Elvis in Alabama - The Last Double Date (CD - FTD, 2015)

Title:

Elvis in Alabama - The Last Double Date

Label:

FTD [FTD 150] [506020 975092]

Format:

2x CD

Number of tracks:

44

Running time:

140:00

Type of album:

Concert

Linked to:

FTD discography

Year:

2015

Recording date:

September 6, 1976

Release date:

December 2015

Singles:

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Elvis in Alabama - The Last Double Date is FTD's 150th CD. It contains concerts recorded in Huntsville, Alabama, on September 6, 1976—the last time Elvis performed two shows in one day (outside of Vegas) and his final performance in the city.

1976 had been a year of more ups than downs, and Elvis was happy with how things were going. His desire to record was still low, but the sessions at the Jungle Room in Graceland were fun and very productive. He no longer seemed interested in Las Vegas, and Vegas was reciprocal.

Halfway through that year, it didn't look like Elvis had gotten back on track or that it was possible. His performances were still inconsistent, and he would be slow and sometimes confused at the beginning of concerts, though nothing like the terrible August performances of the previous year in Las Vegas. In fact, the singer would improve his performance a lot from June, culminating in the great show on December 31, 1976 in Pittsburgh, but it was clear that he no longer had that flame that burned in his core.

In this work FTD brought to fans the last concerts in Huntsville, Alabama, on September 6, 1976. There's nothing more exciting than finding a remastered soundboard of concerts like these, any fan would agree. This is the first time both concerts have been officially released, although the 8:30 PM show has previously appeared in outstanding bootlegs such as "Still Rockin' the Nation" (2000), "The Man in White, Vol. 2" (2002), and "Bicentennial Superstar, Vol. 3" (2015).

  Unfortunately, Elvis' performances were very questionable for most of the summer of 1976. These concerts were to be exceptions. Fans clapped and cheered just to witness a rock icon in the flesh as he sang. What most viewers didn’t realize was that Elvis’ health was severely compromised, and that this would be the last time their city saw one of his shows.

Below is a review of the CDs.

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CD 1 - SEPTEMBER 6, 1976 AS

- 1. See See Rider: The audio quality feels somewhat dry, but since it's the only available soundboard recording of this show, it will have to suffice. We start as Elvis is already on stage and ready to sing. He sounds tired, but does a smashing version.

- 2. I Got a Woman / Amen: The "well, well, well" routine happens as expected, but is a little longer than usual. Elvis' voice cracks at times as he's obviously tired, but he pushes through anyway. "Amen" has a different kick to it. The "striptease" routine proceeds as usual, as does the ending, which includes some playful teasing directed at JD and his dive bombs.

- 3. Love Me: After a small interaction with the audience, Elvis does the usual throwaway version among screaming fans. The singer complains about the feedback in his mic, which is bothering him.

- 4. Fairytale: Elvis' voice sounds better and the version is quite good as well. Feedback returns, and the singer says he's not doing anything to cause it.

- 5. You Gave Me a Mountain: Fans continue to scream for Elvis' attention, but he does an amazing version.

- 6. All Shook Up: "I'd like to do a medley of some of my records for you. His voice cracks and the air fails him sometimes. Elvis sings very softly and low, indicating how boring this segment had become for him.

- 7. Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel: Elvis does his usual kiss-and-scarf throwaway.

- 8. And I Love You So: The melancholy in Elvis' voice helps the rendition. He tries to do his best, but it's noticeable how his voice falters at times.

- 9. Jailhouse Rock / Fever: A throwaway version, but a good job. "Okay, 'Fever'." The band starts the song, but Elvis suddenly has other plans. "Cut. I don't want to do 'Fever'."

- 10. America, the Beautiful: "Since it's our bicentennail year, I'd like to do 'America the Beautiful'." Elvis then proceeds to deliver a passionate rendition featuring a fitting ending for the time and a reprise that shines even brighter.

- 11. One Night: Elvis enthusiastically accepts a request for his 1957 recording, which, despite being a delightful surprise, ultimately turns out to be a throwaway version.

- 12. Polk Salad Annie: This is an amazing version from 1976, but it still lacks the sparkle it would later acquire that year.

- 13. Band Introductions: Elvis introduces The Sweet Inspirations, JD Sumner and The Stamps (individually), Kathy Westmoreland and Sherrill Nielsen. In the sequence, John Wilkinson does his solo ("Early Moring Rain") and is followed by James Burton ("What'd I Say", "Johnny B. Goode"), Ronnie Tutt, Jerry Scheff (the tape fades due to irreparable damage) and David Briggs.

- 14. Love Letters: "The first that time David and I worked together, it was his first recording session and we did a song called 'Love Letters'. I'd like to sing that for you." The version is average.

- 15. School Day: Elvis introduces Charlie Hodge, Joe Guercio and his orchestra.

