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Elvis' triumphant return to live performances was filmed by MGM in August 1970. The live footage in ‘That's The Way It Is’ was compiled from six concerts filmed over four nights from the Opening Show on August 10th to the August 13th Dinner Show. On July 23rd 1970 Elvis continued rehearsing with his band at RCA Studios Hollywood while more filming took place back at MGM studios on July 29th. On July 31st Elvis flew to Las Vegas and the rehearsals continued for three days, including the backing-vocalists, starting on August 4th at the International Hotel’s Convention Centre. (Several songs from August 4 were featured as Bonus Tracks on the FTD ‘One Night In Vegas’)
On August 7th key rehearsals started on the showroom’s main stage with Joe Guercio and orchestra working with Elvis for the first time. Some of these, with Elvis in his red shirt, were also featured in the movie ‘That's The Way It Is’. Now updated with YOUR COMMENTS plus reaction from FTD producer Ernst Jørgensen - See Below Finally on August 10th, the very day of the Opening Show, there was a complete Dress Rehearsal in the Showroom before the single Dinner Show opening performance.
Two of the songs that were basically complete ‘Sweet Caroline’ and ‘You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’’ were eventually released on the excellent 1998 ‘Elvis Aron Presley’ Silver box-set. Until now the rest of the recordings have remained unreleased except for the on the Bilko label bootleg ‘Hang Loose’ where the audio came from a pretty good cassette copy of the RCA tapes. The new FTD ‘Stage Rehearsal’ finally releases this brilliant, RCA taped performance over 40 years after it was recorded, also adding 6 interesting Bonus Songs of other non-professionally recorded rehearsals of later years. The REAL DELIGHT of this release is that the ever-dependable audio engineer Vic Anesini (The Complete Masters, Close Up, The Wonder Of You) has worked his audio magic in remixing and re-mastering the RCA multi-track tapes. They sound fantastic. The later Bonus Songs – sadly only of cassette quality - are also a fabulous addition to any fan’s collection. The REAL DISSAPOINTMENT of this release is that the brief given to Vic Anesini was to repair and re-edit the 1970 rehearsals to give them a "more professional" feel. IF these tracks were being assembled for another SONY mainstream public box-set such as ‘Close Up’ or ‘Today Tomorrow and Forever’ (perhaps they were?) then this could be forgivable and understandable. Of course this was the serious Dress Rehearsal on Vegas Opening Night so the variation in Elvis’ or the band’s performances are going to be slight. But if you want the professional "live-on-stage version" one only has to listen to the RCA live show recorded just a few hours later. ('One Night In Vegas') Having got the hard facts out of the way, there is no doubting that the FANTASTIC sound of this dress rehearsal somewhat makes up for the let-downs and there are some real treats along the way especially with the Bonus Songs. On previous releases, the old bootleg ‘Hang Loose’ was a muddled audio mix and of mono cassette quality. The Silver EAP box-set version of the two tracks ‘You Don't Have To Say You Love Me’ and ‘Sweet Caroline’ were also very narrow audio-mixes and somewhat strange with James Burton on the left channel and the orchestra rather absent. These new mixes and remastering by Vic Anesini really shine in comparison. Looking Closer… Every CD needs an introductory statement to set the scene. Whether it be a killer lead-in single or for a live concert CD the 2001 introduction and audience applause. Similarly this Rehearsal CD desperately needs the first track to explain that it is A Rehearsal. The old bootleg Hang Loose did this well choosing the loosest, roughest "Poke A Little Sock Salad Annie" as the lead in track. Perhaps some of Elvis’ studio dialogue with the band from the RCA July 24th rehearsals could even have been used as a prelude to set-the-scene! For instance the chatting before the July 24th ‘Sweet Caroline’ tryout - where Elvis sings one line of ‘Love Me Tender’ and whistles the tune of Sweet Caroline while Ronnie Tutt sets up his drums and then Elvis chats to Glen Hardin. It is short and sweet, but in less than 1 minute we are totally aware that we are listing to "A Rehearsal". Here FTD unfortunately do the opposite and choose a note-perfect ‘You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me’ for the first track which is almost identical to the later evening’s concert version – but minus the audience applause and interaction. While it sounds truly splendid, it just doesn’t sound like a Stage Rehearsal. It’s almost disappointing that they don’t clap at the end! From the same session it would have been better to use ‘You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'’ #2 where Elvis at the beginning says, "Is it back there? .. Why don’t you hold the bass right here?"