On Fire in Florida (CD - Straight Arrow, 2017)

Title:

On Fire in Florida - 40 Years After, Vol. 2

Label:

Straight Arrow [SA/SP 2017 46-02]

Format:

2x CD

Number of tracks:

59

Running time:

135:00

Type of album:

Concert

Linked to:

Unofficial discography

Year:

2017

Recording date:

February 12 & 13, 1977

Release date:

May 2017

Singles:

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On Fire in Florida is a bootleg CD from Straight Arrown. It covers the complete shows from February 12 and 13, 1977 in Hollywood and West Palm Beach, respectively, both in Florida.

In 1977, Elvis was at a low point. His setlist became rather stagnant and his shows were often perfunctory at best. After the excitement and new energy of the December 1976 shows, in early 1977 he quickly sank and gained back the weight he had recently lost.

In January, the singer showed little interest in finishing songs for his next album at Nashville's Creative Studios. Maybe it was his preoccupation with the tell-all book written by his former bodyguards, or maybe the novelty of his new relationship with Ginger Alden had worn off.

Desperate for new music, Elvis' producer Felton Jarvis went on tour from March to May 1977 to try to record new live material. These recordings eventually provided three songs for the "Moody Blue" LP, in addition to being used for FTD's "Spring Tours '77" compilation.

Elvis' first tour of 1977 was a 10-date affair, starting in Hollywood, Florida on February 12th and ending in Charlotte, North Carolina on February 21st. Unfortunately, with Elvis gaining weight and exhaustion, things were going to get much worse from there.

On a lighter note, however, the February tour ended quite well for Elvis. By the 16th, he was confident enough to attempt vocally challenging songs and do his famous hip movements to entertain his audience. On the 19th, in Johnson City, he looked extraordinarily fit and rocked out like it was still 1973.

Below is a review of this CD.

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CD 1 - HOLLYWOOD, FL - FEBRUARY 12, 1977

- 1. Also Sprach Zarathustra: This show was first released in 1994. Here, Straight Arrow uses the same tape with the sound reworked for a better experience. The fanfare is electrifying.

 
- 2.  See See Rider: 1977 started off rough for Elvis and it really shows in his appearance and voice in the first two or three shows of the February tour, but he still comes through with this strong and consistent version.

- 3. I Got a Woman / Amen: Elvis does his usual routine and delivers a good rendition of the medley, although he sounds genuinely disinterested. "Amen" seems to give him a bit of enthusiasm and the closing routine follows as normal.

- 4. Love Me: After chatting with fans for a while, Elvis does a middling rendition of his 1956 hit while handing out scarfs and kisses to the audience.

- 5. If You Love Me (Let Me Know): The version is standard for 1977 and we can hear Elvis having fun with the song.

- 6. You Gave Me a Mountain: Elvis is focused and with a clear voice, delivering a great version.

- 7. Jailhouse Rock: A throwaway, but with Elvis sounding lively.

- 8. O Sole Mio (Sherrill Nielsen) / It's Now or Never: Elvis had an inexplicable love for Sherrill Nielsen's voice, who, despite being a great singer, had been making our ears hurt for some time with his version of the Italian classic. Elvis does a good version of the 1960 hit with a fantastic ending.

- 9. All Shook Up: The 1957 recording is next and kicks off the 1950s hits medley section. Nothing new, though.

- 10. Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel: Throwaway as always, but Elvis is having fun.

- 11. My Boy (One Line) / My Way: Elvis announces the Frank Sinatra song and uses the introduction to sing a line from "My Boy". This is an incredible version where Elvis really makes us feel his emotions.

- 12. Little Sister / Return to Sender (One Line): The 1962 classic is well performed and has the audience clapping along to the rhythm of the song. After the rendition, Elvis sings a line from "Return to Sender" for fans that had asked the song.

- 13. Help Me: Elvis listens to fan requests, but prefers to do one of his favorite Gospel songs. The version is very good, featuring the King of Rock singing softly while interacting with fans.

- 14. Polk Salad Annie: The song that would become somewhat rare in 1977 is performed here for the first time that year. While it is a good version, it is notable that it is performed at a slightly slower tempo to suit Elvis's rhythm.

- 15. Introductions of Singers, Musicias, Orchestra: Elvis introduces The Sweet Inspirations, JD Sumner & The Stamps Quartet (indivudually), Sherrill Nielsen and Kathy Westmoreland.

- 16. Early Morning Rain: John Wilkinson plays the 1966 recording and Elvis sings along.

- 17. What'd I Say: James Burton does his solo.

- 18. Johnny B. Goode: James plays his guitar on the back of his head.

- 19. Drum Solo: Ronnie Tutt does his best.

- 20. Bass Solo: Jerry Scheff plays the Blues.

- 21. Piano Solo: Tony Brown does his part.

- 22.Love letters: "On the electric piano, ladies and gentlemen, David Briggs. We did a song together called 'Love Letters'. I'd like to do that for you." The fans are ecstatic, but the performance is average.

