The 'Straight Arrow' label will release its 10th CD, entitled 'Trying To Get To You' (SA 2008-10-02), in late August 2008. It contains an audience recording from May 25, 1977 as recorded live in Rochester, New York, Community War Memorial.
Elvis' May '77 tour was very uneven, compared to all his earlier ones. He performed 14 shows in all, and at the beginning of tour, he was lethargic and looking really unwell. There were alarming moments, like when Elvis left the stage in Baltimore, MD, for 20 minutes or when he did very lackluster shows in Philadelphia on May 28th or in Baton Rouge on June 1st. However, as the tour progressed, on some evenings Elvis showed that he could still deliver. Recorded evidence shows that the best concerts are May 24-27, May 30 and June 2nd. The Rochester, May 25th, 1977 concert as presented on this CD was the 6th stop of the tour, and his 1st concert in New York State in '77.
Even in '77 there were moments of brilliance in some of Elvis' concerts. In Rochester, Elvis appeared to be in a good mood and in strong voice, giving solid performances of 'You Gave Me A Mountain', 'One Night', 'My Way' and 'Hurt' among others. One song that deserves special mention is the title song. For some reason, 'Trying To Get To You' was probably the only classic 50s track that Elvis always treated with respect - even in his last months.
The audio-quality of the recording is quite good. As you've come to expect from us, Straight Arrow managed to obtain the original tape as recorded by the same person that taped the Richfield '76 concert, which we released earlier this year. The recording was completely restored and the sound was upgraded for the best possible listening pleasure.
It's almost unnecessary to add that Straight Arrow will present this CD with a full-colour, 16-page booklet with approximately 40 photos from the actual concert, incl. some never-before seen ones.
The producers note that this concert was previously released from a substandard source, with the rather silly title 'Jailhouse Rock Man In Concert' (Great Dane label, 1993). The sound of this CD – which also had a couple of glitches and mastering errors – is not to be compared with the rich and atmospheric audience sound on our new release. Why settle for a Lada when you can have a brand new, shiny Cadillac? Do yourself a favour and get this little beauty today. Rock with the King, '77 style – we assure you, even the cynics among you will be pleasantly surprised!
Tracklist:
01. Also Sprach Zarathustra (Theme from '2001 A Space Odyssey') - 02. Opening Vamp / C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen (medley) - 04. Love Me - 05. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - 06. You Gave Me A Mountain - 07. Jailhouse Rock (with reprise) - 08. O Sole Mio (by Sherrill Nielsen) / It's Now Or Never (medley) - 09. Little Sister - 10. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel (medley) - 11. Tryin' To Get To You - 12. Danny Boy (by Sherrill Nielsen) - 13. Walk With Me (by Sherrill Nielsen) - 14. One Night (by request) - 15. My Way - 16. Band Introductions - 17. Early Mornin' Rain - 18. What'd I Say - 19. Johnny B. Goode - 20. Drum Solo (by Ronnie Tutt) - 21. Bass Solo (Blues - by Jerry Scheff) - 22. Piano Solo (by Tony Brown) - 23. Electric Piano Solo (by Bobby Ogdin) - 24. School Day - 25. Hurt - 26. Hound Dog - 27. Can't Help Falling In Love - 28. Closing Vamp & Announcements.