Opening Night 1975
Label:
Audirec [AR-19750318-2]
Format:
CD
Number of tracks:
28
Running time:
69:00
Type of album:
Concert
Linked to:
Unofficial discography
Year:
2015
Recording date:
March 18, 1975 OS
Release date:
2015
Singles:
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- 1. Also Sprach Zarathustra: The show begins. The audio isn't the best, but it's well preserved for a 40-year-old tape.
- 2. See See Rider: Although this opening of the show was already somewhat stale, having been repeated incessantly for almost two years, this version has incredible energy and Elvis sings very well. It seems that the tempo is a little faster than usual.
- 5. Let Me Be There: It's noticeable that the King of Rock has tweaked his setlist a bit, removing Olivia Newton-John's hit from the end of the show and placing it here. He's more engaged with the audience before performing this classic. Elvis' voice sounds stronger and more confident in the reprise at the end.
- 6. It's Midnight: "This is one of the songs from my latest album." Released on Elvis' 40th birthday, January 8, 1975, the "Promised Land" LP had been presented to the public since August 1974 and this was the most anticipated track at the shows. The slower rhythm of this version and Kathy Westmoreland's wonderful high notes are a spectacle in itself.
- 12. Band Introductions: Elvis introduces JD Sumner & The Stamps Quartet, Kathy Westmoreland and The Sweet Inspirations.
- 20. I'll Remember You: A Hawaiian masterpiece, the song that was the focus of 1973's "Aloha from Hawaii" returns to the stage after a nearly two-year absence. Elvis has a bit of fun during the rendition, probably catering to his fans, but delivers a solid, soulful version.
- 21. Promised Land: It's a shame we can't hear the beginning of Chuck Berry's hit (cut due to audio issues), but overall Elvis delivers another one of his brilliant renditions.
- 22. Your Love's Been a Long Time Coming: Glen Hardin begins to play the most romantic song on the "Promised Land" LP, but Elvis unfortunately refuses to sing it as he doesn't know it completely.
Opening Night 1975 is a bootleg CD from AudiRec. It covers the opening show of Elvis' first Las Vegas season in 1975.
1974 was an intense year in Elvis's life and career. Despite personal challenges, he remained steadfast in the music industry, largely due to the enormous success of the 1973 "Aloha from Hawaii" special, continuing to perform hundreds of shows, especially in Las Vegas, which, although physically demanding, were extremely popular and attracted crowds of ardent fans eager to see their idol in action.
During this period, Elvis released three albums: "Good Times", in March 1974, "Recorded Live On Stage in Memphis", in July of the same year, and "Promised Land",the first LP from 1975, which still featured entirely leftover recordings from the 1973 sessions at Stax Studio in Memphis. The success of tracks on it, such as "I've Got a Thing About You Baby", "My Boy", "Promised Land" and "It's Midnight, reflected Elvis' talent for navigating different musical styles, from Rock to Country, while maintaining his unique identity.
In early 1975, Elvis’ health began to deteriorate, due to his hectic lifestyle and excessive use of prescription drugs. Despite this, he did not let these problems stop him from continuing to push his career forward. Elvis went to RCA Studio A in Hollywood between March 10 and 13, 1975 for his final studio recording session, producing ten tracks that would be released in May on the album "Today” and showed an Elvis still connected to his musical roots and seeking new directions.
Beginning on March 18, 1975, he performed a series of shows in Las Vegas that, although they left him visibly more worn out, still managed to capture the energy and passion that had always characterized his performances. His devotion to his fans and his music was evident, even in the most difficult times. The strength of his stage presence and the quality of his recordings during this time demonstrate the resilience and talent that made him a legend. Elvis showed that, no matter the obstacles, his passion for his music and his fans never waned.
Below is the review of this CD.
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- 2. See See Rider: Although this opening of the show was already somewhat stale, having been repeated incessantly for almost two years, this version has incredible energy and Elvis sings very well. It seems that the tempo is a little faster than usual.
- 3. I Got a Woman / Amen: The "well, well, well" routine is short. This is an excellent version, but you can tell early on that Elvis isn't all that enthusiastic about it. The "striptease" is short and a bit awkward, leading to the standard finish with JD's dive bombs.
- 4. And I Love You So: Elvis greets the audience and sounds very tired. Perhaps for this very reason, he inserts one of his new songs, recorded the previous week, in the space where we would normally hear "Love Me". This is the first live version of this classic, performed at practically the same tempo and with arrangements similar to those we would hear on the album a few months later.