- which helps inform the listener, and again sets the scene, that it IS a rehearsal. Sadly these appropriate comments from the original recording have been faded down in this FTD release. At the end Elvis also commented to everyone "There you go!" It’s a nice touch. Then again for history’s sake, since this is a Collectors label, why not present the songs in the exact order they were rehearsed as shown on the tape legend? ‘I Just Can't Help Believing’ – follows and while I applaud Vic Anesini for fixing up MOST of the missing intros (the splices are hard to hear) this ‘I Just Can't Help Believing’ rehearsal is completely spoilt when the audience suddenly starts applauding as Elvis sings the intro! With the first track being almost too perfect for a rehearsal and the audience suddenly clapping on the start of the second song the reality of it being a Stage Rehearsal is totally spoilt. However, ANY version of ‘I Just Can't Help Believing’ is delicious to hear – and the audio quality here is beautiful. However this track would have been just fine with a fade-up at the start, only 40 seconds of the intro were missed. Elvis does mess with the lyrics a little at the start singing, "this time the bird is going to stay", but after that Elvis keeps it relatively serious. Like several of these featured rehearsals, Elvis never recorded this gorgeous track in the studio so this is fabulous to hear in this pristine (no audience) quality. It is also interesting to compare it to the different arrangement & faster tempo version recorded at the July 29 MGM rehearsal (FTD The Way It Was). This version is without the Charlie Hodge duet-vocal and Elvis delightfully sings a long with the orchestra solo. On the middle break Elvis notes, "You all come in… one of those ridiculous things" and enthuses Jerry Scheff, "Play it Jerry", these are all nice "rehearsal" touches. Elvis sings the vocal very delicately without having to play to the audience and this is a great addition to our collection. ‘Something’ – All the production disasters are at the start of this CD as the third track also starts off with audience applause! It’s just so wrong. The rehearsal recording actually starts 10 seconds in with Elvis singing "attracts me like no other Mother" – but here we don’t join the real rehearsal until the following line. Once again this was a song Elvis never recorded for release in the studio and so this multi-track recording is the best we will ever have. Without performing to the audience Elvis again sings it very delicately and slowly - and it is a beautiful version. It is a shame that RCA did not catch the start of the performance as this would have been a great album track, the band gets it right and no further takes were needed. The earlier August 4th rehearsal of ‘Something’ from FTD’s ‘The Way It Was’ is also intriguing in that Elvis’ phrasing is very different from this later final arrangement but it was a pretty poor quality. Good to compare. ‘Sweet Caroline’ – RCA got this track recorded from the beginning, hence its release on the Silver box-set. At the start Elvis comments to the band "Not me!" but this has been faded down here. Another song that Elvis never recorded for release in the studio and this multi-track recording is a very fine attempt. Elvis gets the slight giggles towards the start but overall it is a very strong performance and interesting for Elvis using different phrasing from what he would do in concert. Never one of my favourite Elvis tracks but this is one of my preferred versions. A nice addition in this quality. ‘Polk Salad Annie’ – While this has an appropriately rough-rehearsal feel there has been some major editing going on here to try and clean it up for this release. The original rehearsal tape had two versions – the roughest being infamously called ‘Polk A Little Sock Salad’ on the bootleg. The #2 rehearsal from the original tape ended with some powerful Elvis chanting with the band on the final playout along with him stating at the end, "Damn right cousin!" but again that has been shamefully missed from this FTD. From here on in however things do improve …
Another rehearsal was attempted (see below) but Elvis wasn’t concentrating, laughs throughout and it stops after just 2 minutes. This time FTD were right to leave out the second attempt. ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ – Sadly over 2 minutes was missed from the start of this rehearsal recording but luckily the intro edit from the Opening Night works very well here. ‘Patch It Up’ – Only a few seconds was missed from the start here and this version ROCKS! The audio is great to crank up loud and the vocal mix with the Sweet Inspirations is just right. James Burton’s chicken-pickin’ guitar is excellent and the orchestra brass section gets a good work-out on this dress-rehearsal. Elvis is obviously in the mood and it is a cracker version although there was obviously no audience to play to.
