From Louisiana and Memphis
Label:
FTD [FTD 156] 506020 975176 4]
Format:
Quadruple CD
Number of tracks:
75
Running time:
219:00
Type of album:
Concert
Linked to:
FTD discography
Year:
2022
Recording date:
July 1, 2 and 5, 1976
Release date:
December 24, 2022
Singles:
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From Louisiana and Memphis is a quad CD by FTD. It contains the complete concerts of July 1 and 2, 1976 in Shreveport and Baton Rouge, respectively, both in Louisiana, and Elvis' last concert in Memphis, on July 5 of the same year, on soundboard. The work is still in print.
In 1976, Elvis was happy with how things were going. His Graceland sessions had been productive, Vegas was no longer a burden - and Vegas was reciprocal in that sense Tahoe was back on schedule and his shorter national tours helped him rest more and not feel so bored with the same old songs and locations he had been supporting for the past 6 years.
By the middle of that year, it looked like Elvis would never get back to his old ways. His performances were erratic, he was slow and sometimes confused at the beginning of shows, though nothing like August 1975 in Las Vegas. In fact, the singer would improve his performance a lot at the end of June, but it was clear that he no longer had that flame that burned in his heart.
Fortunately, if there was one thing Elvis knew how to do besides singing, it was surprising people. His shows at the end of June and beginning of July 1976 were very dynamic - despite not having many variations in the setlist - and culminated in the singer's excellent last performance in Memphis on the 5th.
July 1976 began with Elvis in concert in Louisiana, where he began his stage career in the 1950s, on the 1st and 2nd. Despite this, it was rare for the singer to visit the state, having performed there only 17 times in the 1970s - Shreveport, the city where he began his performances on The Louisiana Hayride, received him on only 3 of those occasions -, starting in 1974. Fort Worth and Tulsa would follow.
But the best show of the period was certainly the one in Memphis on July 5th, which would mark Elvis' last time in the city he had adopted as his hometown and the last show of the tour that started on June 25th. The singer was really feeling at home, full of energy - despite being tired - and wanting to give his best in each song. No wonder this was the longest concert of his career, at exactly 93 minutes, previously released on the bootlegs "Goodbye Memphis" (1997) by Fort Baxter and "The Final Homecoming" (2009), by the same label in partnership with Audionics.
With these three performances from July 1976 distributed on a quad CD packaged in a digipack that unfolds into 5 panels of incredible concert photos, this is FTD's biggest concert-related project to date. This CD also continues the label's extensive work on July 1976 soundboards, counting with the shows of the 3rd and 4th released in "Rockin' Across Texas" (2005/2009) and "The Bicentennial Show" (2017), respectively.
Below is our analysis of the concerts featured in this work.
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CD 1: JULY 1, 1976 - SHREVEPORT, LA
- 1. Also Sprach Zarathustra: The fanfare starts the show. FTD certainly worked on mixing this show and that allows us to hear different elements.
- 2. See See Rider: Elvis had played 2 shows in Shreveport before this concert - both on June 7, 1975. He sings well and with a strong voice, making the audience electrified.
- 4. Love Me: "Good evening. I'd like to say that it's a pleasure to be back here in Shreveport." A fan asks about the Band-Aids on his hand and Elvis replies, "To keep the rings from coming off easily. Ask what you want and you'll hear what you need." The version is standard and the fans are quite excited, making security take stronger measures to contain them; Elvis asks his team to take it easy.
- 5. If You Love Me (Let Me Know): This Olivia Newton-John classic obviously makes Elvis amused.
- 6. You Gave Me a Mountain: Elvis sounds strong and the version is pretty good, but standard.
- 7. All Shook Up: Elvis interacts with female fans and messes up in parts. The version is standard.
- 8. Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel: The usual disposable "kiss-and-scarf".
- 9. And I Love You So: Elvis does an above-average rendition, although his voice breaks at times. The singer calls James to attention, who appears to be missing a few chords.
- 10. Jailhouse Rock: The usual hit gets a quick and tasteful version.
- 11. Fever: Before starting the song, Elvis asks if the sound is good for the audience. The positive response leads to the start of yet another sensual version of the 1960s classic and hysteria from the fans, who scream wildly into the microphone.
- 12. America: Elvis does a fantastic version and the mix makes it even more perfect by emphasizing instruments we rarely hear.
- 13. Polk Salad Annie: This is a very funky version where the mix again makes all the difference.
- 14. Introductions / Early Morning Rain: "I'd like to introduce the members of my group to you before we go any further." Elvis introduces The Sweet Inspirations, JD Sumner, The Stamps, Kathy Westmoreland and Sherrill Nielsen. John Wilkinson does his solo and Elvis sings along.
- 15. Introductions / What'd I Say / Johnny B. Goode: James Burton does his solos with Elvis singing along. The track also includes solos by Ronnie Tutt, Jerry Scheff, Tony Brown and David Briggs.
- 16. Love Letters: "The first time that David and I worked together, it was his first recording session and we did a song called 'Love Letters'. I'd like to sing it for you right now." Elvis does the song recorded in 1966 in a smooth and charming way.
- 17. School Days: Elvis introduces Charlie Hodge, Joe Guercio and his orchestra.
- 18. Hurt: "I've got a new record out, ladies and gentlemen. I'd like to sing it for you now." Elvis delivers a cohesive rendition that leads to effusive applause and a full reprise of the song.
- 19. Hound Dog: This is a fantastic rendition of a classic that Elvis was tired of doing.
- 20. Funny How Time Slips Away: The numbering of the tracks on the back cover of the CD is wrong from here to the end, skipping one position (this is track 21 in the description).
Elvis chats with his fans and receives gifts, reciprocating with scarves and kisses. This is a standard version for the time.
- 21. Happy Birthday: Elvis sings "Happy Birthday" to a female fan in the audience.
- 22. Its Now or Never:"Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to do a song that I recorded a long time ago." Elvis does a good rendition of his 1960s hit as female fans try to get his attention any way they can.
- 23. Can't Help Falling in Love: "Whenever you want us back here in Shreveport, let us know and we'll come back. Adiós, mother!" Unfortunately for fans in the area, this would be his last show in town. Fans go crazy looking for a scarf, hug or kiss.
- 23. Can't Help Falling in Love: "Whenever you want us back here in Shreveport, let us know and we'll come back. Adiós, mother!" Unfortunately for fans in the area, this would be his last show in town. Fans go crazy looking for a scarf, hug or kiss.
- 24. Closing Vamp: The show is over. Elvis would never return to Shreveport.
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CD 2: JULY 2, 1976 - BATON ROUGE, LA
- 1. Also Sprach Zarathustra: The fanfare starts the show. The mix is again excellent.
- 2. See See Rider: Baton Rouge had also only hosted 2 Elvis shows to this point - on June 17th and 18th, 1974. Elvis' voice is weaker than the night before, but still very good. In fact, he notices it himself and comments on it a few minutes later.
- 3. I Got a Woman / Amen: The "well', well, well..." routine is well done and the medley is very good. About his weak voice, he comments during the striptease routine:"My body is awake, but my mouth is asleep."
As JD's dive bomb wasn't the best, Elvis jokes: "Sorry, ladies and gentlemen, but I have to ask him to do it again. He didn't hit that low note. He didn't get much sleep last night and he hasn't had time to get drunk yet, so..." (the remark is about the fact that JD was the only member of the band to have permission from Elvis to keep a bottle of whiskey under his seat and drink it during concerts)
- 4. Love Me: The version is standard and not as good as the night before.
- 5. Fairytale: Although it is one of the favorites of Elvis and the audience, the rendition is not the best because of the weak and trembling voice of the singer. Furthermore, he ends the song without warning his backing vocals and causes a ruckus.
- 6. You Gave Me a Mountain: Good but standard version.
- 7. All Shook Up: Elvis begins the medley of 1950s hits. The version is standard.
- 8. Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel: "Kiss-and-scarf", as always.
- 9. And I Love You So: Elvis does an average rendition, due to his weak voice.
- 10. Jailhouse Rock: The 1957 hit is lackluster tonight.
- 11. Fever: The rendition is standard for the time and Elvis takes the opportunity to rest a little.
- 12. America: Elvis does a very good version, but his voice is clearly shaky. Maybe he was feeling some discomfort or just tired.
