The 2010 Legacy Elvis Presley reissue campaign continues with the expanded double-disc Legacy Edition of On Stage, featuring 1969 and 1970 concert performances from the International Hotel in Las Vegas. This is where Presley made his triumphant return to the concert stage after stunning the nation with his 1968 “Comeback” special on NBC.
The first disc includes the original On Stage album, recorded in February 1970, vacillating between the unfortunate white jump-suited Elvis we’d see the King grow into in his later years and the rocker Elvis. Opening with a quick “See See Rider” and “Release Me,” it’s evident that Presley was still very much in great voice. He does a great read on Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline,” which also showcases his backing vocalists and string section. You have to love the man’s voice on “The Wonder Of You,” even though the Vegasization of Elvis Presley is showing through a bit too much with the overblown strings and horns. “Polk Salad Annie” fares much better, a swamp-like Tony Joe White tune. “Walk A Mile In My Shoes” truly shows that Presley’s roots lay in gospel. The original 10-song set ends with “Let It Be Me.”
Bonus tracks include “Don’t Cry Daddy,” where the strings and horns are quite effective, and the absolutely fantastic “Kentucky Rain,” a single release at the time. There’s also “Long Tall Sally” and a rehearsal of “The Wonder Of You.”
The second disc features 12 songs recorded in 1969 at the International Hotel and originally released on the 1969 live album, From Memphis To Vegas/From Vegas To Memphis (or Elvis In Person, depending on who you ask). Either way, this one is a real treat for fans of the rocker Elvis, backed by the infamous TCB Band led by guitarist James Burton and featuring drummer Ronnie Tutt, pianist Larry Muhoberac and bassist Jerry Scheff. The band really shines on this 1969 show as they accompany the King on “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Johnny B. Goode,” “All Shook Up,” “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” (highlighted by Muhoberac’s fantastic piano work) and “Hound Dog” with Burton taking charge on guitar. Burton also rises to the occasion during the medley of “Mystery Train/Tiger Man.”
Presley delivers a masterful take of the Bee Gees “Words” as his backing vocalists help suspend the harmony over Muhoberac’s piano. On “In The Ghetto,” Presley sways the audience with this semi-gospel number, utilizing the orchestra to its potential. The spot on, speeding-tempo-to-the-end “Suspicious Minds” and the lilting “Can’t Help Falling In Love” end the regular set.
The six bonus tracks feature a jaunty medley of “Jailhouse Rock/Don’t Be Cruel” with some great banter before it, There’s a chill-producing “Heartbreak Hotel,” again with Larry Muchoberac’s piano spot-on. How about Presley laying down some guitar on a rockin’ “Baby, What You Want Me To Do”? What can you say about the undisputed King of Rock n’ Roll? His legend has its pitfalls, but there is no denying Elvis Presley’s voice and power as a performer. In 1969 and 1970, The King was still a vital force in music. It couldn’t be more obvious after listening to this definitive version of On Stage.
~ Ralph Greco
