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Gravel Road Music (GRM) titled their current release "Good To Be Back" probably in reference to a statement Elvis made during the closing show on December 15, 1975: "I would like to say a few words, um, about how good it is to be back to work again." And indeed it was good; as Elvis performed all 16 shows of this season (December 2nd through December 15th) with high energy and enthusiasm. The prior Vegas engagement, August 18th through September 1st, was cancelled after five shows due to illness. So for the previous three months Elvis had relaxed on a well-deserved break, Linda Thompson had also returned after a brief separation, and Elvis had also taken delivery of the Lisa Marie jet in November so things were again looking up. Out of this season, GRM delivers the midnight show from December 13th for the third time as an import Fort Baxter released the show back in 1991; an excellent production, though filtered and edited (the reprise of School Days and introduction of Lisa Marie was dropped). The Yellow Dog label released the show again in 1993 under the title "Unsurpassed Masters Volume 4," this time in lesser quality, and without any editing or filtering. And of course RCA released two singles from this show, "America The Beautiful" (1977) and "Softly As I Leave You" (1978), and again on the long out of print compilation "The Silver Box" (1980). The Fort Baxter release has been highly regarded as one of the best import CD's ever produced. So, is there much to be gained from GRM giving us this well-known show for a third time? The answer is a resounding Yes! First, let's take a look at the packaging. The CD comes in a tri-fold digi-pack, which includes outstanding artwork and easy to read graphics. The text explains that Elvis was "Back In Business". It boasts loads of pictures from the actual show, a photo of the "souvenir bag" handed out on the opening night and the Elvis Christmas card from 1975. A bit the story behind the origin of the Silver Phoenix suit is also included. A 27 page booklet jam packed with more photos and relevant information is tucked neatly into the inner fold. And to top it all off, GRM included a "special product," an 8 inch square photo album on glossy, heavy weighted print.
Okay, now for the show. I won't take you through every song, but suffice it to say that Elvis put together a fantastic song set that includes top notch performances of Tryin' To Get To You, Help Me Make It Through The Night, Just Pretend, How Great Thou Art, Softly As I Leave You, America The Beautiful, It's Now Or Never, and Little Sister. Right from the start Elvis and the band are really rocking out - several notches up from the earlier Dinner Show. Ronnie Tutt's drumming is total dynamite all the way through, even leading Elvis to comment after 'C C Rider', "What happened to the drummer, did you drink some gatorade between shows? That's the hardest you've played.. Did you decide to go crazy?"
One of my favorite parts of the show is the reprise of 'School Days' (the orchestra intro song). Yes, that's right, I said School Days. What makes it one of my favorite moments is not the song itself, but that Elvis asks "Joe" to reprise the end and to "feature Tony" (the orchestra's electric guitarist) because his parents were in the audience. Elvis says, "Hey Joe, do you mind doin' that last part again and featuring Tony on the guitar? His mother and father are out there." Of course Joe agrees, and Tony goes nuts on the reprise! I can only imagine that his parents were thrilled. It was a very nice and giving gesture by Elvis, one that reminds me of his generous spirit. While we all know the fabulous song 'Just Pretend' from the 1970 film TTWII it is interesting to note that Elvis only performed the song twice in 1970 (August 11 and 12th) and then only 3 more times, the last time being in 1972. It was innovative for Elvis putting it back into the setlist for this 1975 season. Strangely Elvis also only sang the song at the Dinner or the Midnight show, never at both. This night's version is marvellous and Elvis would only sing it two more times in his career. 'Help Me Make It Through The Night' is another rare performance only sung on this day due to Linda Thompson's parents being in the audience. Elvis had only perfromed the song seven times since 1973 and again would only sing it another four times in his career. After 'Burning Love' Elvis genuinely asks the audience, "Is there anything you'd like to hear, specially?" The other big moment is when Elvis sings 'How Great Thou Art'. You may have read that it's the best live performance Elvis gives of this song, and that is absolutely correct! Not only does he sing it with passion, but he also hits and holds the high note at the end, all by himself. The backup singers get nowhere close to matching his note! And on the reprise, he hits again....all by himself. I've listened to it hundreds of times over the years, and still to this day, it gives me goose bumps to hear it. I could go on and on about the great performances Elvis gave on this night.
Let me just say that if you haven't heard this show, I hope that you'll get to someday.
Overall Verdict: This is a very stylish and professional presentation from Gravel Road Music of one of Elvis' best shows from this December 1975 Las Vegas season. Unfortunately since FTD have already released the Dinner show from the very same day, it seems extremely unlikely that they would release this sensational Midnight performance. Whether you've owned this show in the past or not, I highly recommend buying this fantastic release.
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MORE EIN relevant reviews and information for 1974, 1975. FTD 'Dinner At Eight' review Las Vegas, December 1975 'Bringing It All Back Home' CD/Book Review March 16, 1974, June 10th 1975. FTD Dixieland Rocks review - May 6 1975 FTD - Southern Nights - April, May, June 1975 FTD Big Boss Man review Las Vegas, March 28th 1975 'Moving Mobile' review June 2nd 1975 Asheville 1975 Closing Show, 'Pieces Of My Life' review Ernst Jorgensen’s interview about ‘Southern Nights’ Elvis in 1974. Venus productions 'Black Angels in Vegas' book/CD review FTD 'Elvis: Live On Stage In Memphis' March 1974 review FTD 'It's Midnight' Vegas August 1974 review FTD 'I Found My Thrill' January 1974 Vegas review 'Chaos in College Park' review/spotlight September 27/28 1974 FTD 'Dragonheart' Oct 1st South Bend review. 3 days after College Park! EIN Website content © Copyright the Elvis Information Network.
Elvis Presley, Elvis and Graceland are trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises. The Elvis Information Network has been running since 1986 and is an EPE officially recognised Elvis fan club.
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