The Straight Arrow import label released their 11th. CD entitled "Countdown To Christmas". This release contains an unreleased audience recording of Elvis' 10 P.M. performance from December 9, 1975 as recorded in LAs Vegas.
The label also announced it is planning a special 2CD set containing an unreleased audience recording of Elvis' December 2, 1976 Opening Night Show as recorded in Las Vegas. The label managed to obtain a 1st generation copy of an original "stereo" audience-recorded tape for this project. This set, with an approximate running time of 104 minutes, is due for release early 2009.
From the press-release:
Opening Night '76 was a unique event - it was probably the second longest show of Elvis’ career and one of his very best 1976 concerts. Arriving from Anaheim, CA, with young love Ginger Alden by his side, he was ready to conquer Las Vegas once again. During the Opening night, he sang an ultra-rare "I Just Can't Help Believin'", and sang one of greatest-ever versions of "Bridge Over Troubled Water". Elvis was in great mood, joking with fellow performer Glen Campbell thru the show. It was also the last time that Elvis performed two full versions of his 1976 "trademark" song "Hurt".
Possible tracklisting:
Also Sprach Zarathustra - C. C. Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Love Me - If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - You Gave Me A Mountain - Jailhouse Rock - It's Now Or Never / Are You Sincere (excerpt) - All Shook Up - (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - Dialogue - Don't Be Cruel (excerpt) - And I Love You So - I Just Can't Help Believin' (last version) - Fever - Softly As I Leave You - Polk Salad Annie - Band Introductions - Early Mornin' Rain - What'd I Say - Johnny B. Goode - Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) - Bass Solo (Blues - Jerry Scheff) - Piano Solo (Tony Brown) - Electric Piano Solo (David Briggs) - Love Letters - School Day - Celebrity Introductions (Vikki Carr, Glen Campbell) - Hurt #1 - Hurt #2 - Hound Dog (with false start) - Hawaiian Wedding Song (with false start) - Dialogue - Blue Christmas - That's All Right, Mama - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Introduction of Vernon Presley - Can't Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp.
Below is a preview from the "Countdown To Christmas" CD booklet: