. Fairytale: "This next song is the story of my life..." There isn't much dialogue between one song and another, probably because filming was expensive, and the King of Rock seems to be having fun singing a few songs of his choice and/or with the idea of returning to a broader medium like TV.
- 7. Little Sister: "I'd like to do a medley of some of my songs..." Elvis breaks into the song with enthusiasm. It's here, 30 minutes into the show, that he starts to try his first more elaborate steps and reminds the audience of who he was.
- 8. Teddy Bear: The classic medley starts without introductions and is almost glued to the end of the previous song. For some strange reason, Ecolorado decided to split it into two tracks.
- 10. And I Love You So: "This next song is a song that we did in an 'alblum'... 'Alblum'!?" It's hard not to think that Elvis was thinking at that moment in March 1975, when he was very well in his relationship with Sheila Ryan and offered the song to her during the recording.
- 11. Jailhouse Rock: The song elicits effusive applause from the audience and encourages Elvis to take some more daring dance steps.
- 12. How Great Thou Art: Undoubtedly the best rendition of the night, it is received with respect by the fans.
- 13. Band Introductions: Taking the opportunity to rest his voice for a while, Elvis introduces The Sweet Inspirations, JD Sumner, The Stamps (individually), Kathy Westmoreland and Sherrill Nielsen.
- 14. Early Morning Rain: John Wilkinson's solo (rhythm guitar) features Elvis singing one of his favorite songs from his 1973 Hawaii special.
- 15. What'd I Say: James Burton does his guitar solo with Elvis singing in parts.
- 21. Hound Dog: Elvis' voice starts to sound tired, perhaps from the effort with the previous song, but he still puts on a good show.
- 22. O Sole Mio / It's Now or Never: Sherrill Nielsen uses his vocal knowledge in his solo with the Italian version, with Elvis calling him "smartalec" as usual.
- 23. Can't Help Falling in Love: After thanking some members of his technical entourage, Elvis again announces that the show will be on TV soon and says goodbye: "Until we meet you again, may God bless you. Adiós." Elvis hands out a few more scarves during the last song of the show.
As I Leave You was a bootleg CD by the European label Ecolorado released in 1996. It contains the complete shows from June 19, 1979 in Omaha, Nebraska. The work is currently out of print.
On June 17, 1977, Elvis began what would be his last tour. For ten days he would perform in 10 different cities, including Omaha and Rapid City, in which he recorded his special "Elvis in Concert", and culminating with the magnificent, for that moment, concert on June 26, 1977 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
In total, Elvis would pass through an audience of 117 thousand people and raise more than US$ 1.5 million in those few days. In 1977, his 59 shows would bring in around US$ 7 million, a low sum compared to previous years when only a 30-day season in Las Vegas grossed US$ 2.5 million and national tours brought in more, on average, $50 million.
Of course, Elvis' poor health played a part in why these numbers were low, since newer fans began to see him as a music dinosaur. Another point was the musical style of the time, which also began to change rapidly towards Punk Rock and Pop, alienating younger audiences. The work of the media, which vilified Elvis whenever they could, also played a part.
But Elvis was Elvis and if there was one thing he could count on, it was his millions of fans across the US and the world. His voice, which at that time was starting to sound like that of tenors, was something else that never failed him. Even at the worst shows of 1977, and there were many, unfortunately, his voice remained intact and sonorous - albeit slurred and tired at times.
Without a doubt, Omaha is the most remembered show of June 1977. Not only because it is the one recorded on video by CBS-TV and on soundboard by RCA, but because it is, for these same reasons, the one that most shows how Elvis needed help at that moment.
With so many problems on his mind, like the arrival of the dreaded West book in just over a month, it was clear that the King needed a break from the stages and the rush; but, without losing his majesty, Elvis put his fans first when it came to his personal life or health, which often, as in this period, was harmful to him.
But despite the odds, Omaha was by far the best show since the 20th and 21st of February 1977. Yes, Elvis was visibly tired and a little lost at first, but his voice again did not leave him forlorn.
Below is a review of the concert.
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- 1. See See Rider: For technical reasons of the CDs of the time, Ecolorado cut "Also Sprach Zarathustra", which appears complete in releases such as "The Ultimate CBS Specials" by MadCow.
