Review : The February 1977 Tour An Audiovisual Documentary Vol. 1
Source: For Elvis CD Collectors Only
November 7, 2015
Now, a brand new release called Elvis Presley - The February 1977 Tour An Audiovisual Documentary Vol. 1 has been released on the Rock Legends label, and my instincts tell me there is definitely a new creative team masterminding a production such as this.
Granted, there are many who might shy away from purchasing such a package that covers the last year of Elvis' life which is fundamentally considered morose and professionally stagnant. Volume 1 of this hardcover book/CD combo bravely, and to my mind, successfully attempts to dispel the unjust reputation of Elvis as an artist right up to the end. The nearly 200 full color pages (7 pgs of black and white images) cover three '77 shows: West Palm Beach, Fla. on February the 13th, Montgomery, AL on the 16th, and Charlotte, NC on the 20th. As a most welcomed treat we also get 90 pages that cover Elvis' last concert tour of '76 which is widely regarded by seasoned Elvis fans as five of the most artistically exquisite and professionally committed performances of his career. With that said, it merely requires an open mind when moving on to this first tour of Elvis' final year. If you'd allow me a small indulgence, may I repeat, it merely requires an open mind when moving on to this first tour of Elvis' final year. By February he's gained some weight since New Year's Eve, but his vocal abilities are very much in tact as evidenced on the included and newly re-mastered CD, the bulk of which is comprised of the Charlotte show. More about this later.
The book itself is a 10'x10' hard bound photo documentary and by no means bulky or sloppily presented. The cover photo choice is an excellent one as Elvis is depicted replete in his Sundial suit seemingly engrossed in his music while striking a classic air-guitar pose. As stated, the book opens with the last tour of '76. All shows are photographically well represented on high quality paper, resulting in the vibrant clarity of the rare and/or unpublished images throughout. I count dozens of photos that are new to these eyes in the '76 section alone, up to and including Pittsburgh! The 'visual' aspect of the book never disappoints as scores of images that debut here are apparently exclusive to the producers involved. Text includes actual newspaper reviews from each corresponding city with headlines such as: 'Elvis Is Still King', 'Magnetic Elvis Can Still Thrill Audience', 'Trumpets Herald Arrival Of King' and 'Still Compelling'! Candid photos show Elvis' arrival to each town respectively. The Charlotte show is the main photographic focus as is the included bonus CD.
There have been several CD reissues in the recent past that proclaim 'new and improved, re-mastered sonics'. To be fair, some have lived up to this proclamation, while others have not. The 14 tracks from Charlotte in this package DEFINE audio restoration. Although veteran fans will undoubtedly have heard this material before, the producers have conjured a fresh sound and remarkable technique that truly showcases the full and rich baritone that Elvis ALWAYS maintained. When presented on a high fidelity system, the CD takes on new life. In my amateurish opinion, I would presume that a new and different source was used for the disc! Selected tracks from each corresponding city are also integrated and aptly so. 'Blueberry Hill' from West Palm Beach, 'Where No One Stands Alone' from Montgomery, AL, 'First Time Ever I Saw Your Face' and 'For The Good Times' from Birmingham, and 'Rags To Riches' from Pittsburgh are staples from these shows that are extremely well sung and should be considered impromptu gifts! The extraordinary sound quality of the disc is not only worth stressing, but worth the price of admission in and of itself!
The over-all packaging far exceeded my expectations right down to the CD cover (again, a rare photo of an engaged Elvis singin' the blues). It is the reviewer's contention that this Volume 1 package CAN and WILL inspire those who believe the unique artist in Elvis EVER died. $ave, if you must, but make no mistake, this belongs in your collection! BRING ON VOLUME 2, PLEASE!
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Tupelo's Own Elvis Presley DVD
Never before have we seen an Elvis Presley concert from the 1950's with sound. Until Now! The DVD Contains recently discovered unreleased film of Elvis performing 6 songs, including Heartbreak Hotel and Don't Be Cruel, live in Tupelo Mississippi 1956. Included we see a live performance of the elusive Long Tall Sally seen here for the first time ever. + Plus Bonus DVD Audio.
This is an excellent release no fan should be without it.
The 'parade' footage is good to see as it puts you in the right context with color and b&w footage. The interviews of Elvis' Parents are well worth hearing too. The afternoon show footage is wonderful and electrifying : Here is Elvis in his prime rocking and rolling in front of 11.000 people. Highly recommended.
Tupelo's Own Elvis Presley DVD Video with Sound.
