Wednesday Night Roll Over! (CD - Straight Arrow, 2012)

Title:

Wednesday Night Roll Over!

Label:

Straight Arrow [SA/SP 2012-10-02]

Format:

CD

Number of tracks:

26

Running time:

64:00

Type of album:

Concert

Linked to:

Unofficial discography

Year:

2012

Recording date:

March 26, 1975 MS

Release date:

2012

Singles:

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Wednesday Night Roll Over! is a bootleg CD from the Special Products line of the Straight Arrow label. It covers the March 26, 1975 midnight show in Las Vegas.

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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- 1. Also Sprach Zarathustra: The show begins. For a 40-year-old home recording, this is some of the best fan-recorded audio. The sound is clear and the recorder is close to the stage, creating the feeling of being in the audience.

 
- 2.  See See Rider: This version has incredible energy and Elvis sings very well, as has been the case since the season began on March 18.

- 3. I Got a Woman / Amen: Elvis jokes a lot with the audience during the "well, well, well" routine, showing that he is in a good mood.

This is a very good version, with Elvis' voice sounding strong, without dragging and in tune. The rendition is short and followed by the famous "striptease" that leads to the end with JD Sumner's dive bombs.

- 4. Love Me: Fans shout song titles and Elvis jokes that his jumpsuit is too expensive and his time is too precious to go on stage and listen to the screams.

The first opportunity to hand out scarfs and kisses arises, and the fans waste no time. The song is performed in a standard way, but Elvis has a lot of fun with the more eager fans.

- 5. If You Love Me (Let Me Know): The show continues to be a relaxed atmosphere. Elvis' infectious humor makes everyone laugh and really enjoy the moment.

Olivia Newton-John's hit song is performed with great enthusiasm.

- 6. And I Love You So: Having entered the repertoire on the 18th of that month, this is one of Elvis' newest recordings, made in Hollywood on March 10th. Performed at practically the same tempo and with arrangements similar to those we would hear on the album a few months later, it enchants and makes the audience listen in silence. The violins and Kathy Westmoreland's masterful voice complement the song magnificently.

- 7. Big Boss Man: Present since August 1974, it has a very enthusiastic rendition.

- 8. It's Midnight: Elvis starts the song, but realizes that the tempo is wrong and starts again.

Released on Elvis' 40th birthday, January 8, 1975, the "Promised Land" LP had been teased to the public since August 1974 and this was the most anticipated track. The rhythm of this version already resembles that of the renditions of the following months.

- 9. Promised Land: Elvis' voice shines on this Chuck Berry hit and the rendition is phenomenal.

- 10. Fairytale: Elvis notices that Ronnie Tutt is playing too loud and asks for the song to start over. The song starts over again and the King of Rock does a great version, but the real treat here is hearing Ronnie purposely playing louder in some parts to mess with Elvis.

- 11. Introduction of Vocalists, Musicians: Elvis jokes with the audience and then introduces JD Sumner & The Stamps Quartet, Kathy Westmoreland and John Wilkinson.  The Sweet Inspirations were forgotten or were not on stage.

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

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

- 14. Bass Solo: It's time for Duke Bardwell's solo.

- 15. Piano Solo: Glen Hardin does his part.

- 16. Electric Piano & Clavinet Solo: David Briggs does his solo. Elvis introduces the group Voice, Charlie Hodge, Joe Guercio and his orchestra.

- 17. School Day: The orchestra does its standard solo.

- 18. My Boy: Elvis does a great version with his magnificent voice from early 1975.

- 19. I'll Remember You: A Hawaiian masterpiece, it finds Elvis having a bit of fun during the solid, soulful rendition.

- 20. Let Me Be There: Another hit by Olivia Newton-John is performed masterfully and Elvis' voice sounds strong and confident.

- 21. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel: For the second time in the show, Elvis turns his attention to the fans to distribute kisses and scarfs. His concentration is so affected by the fans that he forgets to sing the last part.

- 22. Until it's Time For You to Go: Elvis does a good version and, as usual in that season, takes advantage of the slow pace to interact and have fun with fans.

- 23. Burning Love: The 1972 hit is performed with great enthusiasm. The King of Rock sings excellently and the ending is spectacular.

 

- 24. Steamroller Blues: Elvis sounds very excited as he begins one of his favorite Blues songs to play since 1973. The rendition is impeccable and Elvis really gives it his all.

- 25. Can't Help Falling in Love: Elvis goes straight into his 1961 hit and starts to serve his last fans. The rendition is standard.

- 26. Closing Vamp / Announcements: The fanfare ends the show.