- 13. Polk Salad Annie: This is a very rock-heavy version in which Elvis gives his all and demands everything from his band, especially from Ronnie Tutt.
- 14. Introductions / Early Morning Rain: Elvis introduces The Sweet Inspirations, JD Sumner, The Stamps, Kathy Westmoreland and Sherrill Nielsen. John Wilkinson does his solo and Elvis sings along.
- 15. Introductions / What'd I Say / Johnny B. Goode: James Burton does his solos with Elvis singing along. The track also includes solos by Ronnie Tutt, Jerry Scheff (partially), Tony Brown (partially) and David Briggs.
- 16. Love Letters: Elvis does the 1966 classic with little vocal power.
- 17. School Days: Elvis introduces Charlie Hodge, Joe Guercio and his orchestra.
- 18. Hurt: It's not the best of nights for such vocally demanding song, but Elvis does a good job. Only the final part is repeated.
- 19. Funny How Time Slips Away: Either because of the time on stage or because he was tired, Elvis skips "Hound Dog". The show had reached the 56 minute mark and he probably just wanted to finish and rest.
Elvis chats with his fans and receives gifts, reciprocating with scarves and kisses. This is a standard version for the time.
- 20. Can't Help Falling in Love: "Thank you very much. Take it home." Fans go crazy and want whatever Elvis can get them while there's still time.
- 21. Closing Vamp: The show comes to an end.
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CD 3: JULY 5, 1976 - MEMPHIS, TN
- 1. Also Sprach Zarathustra: The usual opener for Elvis shows takes on an air of pure electricity as it is being performed for the last time in Memphis. FTD apparently managed to do a great remaster of the original tapes, but they seem to have made an unnecessary cut at the beginning of the track.
- 2. See See Rider: Looking eager to introduce himself to his most beloved fans, Elvis enters the stage a few seconds into the song. When starting the song, his voice is strong (perhaps at the same level as early 1974) and consistent. It had been somewhat common throughout the 1976 summer season for Elvis to babble throughout, but that doesn't happen here.
- 3. I Got a Woman / Amen: "You never cease to amaze me, you know?", Elvis confesses to the audience. A strong "weeeell..." starts the routine amid strong hysteria from the fans. "You mean you've waited all this time to hear me go 'well, well, well'?", he jokes. JD does a little dive bomb that leads into the beginning of the song.
- 2. See See Rider: Looking eager to introduce himself to his most beloved fans, Elvis enters the stage a few seconds into the song. When starting the song, his voice is strong (perhaps at the same level as early 1974) and consistent. It had been somewhat common throughout the 1976 summer season for Elvis to babble throughout, but that doesn't happen here.
- 3. I Got a Woman / Amen: "You never cease to amaze me, you know?", Elvis confesses to the audience. A strong "weeeell..." starts the routine amid strong hysteria from the fans. "You mean you've waited all this time to hear me go 'well, well, well'?", he jokes. JD does a little dive bomb that leads into the beginning of the song.
The song is well performed, but Elvis is surprised to have hit such a low note at the end and, as the audience laughs, confesses to being tired. "I don't know how I got that down there. I'm having a fit, you people are laughing at me." The striptease routine drives the ladies crazy and leads to JD's famous dive bombs, ending the song.
- 4. Love Me: Elvis greets the audience and says it's a pleasure to perform in Memphis again (obviously referring to the show he played there the year before). "It's a high stage, you can't get to me anyway", he says to a fan who desperately jumps in front of him. The music starts and the audience goes wild knowing that it's time to try to get one of his scarves or, if you're lucky, get a kiss. The rendition of the song is standard for the time.
- 5. Fairytale: The song begins almost immediately after the end of "Love Me", with Elvis still handing out some scarves and asking fans to be careful not to hurt themselves. "Fairytale" is performed with a passion rarely seen.
- 6. You Gave Me a Mountain: Another song that excites and stirs the fans, despite the constant feedback. Elvis gives his all in the rendition and earns an effusive applause at the end.
- 7. All Shook Up: The 1957 hit lets the audience know that the medley of famous songs is starting. Elvis laughs a lot during the rendition and goes back to handing out scarves.
