Holiday Season in Vegas
Label:
FTD [FTD 176] [506020 975133 7]
Format:
Double CD
Number of tracks:
40
Running time:
68:30
Type of album:
Concert
Linked to:
FTD discography
Year:
2018
Recording date:
December 6 DS/MS & December 13, 1975 MS
Release date:
December 2018
Singles:
---
- 3. Love Me: After greeting the audience and complaining about the sound and lighting in the showroom, Elvis starts his 1956 hit and the routine of handing out kisses and scarves in a very good humour.
- 5. Instrumental: Elvis tells the audience that he had just released his "Today" album and says that in it there's a song called "Pieces of My Life". It makes us wish that he''d start singing it impromptu, but sadly he doesn't. Instead, he asks the band to play something and keeps interacting with the audience.
- 6. And I Love You So: A wonderful performance by Elvis and his backing vocals with some good emphasis on the orchestra in the mix.
- 11. Polk Salad Annie: This is a splice of the beginning and ending of the versions done in both December 6, 1975 concerts, but the majority of it comes from June 30, 1974 AS.
- 14. How Great Thou Art: Another masterful piece of glorious Gospel by Elvis, who again again excels himself at the reprise.
- 15. Burning Love: An average, but very good version for the time.
- 16. Softly, as I Leave You: One more brilliant performance by Elvis, Glen Hardin and Sherrill Nielsen.
- 17. America: This American anthem is really well done here and it feels like its even better than the December 13, 1975 MS version.
Holiday Season in Vegas is FTD's 176th CD. It covers the full December 13, 1975 MS concert in Las Vegas, and parts of the December 6, 1975 concerts. The CD is currently out of print.
- 3. Love Me: After greeting the audience and kissing some girls, the 1956 classic brings the start of the 1950s hits medley and routine of handing out kisses and scarves. Upon receiving a giant eyeglass, Elvis replies: "Elton John!" (he had also done that on the Dinner Show, wearing it imitating the voice of the famous pianist).
- 4. Tryin' to Get to You: "This next song is a song that we've been doing - it's one of my first records, we've been doing it quite a bit." An exponent of the Sun Studio days, recorded in 1955, the song is done almost flawlessly.
- 5. And I Love You So: For some reason, Elvis only performed this song in Vegas throughout 1975. Here, the rendition is similar to what we hear on the "Today" LP, but we get to perfectly hear the wonderful work of the orchestra in the mix.
- 6. All Shook Up: Continuing the 1950s medley, the quick version of the 1957 hit sees Elvis, as usual, kissing fans and handing out scarves.
- 7. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel: A standard version.
- 8. You Gave Me a Mountain: Present in dozens of shows since January 26, 1972, the song was one of the highlights of the performances. Elvis liked the song and tried to give it his all in the rendition, and here the rule was not broken. The orchestra sounds wonderful here too.
1975 was a troubled year for Elvis. Without having recorded anything in the previous year, his career survived on leftovers from the 1973 sessions, re-releases of classics on budget albums and compilations that extended to the absurd album "Having Fun With Elvis On Stage", idealized and released by the Colonel in 1974 , which featured only Elvis talking in concerts from 1969 to 1973.
Due to ill health that put him in the hospital in mid-January 1975, Elvis was unable to begin his work on stage until March, when he made a stint in Las Vegas to cover the canceled one in January. The national tours, between April and July, were a little luckier, but Elvis' fickleness hampered several performances. His delicate state of health made the shows a real roller coaster, one time with the singer reaching great peaks of overcoming and another with the worst possible moments.
On August 18, Elvis started a new season in Vegas, even though he knew he wasn't in his best shape and that the best thing would be to recover away from the stage. With a fever of 104 F and a toothache, the King of Rock performed for three days before convincing himself that he really should have listened to the advice of doctors and friends.
With no alternative, he had to cancel the shows and add the missing ones to the December season - this one is undoubtedly excellent - in the city.