‘You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'’ Vs.2 – Again some of Elvis’ spontaneous comments have been faded down in an unnecessary attempt to make the performance more stage-worthy, even though they still bleed through in the background! Elvis says, "is it back there?" @00.20 and to Jerry Scheff, "why don’t you hold the bass right here?" @00.38 both of which have been removed which is a shame as they do impart that rehearsal feel. Otherwise Elvis puts his soul into another very strong vocal and his voice is well-balanced against the Sweets call & response. For that and the clarity of the mix it is a lovely version – listen out for Elvis’ fabulous intake of breath @3.40! ‘Any Day Now’ Aug. 2 1972 – Part of this Vegas Showroom rehearsal has been out on bootleg before but not in this improved audio quality (even if it is still off low-quality cassette). It is unbelievable that Elvis was rehearsing this great 1969 Memphis song for his 1972 shows, especially as he didn’t rehearse it for his 1969 or 1970 shows. This is a true Gem! Although previous on bootleg in poor quality, this extended unreleased rehearsal is quite spectacular! Elvis tells the band "A little too fast" towards the start while the final-section has Elvis enjoying a previously unheard second run-through, working out the "don’t fly away my beautiful bird" ending. If only this had been recorded in multi-track! A great addition to our collections. ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’ Aug. 3 1972 - Only a few lines that last just 30 seconds. Elvis apparently sang this song once in 1972 on April 19 1972 in Albuquerque and listening to this mini August run-through with JD Sumner is fascinating as, in the end, Elvis would not use it in concert until a year later. While Elvis sang this a couple of times live since releasing it in 1971 it wouldn’t be until the Las Vegas 1973 Summer Season that Elvis then featured this song in almost every performance. ‘Fever’ Aug. 3 1972 - While most fans know Elvis’ classic live version of ‘Fever’ from the Aloha concerts it is somewhat surprising to learn that Elvis performed this delicious ‘Elvis Is Back’ song over forty times in 1972! Even more surprising is that only one live 1972 version has ever been officially released so far, on FTD’s ‘Summer Festival’. Elvis added this song to his set-list for the 1972 Vegas August season, so while hearing the rehearsal here is perhaps nothing new, this is an insight into Elvis adding this "brand new" song to his stage show! The tape is unfortunately missing the first part as it starts at the third verse "Romeo loved Juliet" but it is obvious that Elvis is having some fun running this through oldie and that it would be great addition to the shows. Elvis would perform it live for the first time (since 1961) two nights later August 5, 1972 Opening Night. ‘Portrait Of My Love’ Aug. 3 1972 – This starts with a delightfully impromptu "Gentleman & ladies, I have to go and so I bid you an affectionate…" followed by Glen D Hardin joining in on some clever blues riff getting Elvis to sing along. It is a classic moment that leads into the delightfully spontaneous jam on ‘Portrait Of My Love’ sounding much better than the previous bootlegged versions. Elvis would have probably been familiar with the version by Steve Lawrence who took the single into the US top ten in 1961 and who also performed on the Steve Allen TV show. ‘I'm Leavin' It All Up To You’ Jan. 25 1973 – A US number one smash for ‘Dale and Grace’ back in late 1963. Elvis included the song twice in his February 1972 Vegas shows but unfortunately before RCA managed to set-up their recording equipment for the possible ‘Standing Room Only’ live album. Here, nearly a year later, Elvis tries it out in rehearsal and it’s another spontaneous Elvis moment, luckily captured in pretty good sound – the best quality bonus track here. The tape fades as Elvis suggests a try out of ‘Faded Love’. A very fine ending to this collection.
