Las Vegas 1975 (CD - FTD, 2016)

Title:

Las Vegas 1975

Label:

FTD [FTD 153] [506020 975100]

Format:

Double CD

Number of tracks:

41

Running time:

123:00

Type of album:

Concert

Linked to:

FTD discography

Year:

2016

Recording date:

March 22, 1975 MS & April 1, 1975 DS

Release date:

2016

Singles:

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Las Vegas 1975 is a doule CD by Follow That Dream (FTD). It covers the midnight show on March 22 and the 8:30 pm show on April 1, 1975, both 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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CD 1 - MARCH 22, 1975 MS

- 1. Also Sprach Zarathustra (20/03/75 DS): The fanfare announces: the show is about to begin. The audio on this soundboard is a bit dry and basic at first, being the same source as the magnificent "Las Vegas Happening" from Rock Legends, which also replaced the opening tracks with the March 20, 1975 DS performances.

 
- 2.  See See Rider (20/03/75 DS): Elvis is obviously in a good mood and in excellent voice, as the rendition is one of the best of that season.

- 3. I Got a Woman / Amen (20/03/75 DS): The "well, well, well" routine is short, but it signals that what comes next is going to be great. Elvis doesn't disappoint and gives it his all, even stopping the song to correct a mistake. The singer jokes with the audience, JD Sumner and everyone around him for three minutes before ending the rendition.

- 4. Love Me (20/03/75 DS): Elvis warns the fans who want to kiss him that he has the "creeping crud", as usual. From their screams and Elvis' laughter, it is clear that they do not mind one bit.

The rendition is standard and brings the first opportunity to distribute tissues and kisses.

- 5. If You Love Me (Let Me Know): Olivia Newton-John's hit is performed in a standard but enthusiastic manner.

It is noticeable here that the mix is ​​much clearer and full of instruments than in the previous track, as this is where the more preserved tape that was also used as a source for "Las Vegas Happening" in 2013 begins.

- 6. And I Love You So: Promoting the tracks from the LP "Today", which he had recorded a few days earlier, Elvis delivers an exciting version that is made even better by the perfect mix of the orchestra and Kathy Westmoreland's masterful performance in the background.

- 7. Big Boss Man: "Quick, go to the next song!" Elvis doesn't seem to want to lose his enthusiasm and goes straight into one of his biggest signatures of the late seventies.

- 8. It's Midnight: The almost crystal clear audio source allows us to love even more this work that Elvis always liked to sing and surpass himself in the rendition - and here it is no different.

-9. Promised Land: Perhaps due to a mixing error or a problem with the tape, Elvis doesn't sound very enthusiastic about Chuck Berry's hit at first. Either way, the version is very good.

- 10. Green, Green Grass of Home: Another recording from the session earlier that month, Tom Jones' hit appears here for the second of only 5 times. The rendition is thrilling.

- 11. Fairytale: "This next song, we've been doing it a little bit, it was recorded by a group called The Pointer Siters."

As with previous shows, the tempo and flow are still very close to the studio recording.

- 12. Band Introductions: Elvis introduces The Sweet Inspirations, JD Sumner & The Stamps Quartet, Kathy Westmoreland and John Wilkinson. Next, we hear solos by James Burton, Ronnie Tutt, Duke Bardwell, Glen Hardin and David Briggs. Finally, the King of Rock introduces the Voice group, Charlie Hodge, Joe Guercio and his orchestra.

- 13. My Boy: Elvis' powerful voice in 1975 produces a beautiful version, which is greatly helped by the mix with the orchestra prominently featured. Elvis hits an extremely magnificent high note near the beginning of the last verse.

- 14. I'll Remember You: The Hawaiian classic had returned with a vengeance this season after almost two years of being performed very sporadically. Elvis took the opportunity to interact with his fans while singing and enchanting in a smooth and very well-made version.

- 15. Let Me Be There: Elvis is in a very good mood and launches into a joyful rendition of Olivia Newton-John's hit. Elvis' voice sounds strong and precise even in the reprise at the end.

- 16. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel: As usual, the throwaway medley serves as a way for Elvis to attend to his fans.

- 17. Hound Dog: Elvis had left this hit aside at the beginning of the season, having only started performing it the night before. The rendition is quite dynamic and Elvis has so much fun that he forgets when to sing the ending and jokes with the maestro: "See, Joe? You gotta tell me, man, I don't read music."