The audience stands up, screams and applauds when Elvis steps onto the stage. Making a "what are you all doing here?" face, he is in a good mood. The King of Rock walks from one side of the stage to the other, poses for pictures and shakes hands with all his colleagues before heading to the microphone. Elvis' voice is strong, but the sound system doesn't help (a problem that will persist throughout the performance).
At first it is noticed that the mix is wrong, with Elvis' voice low, Charlie Hodge's too high (some joke that the show was Charlie's with Elvis doing the harmony) and the band and backing vocals suffocated.
It is also noticeable that the King is not in his best days; if he was, he would have stopped the show and started again, as he would in Rapid City, at the first sign of error. But his voice is unfailing throughout.
- 2. I Got a Woman / Amen: Elvis' first "weeeelll..." brings wild screams, showing that even in the midst of all the problems his power and presence were still great. The song goes well, with Elvis dropping a few bass notes along the way.
During his usual dialogue at the end of the song, he explains to the audience that he is wearing make-up and that it is not common in his concerts. A quick "striptease" leads to JD's dive bombs and the end of the rendition.
Again, Charlie's voice disturbs the harmony a bit. A fan yells "turn around!" (the concert was given in an arena with an audience on all sides) and Elvis complies with the request, joking: "Is that God calling? Yes, sir, son!" (sort of a gloomy prediction, if you stop to think about it).
- 3. That's All Right: "I'd like to do the first song I ever recorded... That's All Right Mama... All we had was a bass, a guitar and another guitar... I only know three chords... No drums or nothing." A fan screams "Elvis!", to which the King of Rock, showing that he is connected to what is happening around him and thinking fast, responds immediately: "Honey, I told you to wait till after the show..."
Elvis does his best and luckily Charlie Hodge isn't harmonizing as he has to hold the mic for the singer, but the mix is still off and the King's guitar is heard way ahead of the other instruments.
- 4. Are You Lonesome Tonight: "And then we did called Are You Lonesome Tonight..." Between one song and the next, an electrical noise catches Elvis' attention. Maybe that's why he fumbles during the first verse and starts the song again.
- 4. Are You Lonesome Tonight: "And then we did called Are You Lonesome Tonight..." Between one song and the next, an electrical noise catches Elvis' attention. Maybe that's why he fumbles during the first verse and starts the song again.
Of course, the "gay couple" scene between Elvis and Charlie during the spoken verse brings laughter from the audience. In general, the rendition is good, but not as good as Rapid City's.
More dialogue with the audience ensues and Elvis asks if the audio is good at the back of the arena (fan response is mixed) before warning that they are being filmed and to be careful with the cameras.
- 5. Love Me: In a television special like In Concert, the song could not be missing. It was one of the highlights of his performances since 1969 and the first time Elvis was in direct contact with the audience and handed out scarves.
Before starting, the singer jokes with Sherrill Nielsen, asking why his jumpsuit was prettier than the main artist's.
The version is fast (with Charlie's voice getting in the way again) and sends the audience into a frenzy.
After the rendition, Elvis explains to the audience that they are having technical difficulties with the sound before continuing his set.
- 6. Fairytale: "This next song is the story of my life..." There isn't much dialogue between one song and another, probably because filming was expensive, and the King of Rock seems to be having fun singing a few songs of his choice and/or with the idea of returning to a broader medium like TV.
The sound of the venue doesn't help, but Elvis manages to hit pretty high notes and outdo himself.
- 7. Little Sister: "I'd like to do a medley of some of my songs..." Elvis breaks into the song with enthusiasm. It's here, 30 minutes into the show, that he starts to try his first more elaborate steps and reminds the audience of who he was.
- 8. Teddy Bear: The classic medley starts without introductions and is almost glued to the end of the previous song. For some strange reason, Ecolorado decided to split it into two tracks.
Elvis has fun handing out scarves to a further part of the audience, seeing the women going crazy and trying to grab each other to get the souvenir.
- 9. Don't Be Cruel: In the transition between "Teddy Bear" and "Don't Be Cruel" he looks at Charlie and smiles, as if he couldn't believe his eyes.
- 10. And I Love You So: "This next song is a song that we did in an 'alblum'... 'Alblum'!?" It's hard not to think that Elvis was thinking at that moment in March 1975, when he was very well in his relationship with Sheila Ryan and offered the song to her during the recording.