Review by Piers Beagley. Click here to comment on this article and have YOUR SAY
At the Elvis Week 2011 FTD presentation Ernst Jørgensen was asked about the reactions to this Stage Rehearsal release. EIN contributor Elvis Sessions reported... I also asked Ernst about the controversial editing of the "Stage Rehearsal" FTD. He responded to this eagerly, and it even got him up on his feet. "I'm glad you asked that!" He said he's quite aware of the criticism: "I read the Internet, too." He said he knows there's a group of people who want everything start to finish, without cuts or changes. In fact, he said, "I understand; I sympathize with that." But he said they try to make each disc an enjoyable listening experience, and they viewed the missing openings as a "problem." The careful matching of the live versions was the solution they found, and, he said, the leftover audience applause was an unfortunate side effect but could not be mixed out. My follow-up question was going to be whether, in hindsight, he would do it the same way again. But his final remark that "It’s totally acceptable for us if people criticize us for it, but that doesn’t mean we agree with all the criticism" seemed answer enough. Like it or not, there you have it. (Go here for the full Elvis Week FTD report) YOUR COMMENTS From: Michael CD From: Ian Garfield Gems such as any day now, true love travels, portrait of my love, leaving it all up to you, twelfth of never are appreciated now. If only they would have been appreciated then an elvis would have left the oldies on fans turntables at home. He needed to. Grow as an entertainer an artist. Should have dumped the colonel parker September 3rd 73 hired a guy like Steve Binder to repair his career as an actor an entertainer. If only.....hearing this cd reminds us of how fantastic Elvis was!!! I miss him.
There are flaws included on this cd but overall this cd does not disappoint.
Buy it and enjoy the treats! A satisfied fan.
From Ray at FECC
When I heard that they had added intro's to these tracks to make them more complete/listenable I thought no problems I'll just trim off the front part and then I'll have the 1970 rehearsal as it should have been, well not very likely as the butchery that's been done to this release makes it impossible. There are those fans out there that won't care about the above as they love the sound, the sound maybe good....but hey didn't you buy this to hear a REHEARSAL!!!..........what you get is intro's added to the front of REHEARSAL tracks, dialogue removed from the front, dialogue removed a minute into the track, then more later on....all watered down so you end up with something that sounds like a concert...the mix is a concert, the removal of dialogue to band members/stage lighting people....all to give the impression of another LIVE August 1970 Vegas CONCERT.........what the hell this FTD is called Stage REHEARSAL!!!!!!!! I've had a F###ing enough! From: Jay B
You are not the first to register disappointment with this disc. Your comments are well taken. It is a shame that RCA was so casual in how they recorded so many of Elvis's rehearsals and live shows. I guess we should be thankful with what does exist. From: Keith Flynn I have to say that after actually sitting down and listening to this CD in depth I actually like what they've done with the intros. OK, so they should have been able to mix out the audience applause (I don't know how they couldn't!) the way they mixed Elvis' voice into the background during 'Polk Salad Annie', and they didn't have to cut it up and change the sequence of songs so drastically, but apart from that it's a very good representation of the rehearsal. For whatever reason, RCA didn't record the intros for most of the songs rehearsed - That is a fact. It looks like FTD have done the best they could to make it a 'Listenable' CD by adding the intro's from other sources. In my opinion, after listening to the complete CD, they did a good job. Also, 'Portrait of My Love' and 'I'm Leaving It Up To You' have never sounded better, coming from the first generation (?) tape they were recorded on. Something didn't sound right after 'I'm Leaving It Up To You' though as it sounds like a piano is overdubbed as Elvis says "Let's do Faded Love". Don Lance is listed as the source for these private rehearsal tapes, and if he was the source for the original "Audifon" release of 'I'm Leaving It Up To You' then he could well have the tape of the full January 25 1973 rehearsal. Apparently, at the time, "Audifon" were offered the full rehearsal but the other songs rehearsed were all known Elvis songs, so they just bought the one song. Maybe FTD can now get their hands on the complete rehearsal? From: Steven B
What is going on with FTD? Their publicity made this rehearsal release sound like a such great update of the old poor souding bootleg Hang Loose. Having played it I am so dissapointed. The added crowd clapping totally messes up the feeling of a elvis and band rehearsal. This could have been FTD's best release of the year as it was such a great list of songs he rehearsed and the Bonus tracks sure are good. What a mess it turned out to be. Thanks for the edit idea to correct it, I will try it wehn I have time.
From: Midnight X From: Geoffrey McD
I have just read the complete EIN review and completely AGREE! With this shamefully edited and messed about Rehearsal release, as well as the poor performance of Elvis on Amarillo 77', I'll have to forget about these last 2 FTD poor releases and move on to the new Fashion CDs Omaha 74' and Dec 14th 75' both great releases!
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