- 8. Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel: The audience vibrates a lot during the song and Elvis is a little hampered by fans who almost knock him off the stage. He also has difficulty singing a small part due to not being able to hear the band.
- 9. And I Love You: The romantic song released in 1975 soothes fans.
- 10. Jailhouse Rock: Elvis brings the house down with a heavy version of the 1957 hit song. It would become a staple at the rest of his shows, but here it proves unsurpassed.
- 11. Fever: After moving around a lot in the previous song, Elvis calms things down with a sensual rendition in which female fans rave with his slow pelvic thrusts.
- 12. America: In honor of the 200th anniversary of the United States Independence, celebrated the day before, Elvis makes a wonderful version of the patriotic song written by Katherine Lee Bates in 1893.
- 13. One Night: Absent since 1972, despite appearing at an occasional show in 1975, the 1957 hit brings energy back to the performance. It wasn't on the setlist, but Elvis answered the fans request.
- 14. That's All Right: "I’ve heard a couple of people say, 'you can’t do that anymore' - you by God watch me!", Elvis exclaims before launching into a powerful rendition of the song that sends the audience into a frenzy.
- 15. Blue Christmas: Elvis answers another request from fans and jokes: "'Blue Christmas'...in July." The version is standard for the time.
- 7. All Shook Up: The 1957 hit lets the audience know that the medley of famous songs is starting. Elvis laughs a lot during the rendition and goes back to handing out scarves.
- 8. Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel: The audience vibrates a lot during the song and Elvis is a little hampered by fans who almost knock him off the stage. He also has difficulty singing a small part due to not being able to hear the band.
- 9. And I Love You: The romantic song released in 1975 soothes fans.
- 10. Jailhouse Rock: Elvis brings the house down with a heavy version of the 1957 hit song. It would become a staple at the rest of his shows, but here it proves unsurpassed.
- 11. Fever: After moving around a lot in the previous song, Elvis calms things down with a sensual rendition in which female fans rave with his slow pelvic thrusts.
- 12. America: In honor of the 200th anniversary of the United States Independence, celebrated the day before, Elvis makes a wonderful version of the patriotic song written by Katherine Lee Bates in 1893.
- 13. One Night: Absent since 1972, despite appearing at an occasional show in 1975, the 1957 hit brings energy back to the performance. It wasn't on the setlist, but Elvis answered the fans request.
- 14. That's All Right: "I’ve heard a couple of people say, 'you can’t do that anymore' - you by God watch me!", Elvis exclaims before launching into a powerful rendition of the song that sends the audience into a frenzy.
- 15. Blue Christmas: Elvis answers another request from fans and jokes: "'Blue Christmas'...in July." The version is standard for the time.
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CD 4: JULY 5, 1976 (CONTINUED)
- 1. Introductions / Early Morning Rain:"Let me tell you, that... I'll try to get all the song that you want to hear, because this is the end of the tour and I got as long as you have." Elvis receives a painting from a fan and asks: "Who is that? Me? No!" The girl explains the painting, saying that she won $50 in a contest for looking the most like Elvis and that the picture in the painting is of her dressed as him.
The King of Rock introduces The Sweet Inspirations, JD Sumner, The Stamps, Kathy Westmoreland and Sherrill Nielsen.
John Wilkinson does his solo and Elvis sings along. Unfortunately the rendition is incomplete and ends with a quick fade (FTD chose not to splice it to the December 28, 1976 version as with other releases).
- 2. Introductions / What'd I Say / Johnny B. Goode: James Burton does his solos with Elvis singing along, but the intro of the first song is cut for the same reason explained above.
The second guitar solo is very dynamic and Elvis sounds enthusiastic.
The track also includes solos by Ronnie Tutt, Jerry Scheff, Tony Brown and David Briggs.
- 3. Love Letters: "When David and I first worked together, it was his first recording session and we did a song called 'Love Letters'. I'd like to sing that for you right now." Elvis takes advantage of David Briggs' solo to do the song recorded in 1966, which sounds fantastic.
- 4. School Days: Elvis introduces Charlie Hodge, Joe Guercio and his orchestra. He sings a lot during the solo, something rare to hear.