Below is the review of this double CD.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CD 1 - DECEMBER 13, 1975 MS
- 1. See See Rider: As usual in the period, RCA no longer recorded the opening of the concerts and the show starts with Elvis on stage. This version is excellent for 1975, very upbeat and sounding almost like a 1972-73 rendition, and Elvis noticed how Ronnie Tutt was playing: "What happened to the drummer? What did you do? Did you have some Gatorade between shows? I mean, that's the hardest you've played through the whole thing, you know? Did you just decide to go crazy?"
- 2. I Got a Woman / Amen: The famous "well, well, well" routine leads to a good rendition, with Elvis sounding great. The "striptease" is followed by JD's dive bombs, who now shows off all his talent at it to "excuse himself" for the "poor air lacking dive bombs" he had done in the Dinner Show that day.
- 2. I Got a Woman / Amen: The famous "well, well, well" routine leads to a good rendition, with Elvis sounding great. The "striptease" is followed by JD's dive bombs, who now shows off all his talent at it to "excuse himself" for the "poor air lacking dive bombs" he had done in the Dinner Show that day.
- 3. Love Me: After greeting the audience and kissing some girls, the 1956 classic brings the start of the 1950s hits medley and routine of handing out kisses and scarves. Upon receiving a giant eyeglass, Elvis replies: "Elton John!" (he had also done that on the Dinner Show, wearing it imitating the voice of the famous pianist).
- 4. Tryin' to Get to You: "This next song is a song that we've been doing - it's one of my first records, we've been doing it quite a bit." An exponent of the Sun Studio days, recorded in 1955, the song is done almost flawlessly.
- 5. And I Love You So: For some reason, Elvis only performed this song in Vegas throughout 1975. Here, the rendition is similar to what we hear on the "Today" LP, but we get to perfectly hear the wonderful work of the orchestra in the mix.
- 6. All Shook Up: Continuing the 1950s medley, the quick version of the 1957 hit sees Elvis, as usual, kissing fans and handing out scarves.
- 7. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel: A standard version.
- 8. You Gave Me a Mountain: Present in dozens of shows since January 26, 1972, the song was one of the highlights of the performances. Elvis liked the song and tried to give it his all in the rendition, and here the rule was not broken. The orchestra sounds wonderful here too.
After a small false start, Elvis shows the audience a picture of him and his father in the 1950s that a fan had given him earlier.
- 9. Help Me Make it Through the Night: Elvis tells the audience that he'll do a request song for Linda Thompson's parent. The singer leads the band and backing vocals like he had done in the Dinner Show, making a very delightful version.
- 10. Polk Salad Annie: Now with a new arrangement, the song allowed Elvis to vent all the energy he had accumulated during the performance and show the audience the karate moves he was so proud of. The funky beat is amazing here.
- 11. Introductions: The introductions starts by JD Sumner & The Stamps Quartet, The Sweet Inspirations, Sherrill Nielsen, Kathy Westmoreland, Bill Baise and John Wilkinson. James Burton, Ronnie Tutt, Jerry Scheff and Glen Hardin do their usual solos. Charlie Hodge, Joe Guercio and his orchestra, Lisa Marie and Vernon are introduced at the end.
- 10. Polk Salad Annie: Now with a new arrangement, the song allowed Elvis to vent all the energy he had accumulated during the performance and show the audience the karate moves he was so proud of. The funky beat is amazing here.
- 11. Introductions: The introductions starts by JD Sumner & The Stamps Quartet, The Sweet Inspirations, Sherrill Nielsen, Kathy Westmoreland, Bill Baise and John Wilkinson. James Burton, Ronnie Tutt, Jerry Scheff and Glen Hardin do their usual solos. Charlie Hodge, Joe Guercio and his orchestra, Lisa Marie and Vernon are introduced at the end.
- 12. Just Pretend: "This next song is a song that we did about three years ago." The song is actually five years old here, but Elvis shows that he at least has some knowledge of his extensive recording career.
