(C) Sony Music Entertainment / Follow That Dream Records
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The third disc is some kind of bonus, but to be honest, qualitywise it easily could have been released as a single disc. The soundboard recording features not just a good concert, but the audio quality also is superior to many other recordings of this kind. On May 12th Elvis had agreed to do three shows in a row. After the usual dinner show and midnight show he went on stage at 3:00 am for another performance. The latter one has been issued by FTD under the name of "Taking Tahoe Tonight".
Also Sprach Zarathustra
The Al Tronti Orchestra (conducted by Joe Guercio) plays "Also Sprach Zarathustra", then the king's band takes over with the "Opening Riff" and their boss appears. Charlie hands him his instrument and the show in on its way.
See See RiderThe usual opener gets a more dynamic treatment than in Vegas. Elvis obviously is up for the show.
I Got A Woman / AmenDuring the "well"-game the king tells the crowd, that he's gotta do three concerts today and that it's somewhat crazy to sing "Blue Suede Shoes" at five o' clock in the morning. "I Got A Woman" is presented in similar style as on the first two discs, but today the "Amen"-tag is longer. Elvis wants to show off the talents of his bass-singer and therefore has him doing the low notes at the finale of "Amen" twice in a row. After a short reprise of "I Got A Woman" the king throws his guitar to Charlie and greets the audience with "Good morning".
Help Me Make It Through The NightElvis always sings a ballad at this spot of the show. On January 27th it was "Until It's Time For You To Go" and on February 21st "Love Me Tender". Now the singer has switched to "Help Me Make It Through The Night". He appears to like the song. Here and there he tries to be a bass singer, in-between he can be heared laughing.
Steamroller BluesLeaving out "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me" Elvis directly moves on with "Steamroller Blues". By now the track is released on a single and the people know the tune. His performance is very good, more dynamic than on the record.
You Gave Me A MountainUp next is "You Gave Me A Mountain", which is presented in impressive style.
Love MeIn Vegas Elvis has continued with "Fever". Today he omits the oldie and continues with "Love Me". Jokingly he has his harmony singers holding the last note longer than usual. Of course they manage the challenge well and don't run out of breath.
Blue Suede ShoesAs expected "Blue Suede Shoes" gets the usual routine treatment. It's not necessarily a bad performance, but a very short one and Elvis also doesn't invest too much energy.
Rock'n'Roll MedleyMaking up for leaving out "Fever", the former rock'n'roll king now presents a medley of this kind of music. It's a combination of "Long Tall Sally", Whole Lotta' Shakin' Goin' On", "Mama Don't Dance" and "Shake, Rattle And Roll". Elvis is improvising quite a lot and at times seems to sing whatever crosses his mind. At the end he admits "I don't know what I was doing". I am sure, this is part of the usual show, but it certainly is entertaining.
I'm Leavin'Returning to his Vegas-setlist the king now presents "I'm Leavin'". It's an emotional and serious performance of this tender and not easy to sing ballad. Two years ago the single was not all that successful, but I'm glad Elvis keeps the song in his show. It's a true gem.
Hound DogToday Mr. Presley leaves out the usual jokes and just sings "Hound Dog" for a minute or so. First in a slow tempo, then in the well-known rock'n'roll style. He treats the classic like he has treated "Blue Suede Shoes". The performance is ok, but certainly not much more.
What Now My LoveIn contrast to the oldies the king takes songs like "I'm Leavin'" or "What Now My Love" serious. His vocals are nothing but stunning. There are not many stars around, who can present this song that way.
Suspicious MindsSomething seems to happen during "Suspicious Minds", because suddenly the king has to laugh out loud. He also jokes about the "lyrics" of the harmony singers and sings "I hope the suit don't tear up, baby" while doing a knee bend. It's a very entertaining performance!
IntroductionsIn contrast to the shows in Vegas Elvis jokes a bit during the introductions. There are also some changes in the personnel. Jerry Scheff has left the group and was replaced by Emory Gordy. Besides that, Joe Guercio isn't conducting his own orchestra, but Del Webb's Sahara Tahoe Hotel's own Al Tronti Orchestra.
I'll Remember YouElvis announces his next song by saying "We did a show in Hawaii called ALOHA FROM". Of course "Steamroller Blues" and "What Now My Love" are also new songs (at least in the Presley version), but he seems to connect "I'll Remember You" to the event. The performance itself is very tender and emotional.
I Can't Stop Loving YouThe king asks "You know what I can't do?" and answers his question with "I Can't Stop Loving You". Todays rendition is much more enthusiastic than the ones in Vegas.
Bridge Over Troubled WaterThis spot of the program is reserved for a big voiced, dramatic ballad. In Sin City it was "An American Trilogy", here in Stateline Elvis opts for "Bridge Over Troubled Water". At times the king strays from his usual interpretation, which makes his performance quite interesting. His voice sounds nothing but great, if one isn't impressed by this performance, the person must be deaf.
A Big Hunk O' LoveOn January 27th Elvis had rocked the house with "Burning Love", today he sings "A Big Hunk O' Love". In contrast to other rock'n'roll classics like "Blue Suede Shoes" or "Hound Dog" the king runs at full throttle and delivers a bona fide performance.
Can't Help Falling In LoveHe closes the show with the usual "Can't Help Falling In Love", which segues into the "Closing Riff". Afterwards a pre-recorded voice tells the visitors about the merchandising, which is offered in the lobby of the hotel. Of course it's also mentioned, that the proceeds are donated to the Baton Memorial Hospital and that all items were donated by Elvis and Colonel Parker.
(C) Sony Music Entertainment / Follow That Dream Records