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JAT Publishing Updates

August 06, 2004 | Book
It looks like the definitive publishing date for Tunzi's "Elvis Sessions III" has been set, August 24, 2004. This book should provide all the information on Elvis' recording career with newly discoverd facts and over 100 unpublished photo's.

JAT Publishing will also release a CD, titled "A Cold Night In Nashville", featuring original demo's Elvis listened to selecting songs for himself.

Here is the press release for the book:

Elvis Sessions III is the third volume of Joseph Tunzi's acclaimed Elvis Presley sessionography. As authoritative as the first two entries were, neither prepares you for the sheer knowledge the third volume imparts. As well as containing previously undocumented facts, every J.A.T. Publishing release is acclaimed for their inclusion of beautiful, unreleased photography. Designed beautifully, Elvis Sessions III will include over 100 stark black and white illustrations. Looking at Elvis in photos from actual sessions and concerts makes clear the passion he felt for music.

From his first demo to his last tour Elvis Sessions III explores the most important body of music ever recorded.Covering every area of Elvis' recorded legacy. Bootlegs, rehearsals, soundboard recordings, a complete discography, and many surprise chapters are all included. Another thing that makes Elvis Sessions III stand out from other reference material is the easy to read format. Even a casual fan can learn the intricacies of how Elvis' recordings were constructed and marketed. A particularly informative section contains undocumented details about Presley's two concert documentaries That's The Way It Is and Elvis On Tour. Joseph Tunzi's evenhanded approach has received praise from both casual and diehard Elvis Presley fans. Since J.A.T. Publishing only makes a limited number of all their products, Elvis Sessions III is going to quickly become a sought after collectible.

For the CD:

circumstances made Elvis cancel these sessions, but he still intended to record the new material for future release. While he died before he could begin the new sessions, six songs had already been selected. Cold Night In Nashville gathers together these tracks for the first time.

Cold Night In Nashville is one of the rare collections that let’s you explore the music inside and out. Two versions of “Rainy Night In Georgia” and “Energy” are included. Like all of the other tracks, a version by the composer is featured, but for these two tracks we also get the opportunity to hear a commercially released version. Adding even more value to this feature is that in the case of Brook Benton’s hit rendering of “Rainy Night In Georgia”, Cold Night In Nashville spotlights a rare alternate take. Also included are two bonus tracks which feature the original demo’s for two of Elvis’ most contemporaneous rock songs “Way Down” and “I’ve Got A Feelin’ In My Body”. Composed by Layng Martine Jr. and Dennis Linde respectively, both were songwriters Elvis held in the highest regard. With Dennis Linde’s “By Day, By Day” and Layng Martine Jr.’s “Let Me On” included among Elvis’ selection of new songs, it is fascinating to hear how his final masters differed from these authors earlier submissions.

Even if Elvis did not get to record his six selections personally, they reveal that his growth as an artist was still thriving at the time of his untimely death. Even if one ignores its historical signifigence, Cold Night In Nashville stands up as a great collection of music. This various artists release features:

“By Day, By Day” – Dennis Linde, “Rainy Night In Georgia” – Brook Benton, “Energy” – Tommy Roe ,“That's What You Do To Me” – Bob Morrison, “Way Down” - Layng Martine Jr., “Yes I Do” – Alan Rush, “Let Me On” - Layng Martine Jr., “Energy” – Bob Morrison ,“Rainy Night In Georgia” – Tony Joe White, “I've Got A Feelin' In My Body” – Dennis Linde
Source:For Elvis CD Collectors Forum
Remco Aland wrote on August 06, 2004
August 24th, too bad... my birthday is August 16th :-) Should be interesting to see what Mr. Tunzi has discovered since Sessions II. Looking forward to it.