- 5. Let Me Be There: It's noticeable that the King of Rock has tweaked his setlist a bit, removing Olivia Newton-John's hit from the end of the show and placing it here. He's more engaged with the audience before performing this classic. Elvis' voice sounds stronger and more confident in the reprise at the end.
- 6. It's Midnight: "This is one of the songs from my latest album." Released on Elvis' 40th birthday, January 8, 1975, the "Promised Land" LP had been presented to the public since August 1974 and this was the most anticipated track at the shows. The slower rhythm of this version and Kathy Westmoreland's wonderful high notes are a spectacle in itself.
- 7. Big Boss Man: Another song that has been around since August 1974, it served as a way for Elvis to express his feelings and affirm that, despite everything, he was still the one in charge of everything.
- 8. Green, Green Grass of Home: Another recording from the session earlier that month appears here in its first live version. Although it was as well-played as "It's Midnight," Tom Jones' hit didn't stay on the setlist for long, appearing only four more times from then until mid-1976.
- 9. Burning Love: Elvis begins his 1972 hit with great enthusiasm. Out of the setlist since January 1973, the song is further proof that Elvis was willing to make his performances dynamic and unpredictable. The King of Rock sings excellently and the ending is spectacular.
- 8. Green, Green Grass of Home: Another recording from the session earlier that month appears here in its first live version. Although it was as well-played as "It's Midnight," Tom Jones' hit didn't stay on the setlist for long, appearing only four more times from then until mid-1976.
- 9. Burning Love: Elvis begins his 1972 hit with great enthusiasm. Out of the setlist since January 1973, the song is further proof that Elvis was willing to make his performances dynamic and unpredictable. The King of Rock sings excellently and the ending is spectacular.
- 10. Love Me: Elvis begins to introduce another song, but ends up giving in to the fans' request for the 1956 classic. The first opportunity to hand out scarfs and kisses comes late, 30 minutes into the performance. The rendition is standard.
- 11. Fairytale: Elvis announces that this is another of the new songs and begins the first rendition of what would soon become a classic. As with "And I Love You So", the tempo and timing are still very close to the studio recording that we would hear on the "Today" LP.
- 11. Fairytale: Elvis announces that this is another of the new songs and begins the first rendition of what would soon become a classic. As with "And I Love You So", the tempo and timing are still very close to the studio recording that we would hear on the "Today" LP.
- 12. Band Introductions: Elvis introduces JD Sumner & The Stamps Quartet, Kathy Westmoreland and The Sweet Inspirations.
- 13. Lead Guitar Solo: James Burton does his solo. John Wilkinson is only mentioned here.
- 14. Drum Solo: Ronnie Tutt does his best.
- 15. Bass Solo: Duke Bardwell improvises a solo.
- 16. Piano Solo: Glen Hardin doeshis part.
- 17. Electric Piano Solo: David Briggs does his solo. Charlie Hodge and the group Voice are introduced.
- 18. Orchestra Solo: Joe Guercio and his orchestra are introduced.
- 19. My Boy: With his extremely powerful voice from 1975, Elvis does a great version of this beautiful song that was part of the setlist of the August/September 1973 season in Las Vegas.
- 20. I'll Remember You: A Hawaiian masterpiece, the song that was the focus of 1973's "Aloha from Hawaii" returns to the stage after a nearly two-year absence. Elvis has a bit of fun during the rendition, probably catering to his fans, but delivers a solid, soulful version.
- 21. Promised Land: It's a shame we can't hear the beginning of Chuck Berry's hit (cut due to audio issues), but overall Elvis delivers another one of his brilliant renditions.
- 22. Your Love's Been a Long Time Coming: Glen Hardin begins to play the most romantic song on the "Promised Land" LP, but Elvis unfortunately refuses to sing it as he doesn't know it completely.
- 23. Until it's Time For You to Go: After being part of most of the shows in 1972, this song became a rare occurrence in performances. Elvis does a good version and takes advantage of the slow rhythm to interact and have fun with the fans.
- 24. Introduction of Glen Campbell: Elvis introduces singer and friend Glen Campbell to the audience.
- 25. When it's My Time: Elvis asks JD Sumner and the Stamps to sing one of his favorite Gospel songs.
- 26. If You Love Me (Let Me Know): Another hit by Olivia Newton-John that also appealed to Elvis, it is performed in a standard way but with a lot of enthusiasm.
- 27. Can't Help Falling in Love: Elvis thanks the audience and quickly introduces Vernon before singing his 1961 hit. The rendition is standard.
- 28. Closing Vamp: The fanfare ends the show.
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