'Elvis Live On Stage In Memphis' 1974 FTD CD review

I am a native of Memphis; grew up in Frayser in the county in those years. This was the only time I had the privilege of attending an Elvis concert in person. However, I was always a big Elvis fan from the start —graduated from high school in 1957. Some classmates of mine had all the Elvis original Sun Records; hope they still have them.

I recall that the atmosphere that evening was electric and filled with excitement—and RCA recorded the event. Elvis gave a tremendous performance on that evening. We saw his girlfriend, Linda Thomson, arrive. Elvis talked to the crowd more than usual that night; there were a lot of fans there with binoculars; Elvis said “you all look like a bunch of frogs out there!!”

At the end of the performance the moderator said: “Elvis has left for Graceland.” I will always remember that night and the great performer that Elvis was.

Having lived around Memphis, it was probably easier to take Elvis for granted, having passed by Graceland on so many occasions.

But after that concert, I realized that Elvis was the greatest magnetic performer of all time; with a tremendous voice, looks, and raw talent; a prodigy.

- Ray Cantrell

While the original LP did contain the 1974 Grammy award winning version of 'How Great Thou Art' all the songs were spoilt by the unnecessary overdubbing of fake audience applause! Several of the songs repeated from the Aloha show were also edited out and this unfortunately included Elvis' best-ever performance of 'Steamroller Blues'!

And while Elvis did have voice troubles in 1973, by 1974 his voice was fully recovered and had never sounded richer.

The audience response is absolutely real this time and the sound has a wonderful dynamic to it that can truly give you goosebumps. In comparison 'Aloha' sounds extremely flat and even 'An Afternoon in the Garden' doesn't manage to grab the real excitement of the New York show.

Even before Elvis walks on stage you can sense the palpable excitement of the audience and you can also hear the enthusiasm in Elvis' voice as he kicks off with a rockin' 'See See Rider.' Here was Elvis, for the first time in 13 years, back performing in his hometown and he's having a ball!

You can understand why 'Fever' was left off the original LP - Elvis is having just too much fun - however the new audio mix shows off the great audio dynamic and the fabulous cool jazz swing of the band.

'Steamroller Blues' however has never been better. It was a highlight of Aloha but is so much funkier here - just listen to the crowd's excitement as the song starts. Previously released on 'Platinum' this version is so much better. At last the atmousphere is perfect and you can feel the amazing power of this fabulous blues as it rocks through the auditorium. The previous mix was missing The Sweet's handclaps and backing vocals totally!

Both 'Why Me Lord' and the highlight of 'How Great Thou Art' are also greatly improved on from the original releases. The earlier versions had a terribly "thin" mix whereas now they have a great feel of a gospel church reunion. And of course the misplaced audience overdubbing is gone giving a true sense of the magic of the night and the crowd's genuine appreciation. The blend of all the vocalists' on stage with Elvis' voice is pure magic. At the end Elvis sounds very sincere when he thanks the audience saying, "I'm glad you liked it. It's very nice of you." In fact Elvis is extremely genuine when talking to the crowd - maybe it was the knowledge of it being the final Memphis show of the Tour.

In the Introductions Elvis thanks the regulars and then gives heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in the tour (including Australian Bruce Jackson.) There is a real sincerity when he says adds thanks.."especially to you people who made this all possible."

'Polk Salad Annie' is also added and has a great energy although if there is any slight disappointment about this concert it is the absence of the great Jerry Scheff on bass. Unfortunately Duke Bardwell never managed to get the propelling bass-line quite right. Ronnie Tutt more than makes up for it though and there is a delightful "Hey, Hey, Hey" from Elvis at the end!

'Suspicious Minds', while not having the feel of the earlier versions, is also a great energetic version with a lovely appeal to it and it's great to have as it would soon be dropped as a regular on Elvis' set list.

'Blueberry Hill/I Can't Stop Loving You' has a great blues feel (check out his change of lyrics "I've made up my mind, to live in Tennessee/memory for such a long time!") and shows off Elvis' rich voice along with adding a great falsetto ending!

Elvis explaining, "This is a new song that we have just recorded. I hope you like it" leads into a brilliant 'Help Me.' There is a great feel to this pleading song and it is fascinating to compare it to later 76/77 versions where, sadly, he really sounds desperate.

'American Trilogy' shows off the wonderful acoustical dynamic & power of being in the auditorium - just listen closely to the 'All My Trials' section. During the song the American flag was actually unfurled on stage and of course there is that special crowd reaction when Elvis sings "In Dixieland where I was born." The song certainly meant more to Memphis history that in Hawaii.

'Let Me Be There' was also one of Elvis best ever versions, which was oddly chosen as an album filler on the 'Moody Blue' LP but has never sounded better than in this context.

With the addition of "Funny How Time Slips Away" before 'Can't Help Falling In Love' the concert is at last complete - "Well hello there my it's been a long, long time" seems so appropriate here!

At the end Elvis humbly says,"I'd like to tell you something if I could. It's always been said that a person cannot return to their hometowns but you have disproven that theory completely - and you really made it worthwhile."

Verdict- While we all realise that by 1974 Elvis was past his peak performances there is no doubt that this is a crucial recording of Elvis Live which is absolutely essential for your Elvis collection. Put it on your HiFi, turn it up loud, and you can really enjoy an astounding Elvis concert experience. One of the best Live Elvis shows ever released by BMG, you must get a copy!

In 2009 FTD released 'Nevada Nights' two August 1974 Las Vegas concerts (for the price of one!) including the amazing Opening Show. Go here for the in-depth review.

'Elvis - Recorded Live On Stage In Memphis'

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