It's amazing to hear how the orchestra was so well mixed with other instruments here. Elvis' voice is also in a good shape to do it, reminding us of the wonderful 1970 versions.
- 13. How Great Thou Art: Gospel has always been Elvis' strong point and there's no doubting that. Even in the worst moments, the singer drew strength from his faith to render the song properly and praise God with its high, well-placed notes. The version heard here is a masterful piece just like the one done at the Dinner Show that night. the last part gets a reprise and Elvis again excels himself.
- 14. Burning Love: Back in the repertoire, the 1972 hit is done in an average way. Something makes thsis version lose its shine for some reason.
- 15. Hound Dog: After interacting with fans a little, Elvis does an average version of his 1956 hit just to please the audience.
- 13. How Great Thou Art: Gospel has always been Elvis' strong point and there's no doubting that. Even in the worst moments, the singer drew strength from his faith to render the song properly and praise God with its high, well-placed notes. The version heard here is a masterful piece just like the one done at the Dinner Show that night. the last part gets a reprise and Elvis again excels himself.
- 14. Burning Love: Back in the repertoire, the 1972 hit is done in an average way. Something makes thsis version lose its shine for some reason.
- 15. Hound Dog: After interacting with fans a little, Elvis does an average version of his 1956 hit just to please the audience.
Elvis does a few lines of "Welcome to My World" by request.
- 16. Softly, as I Leave You: Brilliantly performed by Elvis, this song has been in the repertoire since 1973. In this version the singer recites the story at first without any accompaniment, which enters little by little in the course of the lyrics and joins Sherrill Nielsen singing in the background.
- 17. America: As 1976 was already approaching, Elvis decided to put this American anthem in his repertoire to honor the two hundred years of US independence. As might be expected, the version is greeted with effusive applause at the end.
- 16. Softly, as I Leave You: Brilliantly performed by Elvis, this song has been in the repertoire since 1973. In this version the singer recites the story at first without any accompaniment, which enters little by little in the course of the lyrics and joins Sherrill Nielsen singing in the background.
- 17. America: As 1976 was already approaching, Elvis decided to put this American anthem in his repertoire to honor the two hundred years of US independence. As might be expected, the version is greeted with effusive applause at the end.
This rendition was later released as a single on October 28, 1977.
- 18. It's Now or Never: As usual this season, Elvis does his version of the 1960 recording without Sherrill Nielsen's introduction in broken Italian. It's a good version with a fine ending.
- 19. O Sole Mio: Elvis tries to do the Italian version, which is the very best part of this whole show. He has to read the words and doens't do very well at that, but it's all part of the fun.
- 20. Little Darlin': Funny Elvis is in the house. This song was just a way to let some steam off everytime it was played.
- 21. Little Sister: The song had been performed the night before, but was officially off the repertoire since 1973. It's a fun version and a nice addition to an already great show.
- 22. Can't Help Falling in Love: "Thank you, God bless you and good night. We bid you an affectionate farewell!" Elvis thanks the audience and his staff before singing his 1961 hit to end his concert.
- 22. Can't Help Falling in Love: "Thank you, God bless you and good night. We bid you an affectionate farewell!" Elvis thanks the audience and his staff before singing his 1961 hit to end his concert.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CD 2 - DECEMBER 6, 1975 DS + MS
- 1. See See Rider: CD 2 is actually two shows in one, as FTD decided to do a splice of both concerts (as the setlists were the same) on December 6, 1975 and we start at the Dinner Show.
The first part of this rendition is from a third concert, the June 30, 1974 AS show in Omaha.
The version is pattern for the time, but it helps to understand how Elvis' voice kept a certain level of equality for some time as we almost can't detect the transition to the 1975 concert.
- 2. I Got a Woman / Amen: The famous "well, well, well" routine leads to yet another good rendition, and the "striptease" is followed by JD's dive bombs to end the song.
- 2. I Got a Woman / Amen: The famous "well, well, well" routine leads to yet another good rendition, and the "striptease" is followed by JD's dive bombs to end the song.
