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Wild In Wichita!

February 27, 2017 | Music

Expected soon from the E. P. Collector label is another fine release, our 10th - and 1st one for 2017. This new CD is titled "Wild In Wichita!“ (label E. P. Collector, catalogue number EPC 2017-10). It was recorded live from the audience in Wichita, Kansas, on December 27th, 1976.

This is a previously unreleased show, taken from a recently found first generation copy of an original audience recorded master cassette tape. This show was recorded by an American woman and her recording was never in circulation. Until now, the Wichita show was never available in an acceptable sound. The only existing tape was of absolutely horrible quality, perhaps the worst audience recording ever. The EPE label looked for a better tape and succeeded! Although still not great quality, it is a very listenable recording of this wonderful December ’76 tour-opening show!

To prevent possible speculations: many years ago, the official „Follow That Dream“ label reportedly planned a possible soundboard release of the Wichita ’76 show. Unfortunately, this info was based on a mislabeled tape in the FTD vaults. There are no indications that a soundboard recording of this show exists.

Just as all other December '76 tour shows, this concert is excellent! Elvis appeared on stage with the same joy and energy as in Pittsburgh on New Year's Eve. Highlights are "Fairytale", "And I Love You So", a full version of "Early Mornin' Rain", an unbeatable performance of "How Great Thou Art", and "Hurt". One unique performance stands out. It was the very first time that Elvis performed "Unchained Melody", accompanying himself on piano. This premier performance is tentative in parts but that's part of the magic. A great Presley moment!

This CD is packaged in a nicely designed digipak accompanied with a 16-page booklet, filled with a.o. a local newspaper concert review, and special memories by the American fan who taped the show. We are happy that she was willing to share her unique, never before published snapshots, too! All images used for this project were taken in Wichita, KS, December 27, 1976.

Tracklist:

Pre-program: 01. The Fifth Of Beethoven (disco version, by Joe Guercio orchestra) - 02. Gone At Last (by The Stamps) - 03. Operator (by The Stamps). Elvis Presley show: 04. Also Sprach Zarathustra (2001 Theme) - 05. C. C. Rider - 06. medley: I Got A Woman / Amen - 07. Love Me - 08. Fairytale - 09. You Gave Me A Mountain - 10. Jailhouse Rock - 11. medley: O Sole Mio (by Sherrill Nielsen) / It's Now Or Never - 12. All Shook Up - 13. medley: (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - 14. And I Love You So - 15. Fever - 16. Polk Salad Annie - 17. Band Introductions -  18. Early Mornin' Rain - 19. What'd I Say - 20. Johnny B. Goode - 21. Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) - 22. Bass Solo (Blues - Jerry Scheff) - 23. Piano Solo (Tony Brown) - 24. Electric Piano Solo (David Briggs) - 25. Love Letters - 26. School Day - 27. Hurt (with reprise) - 28. Hound Dog - 29. How Great Thou Art - 30. Unchained Melody (performed 1st time) - 31. Can't Help Falling In Love - 32. Closing Vamp / Announcements.

Source:For CD Collectors Only
Ciscoking wrote on February 28, 2017
For die hard collectors a must-have. One of the best shows from 1976 out of the best tour. The sound is better by a country mile compared to what we had on cd-r before. No Straight Arrow quality, of course but there are worse...the cd-r goes to the bin..we have the go to version now here..
Ronaldv wrote on February 28, 2017
Splendid release, I've waited for many years for a decent release of this great concert. The cdr release damaged my ears, the worst sounding elvis audience recorded concert I've ever heard. For die hard collectors this new cd is a dream come true.
Dazman wrote on March 01, 2017
It would be interesting to know what show is on that mislabeled soundboard tape in FTD's vaults.
You Dont Know Me wrote on March 01, 2017
very simple Dazman..... unfortunately it turned out to be another copy of the Birmingham 29th Dec show