The Audionics label will soon release a new live CD titled "Across The Country Vol. 1". This disc has a different concept compared to the three previous ones which consisted of complete concerts. "Across The Country Vol. 1" contain parts of four different soundboards.
This release contains a 12 page full color booklet with informative liner notes and many rare photos taken during July, August and September 1976 tours as well as some previously unpublished Dayton 06.10.1974 shots."
From the press release
Hartford, CT, July 28, 1976, Jackson, MS, September 5, 1976 and Pine Bluff, AR, September 8, 1976 - all previously unreleased. First generation copies of original soundboard tapes were used in all cases. Unfortunately, none of these concerts were recorded in their entirety by the sound engineer, but only parts. The tracks from the October 6th, 1974 evening show in Dayton, OH are a "bonus" and are taken from a significantly better sounding source compared to the previous release of this material 5 years ago.
Amongst the CD highlights are fine renditions of "If You Love Me (Let Me Know)", "Love Letters", "Hurt" (with a powerful reprise ending), a very funny "Happy Birthday" sung to Jackie Kahane's daughter, a dynamite "Mystery Train / Tiger Man", an unusual "Blue Christmas" that's coupled with an instrumental version of "Jingle Bells" (!), a truly stunning version of "How Great Thou Art", a pounding version of "Big Boss Man" and a rare 1978 interview with Jackie Kahane. "Across The Country Vol. 1" is set for July 2005 release.
Tracklist:
Hartford, Connecticut, 28.07.1976 (8:30 P.M.)
(Approx. running time: 47:33)
01. Also Sprach Zarathustra / 02. C. C. Rider / 03. I Got A Woman / Amen (medley) / 04. Love Me / 05. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) / 06. You Gave Me A Mountain / 07. Band Introductions / 08. Early Mornin' Rain / 09. Chickin'Pickin' / What'd I Say (medley) / 10. Johnny B. Goode / 11. Drums Solo (by Ronnie Tutt) / 12. Bass Solo #1 (Blues - by Jerry Scheff) / 13. Bass Solo #2 (Battle Of New Orleans - by Jerry Scheff) / 14. Piano Solo (by Tony Brown) / 15. Electric Piano Solo (by David Briggs) / 16. Love Letters / 17. School Day (Hail Hail Rock'n'Roll) / 18. Happy Birthday (to "Kitten" Kahane, daughter of comedian Jackie Kahane) / 19. Hurt (with last part reprise) / 20. Hound Dog / 21. Can't Help Falling In Love / 22. Closing Vamp / Announcements.
23. Jackie Kahane speaks out in Jim Neighbors TV show, 1978 (03:00)
Pine Bluff, Arkansas, 08.09.1976 (8:30 P.M.)
(Approx. running time: 06:15)
24. My Heavenly Father Watches Over Me (sung by Kathy Westmoreland) / 25. Mystery Train / Tiger Man (medley).
Jackson, Mississippi, 05.09.1976 (8:30 P.M.)
(Approx. running time: 07:17)
26. Blue Christmas (Elvis on acoustic guitar) / 27. Jingle Bells (instrumental, by the band) 28. How Great Thou Art / 29. Monologue / 30. Can't Help Falling In Love (incomplete).
Highlights from Dayton, Ohio, 06.10.1974 (8:30 P.M.)
(Approx. running time: 14:07)
31. Big Boss Man / 32. The Wonder Of You / 33. Lawdy Miss Clawdy / 34. That's All Right, Mama (with false start, Elvis on acoustic guitar) / 35. Hawaiian Wedding Song (with last part reprise) / 36. Johnny B. Goode
Total CD running time: 77:53
Across The Country Volume 1
June 28, 2005 | Music
Mathias wrote on
June 28, 2005
Great News, Hartford, Connecticut was the first time and last time in my life that I saw Elvis Live on Stage! Really can`t wait to hear that show again after only 29 years. Hope that the soundquality will be better than their last releases.
asd123 wrote on
June 28, 2005
Wow, you were there! That's pretty cool :-) Hope it will have a well designed booklet again!
You Dont Know Me wrote on
June 28, 2005
I remember very hearing this incomplete Hartford Soundboard 5 years ago! and both If You Love Me and Happy Birthday have to be heard to be believed! the other tracks are highlights of the other shows too so this is a must have release and YES the sound on 28.7.76 is 'pretty good' too.
Marco Aurelio wrote on
June 29, 2005
I don´t have any doubts, this new soundboard will be in my collection!
Ton Bruins wrote on
June 29, 2005
I have my doubts here. Elvis in july and september 1976 wasn't a great Elvis in my opinion. He was bored and was not in a good shape. I was not impressed by the latest release "Elvis Goes El Paso" also a 1976 show. Maybe I will get this one only for "How Great Thou Art". Just love that song when he did it live !
You Dont Know Me wrote on
June 29, 2005
Your 100% correct Tom in what you say and correct, In El Paso (for instance) something about the audience didn't impress Elvis at all and so he 'held back' I'll be getting Across the Country Vol 1 because (at least) it gives me a) soundboard matwerial i don't have and b) pretty much highlights of 4 shows.....
Mathias wrote on
July 12, 2005
Hi, It will be released this week. CD has stunning good sound quality! A real winner and not another boring Elvis Concert from `76! So if you have a chance to get a copy, get it. Don´t wait too long, cause this one will be gone very soon.