The rendition is perfect for the period and Elvis even includes some lower notes in his singing.
- 11. Jailhouse Rock: The song elicits effusive applause from the audience and encourages Elvis to take some more daring dance steps.
- 12. How Great Thou Art: Undoubtedly the best rendition of the night, it is received with respect by the fans.
It's amazing to see Elvis come to life through this Gospel song that was one of his favorites. All of his problems seem far away in that moment, his voice, soul and body devoted to religious chant in unison. Several times Elvis reaches his full vocal range of 3 octaves, mainly in the triple end of the song.
Both the audience and the band, orchestra and backing vocals vibrate with the perfect performance.
- 13. Band Introductions: Taking the opportunity to rest his voice for a while, Elvis introduces The Sweet Inspirations, JD Sumner, The Stamps (individually), Kathy Westmoreland and Sherrill Nielsen.
- 14. Early Morning Rain: John Wilkinson's solo (rhythm guitar) features Elvis singing one of his favorite songs from his 1973 Hawaii special.
- 15. What'd I Say: James Burton does his guitar solo with Elvis singing in parts.
- 16. Johnny B. Goode: Next, James shows his skills playing the guitar placed behind his head. Elvis sings during this one, which is another of his favourites.
- 17. Band Introductions: Ronnie Tutt's drum solo is celebrated by Elvis, who accompanies it with some bass notes, and by the audience. On bass, Jerry Scheff does his classic Blues solo, also very well received by the singer and accompanied by bass notes. Then Tony Brown does a short uptempo piano solo (Elvis again does bass notes).
- 18. I Really Don't Want to Know: Then Brown accompanies the King of Rock in the song recorded in 1970 for the album "Elvis Country".
- 19. Band Introductions: Finishing the introductions, Elvis presents the electric piano solo by Bobby Ogdin, his faithful sidekick Charlie Hodge and Joe Guercio with his orchestra, who plays a brief solo.
- 20. Hurt: "One of our latest records is called Hurt." One of the most moving songs of the period, it makes the audience listen in silence.
- 17. Band Introductions: Ronnie Tutt's drum solo is celebrated by Elvis, who accompanies it with some bass notes, and by the audience. On bass, Jerry Scheff does his classic Blues solo, also very well received by the singer and accompanied by bass notes. Then Tony Brown does a short uptempo piano solo (Elvis again does bass notes).
- 18. I Really Don't Want to Know: Then Brown accompanies the King of Rock in the song recorded in 1970 for the album "Elvis Country".
- 19. Band Introductions: Finishing the introductions, Elvis presents the electric piano solo by Bobby Ogdin, his faithful sidekick Charlie Hodge and Joe Guercio with his orchestra, who plays a brief solo.
- 20. Hurt: "One of our latest records is called Hurt." One of the most moving songs of the period, it makes the audience listen in silence.
Elvis was worried at first, commenting that he didn't think he was going to be able to hit the right notes and being encouraged by Charlie and The Sweet Inspirations, but in the end his 3 octaves don't fail and he even surprises himself.
- 21. Hound Dog: Elvis' voice starts to sound tired, perhaps from the effort with the previous song, but he still puts on a good show.
The crowd cheers as the King of Rock does some of his famous pelvic thrusts.
- 22. O Sole Mio / It's Now or Never: Sherrill Nielsen uses his vocal knowledge in his solo with the Italian version, with Elvis calling him "smartalec" as usual.
It may seem late for a vocally demanding song, especially after "Hound Dog" was somewhat weak, but Elvis' power returns as magnificently as the rendition of the classic would prove.
- 23. Can't Help Falling in Love: After thanking some members of his technical entourage, Elvis again announces that the show will be on TV soon and says goodbye: "Until we meet you again, may God bless you. Adiós." Elvis hands out a few more scarves during the last song of the show.
- 24. Closing Vamp: The audience applauds and cheers wildly during the closing fanfare, wanting to capture at least one look from Elvis before he departs backstage and the uncertainty over when he will return to Omaha grips the fans.
BONUS
- 25. Rapid City Interview: As a bonus, Ecolorado gives us part of the interview given by Elvis two days later.
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