- 18. You're the Reason I'm Living: After singing a line from "I'll Be There," recorded at American Sound in 1969, Elvis heeds a fan request and improvises Bobby Darin's hit. This is the only live rendition of the song, but both the King of Rock and his band and orchestra do a great job.

Elvis can be heard shouting "Polk!" near the end of the track, which suggests that "Polk Salad Annie" was cut from the original source for some unknown reason. The singer is then heard introducing Vernon and explaining that they had recently been in the hospital (Elvis for a prescription drugs overdose and Vernon for a heart attack) and that his father is ill.

- 19. Can't Help Falling in Love: Elvis thanks the audience and sings his 1961 hit in standard fashion.

- 20. Closing Vamp: The fanfare closes the show.

BONUS

 

- 21. Sweet Caroline (March 30, 1975 MS): A rarity after September 1971, the song appears here as a surprise about seven months after its last rendition. It's a shame that the concert audio is poor and rather dry, but Elvis does a good job.

 22. Funny How Time Slips Away (March 30, 1975 MS): Another song that hasn't been sung in five months gets a standard rendition to hand out scarfs and kisses.

- 23. Fairytale (March 31, 1975 MS): The following night, Elvis does one of his newest recordings. The is the standard version, with an arrangement close to the studio recording. The audio is slightly better on this source than on the previous bonus tracks.

- 24. Burning Love (March 31, 1975 MS): The King of Rock sings excellently.

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CD 2 - APRIL 1, 1975 DS

- 1. Also Sprach Zarathustra: The fanfare announces the beginning of the show. The audio is a little inferior to that of CD 1, but this is compensated by the fact that this soundboard is being released here for the first time.

 
- 2.  See See Rider: Elvis sings well, but this is the 28th and penultimate show of the season and his voice shows its fatigue. The rendition is standard.

Next, Elvis sang the usual medley "I Got a Woman / Amen", but it was cut from the original source.

- 3. Love Me: Elvis sounds tired and does a standard version to hand out scarfs and kisses.

- 4. If You Love Me (Let Me Know): Olivia Newton-John's success is interpreted in a good way.

- 5. And I Love You So: As always in these early versions, the rendition is done with passion by Elvis. The mix of the orchestra and Kathy Westmoreland in the background is excellent.

- 6. Big Boss Man: Elvis sounds tired, but he gets his message across about who's in charge of business.

- 7. The Wonder of You: Having lost space in the setlist after 1970, the song makes a comeback that lasts for much of 1975. Between Elvis' rendition and Kathy Westmoreland's voice, this is probably the first great track of this concert.

- 8. Burning Love: The King of Rock sings his 1972 hit in a standard way for the time.

- 9. Band Introductions: Elvis introduces The Sweet Inspirations, JD Sumner & The Stamps Quartet, Kathy Westmoreland and John Wilkinson. Next, we hear solos by James Burton, Ronnie Tutt, Duke Bardwell, Glen Hardin and David Briggs. Then, the King of Rock introduces the Voice group, Charlie Hodge, Joe Guercio and his orchestra. Finally, Elvis introduces singer Roy Clark (singing a line from "The Great Pretender") and Hilton owner Conrad.

- 10. My Boy: Even tired, Elvis delivers another excellent version of his 1973 recording. The emotion in his voice is palpable.

- 11. I'll Remember You: The most famous song from "Aloha from Hawaii" is performed with great feeling and in a serious manner. Elvis' falsetto in some parts is phenomenal.

    

- 12. Let Me Be There: Elvis gives a very good rendition and has fun. The singer does not do the reprise at the end to introduce actor Hugh O'Brian.

- 13. How Great Thou Art: Rare since 1973 and last performed in September of the following year, this Gospel always elevates Elvis to a state of pure lightness and adoration. The version is excellent.

- 14. Hound Dog:It's time to interact and have fun with the fans again. The version is a throwaway, as usual.

- 15. Fairytale: Presenting the song as an original recording by The Pointer Sisters, Elvis once again performs the song that would become a highlight of his shows from then on. Even though his voice is clearly tired, this is still a very enjoyable version.

- 16. Can't Help Falling in Love: Elvis thanks the audience and once again does a standard rendition of the hit as he greets and enjoys the last of his fans.

- 17. Closing Vamp: The fanfare closes the show.