- 16. Hurt: "We have a record out. I'd like to do it for you." The rendition is somewhat good, but it lacks strength in most parts.

- 17. Hound Dog: Another throwaway version.

- 18. Funny How Time Slips Away: "'I'd like to turn the house lights up for a second so we can see you, because the spotlights blind us up here." The show is drawing to a close, and the audience is well aware of it. Elvis performs a soft version.

- 19. That's All Right: Elvis asks Charlie how long he'd been on stage—65 minutes is the answer. Then, he straps on his guitar and performs a fan-requested song. This demonstrates how Elvis would go to any lengths to please his fans and break free from the monotony of repeating the same songs. Although it's a well-executed performance, it's somewhat brief.

- 20. Can't Help Falling in Love: Elvis informs the audience that he has another show that evening at the same venue and expresses his gratitude for their presence. As expected, the 1961 hit brings the matinée to a close.

- 21. Closing Vamp: The fanfare ends the show and we hear the usual announcements.

CD 2 - SEPTEMBER 6, 1976 ES

- 1. See See Rider:  The audio quality has clearly been enhanced compared to the cited bootlegs. Elvis sounds slightly more rested than he did during the matinée—a typical pattern for the time—and delivers yet another superb performance.

- 2. I Got a Woman / Amen: Elvis delivers an animated "well, well, well" routine, which is only disrupted by microphone feedback. "Watch the feedback!" he hollers off-mic. The "striptease" bit unfolds as usual, but Elvis playfully quips, "My buckle gave." The ending follows a fairly standard pattern.

- 3. Love Me: The fans are crazier than ever and scream at the mic for a kiss; histery and moaning ensues. Elvis does the usual throwaway version.

- 4. Fairytale: Elvis' voice sounds good and the version is quite good as well. "I gotta tell you. This afternoon, we did this song and, they did in a key that was so high, I thought I had to get Kathy to do it." 

- 5. You Gave Me a Mountain: Another great version.

- 6. All Shook Up: Elvis kicks off his 1950s medley, sending the fans into a frenzy. He sounds less fatigued than he did that afternoon, but it’s not exactly a walk in the park for him.

- 7. Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel: The usual kiss-and-scarf throwaway, again.

- 8. And I Love You So: Yet another nice, melancholic version.

- 9. Jailhouse Rock: A throwaway version, but with a good kick to it.

- 10. Fever: During the matinée, Elvis had skipped the song for some reason—likely boredom. This time, he delivers a quiet rendition, singing softly as the female fans erupt with excitement.

- 11. America, the Beautiful: "I'd like to do our version of 'America the Beautiful' for you." Elvis sings with more energy than he did that afternoon, but when he forgets the lyrics, things take a humorous nosedive for an entire stanza. The ending is decent—just like its reprise.

- 12. Band Introductions: Elvis introduces The Sweet Inspirations, JD Sumner and The Stamps (individually), Kathy Westmoreland and Sherrill Nielsen. In the sequence, we hear the usual solos by John Wilkinson, James Burton, Ronnie Tutt, Jerry Scheff (with an extra solo tonight) and David Briggs.

- 13. Love Letters: The version is average.

- 14. School Day: Elvis introduces Charlie Hodge, Joe Guercio and his orchestra.

- 15. Hurt: The rendition is noticeably stronger than the afternoon performance, though Elvis' voice remains imperfect. He reprises the ending, giving it his all in an attempt to outdo himself—but whether he succeeds is open to debate.

- 16. Hound Dog: Another throwaway rendition, with Elvis frequently singing off-mic as he interacts with his fans.

- 17. Danny Boy: Elvis asks Sherrill to take the stage while he rests for a while.

- 18. That's All Right: "No, no, no, no! Give me the guitar and the, uh, water bucket, whatever." Elvis performs his first hit from 1954 and, despite his voice sounding a bit hoarse, he still manages to deliver a solid rendition.

- 19. Blue Christmas: "Someone asked me to do 'Blue Christmas'. It's a strange time of the year to do that, but... I'm done with 'Love Me Tender', I'm gonna do 'Blue Christmas." Not the best period of the year for this kind of request, but Elvis does a good version.

- 20. Mystery Train / Tiger Man: "There was some little girl out here yelling for the whole song. Honey, put a tape over your mouth." Elvis begins singing only to realize he's in the wrong stanza. He promptly restarts the medley and delivers a fairly solid performance.

- 21. Funny How Time Slips Away: After delivering his speech about the house lights and engaging with the fans, Elvis performs the Willie Nelson hit that signals the show is nearing its end.

- 22. Can't Help Falling in Love: Elvis expresses his gratitude to the audience before launching into his signature song, as fans eagerly scream for one last kiss or scarf.

- 23. Closing Vamp: The fanfare is played to the end and then we hear Ed Enoch's famous line: "Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has left the building. Thank you, good night!"