- 3. Love Me: After greeting the audience and complaining about the sound and lighting in the showroom, Elvis starts his 1956 hit and the routine of handing out kisses and scarves in a very good humour.
- 4. Fairytale: The song doesn't have the usual introduction and seems to be done in a very informal way. Elvis keeps asking for the resprise of the çast stanza and it makes it a great version.
- 5. Instrumental: Elvis tells the audience that he had just released his "Today" album and says that in it there's a song called "Pieces of My Life". It makes us wish that he''d start singing it impromptu, but sadly he doesn't. Instead, he asks the band to play something and keeps interacting with the audience.
- 6. And I Love You So: A wonderful performance by Elvis and his backing vocals with some good emphasis on the orchestra in the mix.
- 7. Tryin' to Get to You: "This next song is a song that I recorded a long time ago, but I've been doing it a lot lately." This is an average version, but Elvis is still unsure in some parts.
- 8. All Shook Up: Here comes the 1950s medley, and with it comes the kissing fans and handing out scarves moment. An average version.
- 9. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel: Throwaway, as usual.
- 10. One Night: The 1957 hit had been out of the repertoire since November 18, 1972 and had just returned to it the day before. This is a fun version with Elvis directing the band and singing averagely.
- 8. All Shook Up: Here comes the 1950s medley, and with it comes the kissing fans and handing out scarves moment. An average version.
- 9. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel: Throwaway, as usual.
- 10. One Night: The 1957 hit had been out of the repertoire since November 18, 1972 and had just returned to it the day before. This is a fun version with Elvis directing the band and singing averagely.
- 11. Polk Salad Annie: This is a splice of the beginning and ending of the versions done in both December 6, 1975 concerts, but the majority of it comes from June 30, 1974 AS.
FTD lacked a little here, as we can hear Elvis announcing the song on June 30, 1974 while the small bit from December 6, 1975 was already playing. Overall, it's an average 1974/75 version where Elvis does his usual karate chops.
- 12. Introductions: From here to the end, we hear the Midnight Show. The introductions starts by JD Sumner & The Stamps Quartet, The Sweet Inspirations, Sherrill Nielsen, Kathy Westmoreland and John Wilkinson. James Burton, Ronnie Tutt, Jerry Scheff and Glen Hardin do their usual solos. Charlie Hodge, Joe Guercio and his orchestra, Colonel Parker and wife, Lisa Marie and Vernon are introduced at the end.
- 12. Introductions: From here to the end, we hear the Midnight Show. The introductions starts by JD Sumner & The Stamps Quartet, The Sweet Inspirations, Sherrill Nielsen, Kathy Westmoreland and John Wilkinson. James Burton, Ronnie Tutt, Jerry Scheff and Glen Hardin do their usual solos. Charlie Hodge, Joe Guercio and his orchestra, Colonel Parker and wife, Lisa Marie and Vernon are introduced at the end.
One nice thing to notice here is that the band was playing "Hail, Hail Rock 'n' Roll" instead of "Coming Home, Baby" during the non-solo introductions.
- 13. Just Pretend: As heard on CD 1, the orchestra was so well mixed here, but the emphasis was kept on the essential instruments for the song and Elvis' haunting voice.
- 14. How Great Thou Art: Another masterful piece of glorious Gospel by Elvis, who again again excels himself at the reprise.
- 15. Burning Love: An average, but very good version for the time.
- 16. Softly, as I Leave You: One more brilliant performance by Elvis, Glen Hardin and Sherrill Nielsen.
- 17. America: This American anthem is really well done here and it feels like its even better than the December 13, 1975 MS version.
- 18. Can't Help Falling in Love: This whole version comes from June 30, 1974 AS.
"You're a fantastic audience, thank you very much." Elvis thanks the audience and sings his 1961 hit. The track ends in a fade.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks for your comment!
REMEMBER: We will not post messages with any kind of offense and/or profanity.