- 23. School Day: Charlie Hodge, Joe Guercio and his orchestra are introduced.

- 24. Hurt: "One of our latest records is called 'Hurt'." A great version that also gets a powerful reprise.

- 25. Hound Dog: 1956's classic is done in the usual way.

- 26. Funny How Time Slips Away: "Ladies and gentlemen, now that you've seen us, I'd like to turn the house lights on so we can see you." The audience goes wild. As he satisfactorily performs Willie Nelson's hit, Elvis hands out scafs and kisses to his fans.

- 27. Wooden Heart (One Line) / Unchained Melody: After telling the audience that he has been on stage for approximately an hour, Elvis hums a snippet of "Wooden Heart" in German.

Present since November 1976, the song first recorded by Todd Duncan in 1955 gains an almost acoustic version. Elvis tries some different vocal approaches and manages to create a unique moment, although he gets confused in some parts and cannot reach the final note.

- 27. Can't Help Falling in Love: Elvis does a quick version that leads to the inevitable end of the show.

- 29. Closing Vamp / Announcements: The fanfare ends the show and then we hear the usual announcements.

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CD 2 - WEST PALM BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 13, 1977

- 1. Also Sprach Zarathustra: This show had only been partially released on soundboard until now. This tape of the complete performance was previously unreleased and was recorded by the same person who captured the previous night's concert.

The fanfare announcing Elvis' arrival.

 
- 2.  See See Rider: The singer enters the stage and the audience goes wild. There is a fascinating electricity in the air, and Elvis delivers one of the most solid versions of 1977.

- 3. I Got a Woman / Amen: Elvis does his "well, well, well" routine and plays the medley hitting the notes and doing a great job. The closing routine is great.

- 4. Love Me: Usually, the song would bring out a frustration in Elvis' voice because of the excessive repetition of the 1956 classic, but, contrary to what is expected, he sings with enthusiasm.

- 5. Little Sister: Taking "If You Love Me (Let Me Know)" of its position, the single is well executed.

- 6. You Gave Me a Mountain: A focused and happy Elvis will always give his best and that's what we have here. His voice is clear, he can hit all the notes and even go higher in some parts. The ending is incredible.

- 7. Blue Suede Shoes: Despite being generally disposable, this version is fantastic and perhaps the best of 1977.

- 8. O Sole Mio (Sherrill Nielsen) / It's Now or Never: After Sherrill Nielsen's deafening screams, we have a nice version of the 1960 hit with a good ending.

- 9. My Way: This is an incredible version where Elvis, like the night before, really makes us feel his emotions.

- 10. All Shook Up: The medley of 1950s hits begins with fans in hysterics and Elvis asking them to be careful not to hurt themselves.

- 11. Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel: Throwaway, but good.

- 12. And I Love You So: After a physically and vocally demanding sequence of songs, Elvis decides to give his vocal cords a rest by performing the 1975 recording. The version is smooth and moving.

- 13. Fever: Very rare in 1977, this is the first version made that year. It helps Elvis get a little more rest, while making his fans go crazy.

- 14. Band Introductions: Elvis introduces The Sweet Inspirations, JD Sumner & The Stamps Quartet, Sherrill Nielsen, Kathy Westmoreland, Larry Strickland, Ed Hill, Ed Enoch and Bob Buckles.

- 15. Early Morning Rain: John Wilkinson plays and Elvis sings.

- 16. What'd I Say: James Burton performs his solo.

- 17. Johnny B. Goode: James plays his guitar on the back of his head.

- 18. Drum Solo: Ronnie Tutt does his best.

- 19. Bass Solo: Jerry Scheff plays the Blues.

- 20. Piano Solo: Tony Brown does his part.

- 21. Blueberry Hill: Elvis performs Fats Domino's hit while Tony Brown plays the piano.

- 22.Love letters: It's David Briggs and Elvis' turn to perform the first recording they made together. The singer gets confused in the middle of the song and masterfully starts it over again.

- 23. School Day: Charlie Hodge, Joe Guercio and his orchestra are introduced.

- 24. Hurt: A powerful and exciting number, but without the reprise at the end.

- 25. Hound Dog: Elvis begins the 1956 classic with a vocalization that makes the audience laugh and reminds us of the 1972 versions. The rendition is short, but well done.

- 26. Danny Boy (Sherrill Nielsen): Elvis feels he needs a rest, but doesn't want to end his show after less than an hour. To do so, he asks Sherrill Nielsen to sing a little. The audience listens in silence to Sherrill's irregular high notes.

- 27. Walk With Me (Sherrill Nielsen): Another one from the King of Screaming.

- 28. Jailhouse Rock: After the brief rest, Elvis does a middling version of his 1957 hit.

- 29. Can't Help Falling in Love: Elvis thanks the audience and performs the song that brings the show to a close as he interacts with his fans for the last time that night.

- 30. Closing Vamp / Announcements: The usual fanfare and announcements are heard.