- 5. Hurt: "I have a new record out, ladies and gentlemen. I'd like to sing for you right now." When Tutt's drums announce the beginning of the song, the crowd goes wild. Elvis makes an impeccable rendition amid the frenzy of fans.
The effusive applause calls for a full reprise of the song and Elvis again does a fantastic job.
- 6. Hound Dog: A much better version than the ones heard in June, with the audience cheering along.
- 7. Funny How Time Slips Away: "Now that you've seen us, I'd like to turn the house lights up so I can see you. Good grief! It's nice to see you, ladies and gentlemen, really. No, really, it's hard to see out there with the lights on." Elvis introduces the song that usually announces the end of the show in a few minutes. Fortunately this is not the case, but the fans go crazy on the edge of the stage.
The King of Rock still asks for the reprise of the end to show the vocal skills of JD Sumner, who makes a brief dive bomb.
- 8. Help Me: "I'd like to do a song that we recorded about two years ago and it's from an album called 'Elvis in the Gutter', it's called 'Help Me'." The rendition is not one of the best, but it moves the audience. "Thank you. That was Sherrill Nielsen doing the harmony. Thank you, Sherrill."
- 9. How Great Thou Art: "I'd like to do a Gospel song that we get a lot of requests for, 'How Great Thou Art'. It features The Stamps." Elvis never lost form with this song, performing it in a divine way and already starting and ending with the high note that became known worldwide in Elvis in Concert.
- 10. Softly, as I Leave You: "I'd like to do something q little bit different tonight. I'd like to relay to you a story. It's a true story about a song that's been around for many, many years... Sherrill sings it, and I'll tell you the story behind the song." Elvis serenely recites the lyrics while Sherrill Nielsen sings in the background. The audience is completely silent during the only rendition of the song-poem outside of Las Vegas or Lake Tahoe.
- 9. How Great Thou Art: "I'd like to do a Gospel song that we get a lot of requests for, 'How Great Thou Art'. It features The Stamps." Elvis never lost form with this song, performing it in a divine way and already starting and ending with the high note that became known worldwide in Elvis in Concert.
- 10. Softly, as I Leave You: "I'd like to do something q little bit different tonight. I'd like to relay to you a story. It's a true story about a song that's been around for many, many years... Sherrill sings it, and I'll tell you the story behind the song." Elvis serenely recites the lyrics while Sherrill Nielsen sings in the background. The audience is completely silent during the only rendition of the song-poem outside of Las Vegas or Lake Tahoe.
"Since I was here the last time, I was in the hospital for a couple of things, but, you know, nothing really serious and I'm over that, and I'm working and I'm glad to be back working again, really. Thank you for coming out to see the show. My dad, you know, he was sick, but he's well, he's doing fine. He's down over here. Would you stand up, dad?" Elvis introduces Vernon to the audience and both are applauded. He also thanks his musicians who were "all hand picked... from the bottom of the barrel."
- 11. Polk Salad Annie: The version is already the standard 1975-77. Elvis tries hard to put on a show of his own in the song, moving around a lot on stage.
- 12. Jambalaya: The Carpenters' success was one of the delicious rarities that Elvis presented us with from time to time. Unfortunately, he never sang it in full and here he just uses it to catch his breath. This would be the last time the song would appear in concert.
- 12. Jambalaya: The Carpenters' success was one of the delicious rarities that Elvis presented us with from time to time. Unfortunately, he never sang it in full and here he just uses it to catch his breath. This would be the last time the song would appear in concert.
- 13. Its Now or Never: Elvis does a good rendition of his 1960 hit. The song seems too high for his voice at the moment, but the King of Rock manages to pull it off pretty well and hit the notes reasonably well.
- 14. Can't Help Falling in Love: "Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you very much." The music starts almost immediately and announces the end of the show after an incredible 91 minutes. Fans go wild trying to get one last scarf, hug or kiss from Elvis.
- 14. Can't Help Falling in Love: "Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you very much." The music starts almost immediately and announces the end of the show after an incredible 91 minutes. Fans go wild trying to get one last scarf, hug or kiss from Elvis.
- 15. Closing Vamp: The audience applauds and cheers, knowing the magical night is over. What they didn't know is that it would really be his last time in Memphis.
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