From Ernst Jorgensen we received information on new activities of the FTD label. Besides the CD releases there will be several book releases, all with a CD. The general outline is:
Spring 2004: a book on Elvis' career between 1956 and 1958 (with CD).
Fall 2004: a book on Elvis' complete career (with soundboard)
November 2004: three special FTD editions (content undecided, could be all categories, but possible a combination of film / studio of live material)
Sping 2005: the SUN book and 3 CD set.
As for the upcoming SUN release, they went back to the original tapes to present "Harbour Lights" as it was recorded (no reverb). There will be more news and details later.
Futere FTD Plans
February 13, 2004 | Book Source:Ernst JørgensenJim Semple wrote on
February 13, 2004
I just wish more emphasis was placed on Elvis' later years in particular 1977, where contrary to popular belief, they were some great moments. Just my opinion, I am fed up of 50s Elvis all the time, photos of a young Elvis etc etc.
Jim Semple wrote on
February 15, 2004
I actually think EPE have instructed Ernst and company, not to put any 77 stuff out there completed. I'm not talking about extracts from shows like Spring Tours etc. EPE really give a very poor excuse for not releasing the CBS Special 77 on video / DVD. They say they are worried it will get in the hands of the wrong people and will damage Elvis' name further. Thats nonsense, anybody with internet access can already download the CBS shows. I think its really sad that they will not release via FTD an Elvis CBS Special. The fans deserve to see it, yes Elvis was in poor health and vocally not great, but the shows provide you far more excitement and entertainment than an typical 1970 - 1973 show, where we have seen it a million times before, great as they may be. I know I'm not alone out there thinking this, the walk from his limo to the dressing room, doing his hair in front of the mirror, the brilliant presentation at Rapid City, the walk to the stage, the nerves, the tension, the standing ovation as he walks on, this is truly brilliant viewing. Please EPE / FTD release this one day, it would be FTD's biggest seller of all time, by a long way. PS - my original post was to say, how frustrating it is, that so much project work on Elvis is for his 50's period. As good as it is and how it changed music etc is not in doubt, but we have excercised this period to death now. All we generally ever see on covers of CDs, DVDs, books, magazines, stamps etc is a 1950s shot of Elvis. There is so much good stuff out there to explore in the latter part of the 70s, lets not shy away from it and start releasing it. Elvis lived till he was 42, I think he deserves full coverage of his concert career, not just what looks ''safe'' i.e. 50's.
corey3rd wrote on
February 13, 2004
1977? Are you sure about that date? Cause his last "studio" recordings were done in the Jungle Room Oct 29/30 1976. Are you talking about live shows from 1977? Cause a couple of those have been put out.
corey3rd wrote on
February 15, 2004
Judging from what I've been told and from what I've heard via bootlegs, there probably won't be a complete 1977 show put out because of the quailty of the sets. His voice was iffy. The best they'll do is put together a "show" by picking through the tracks at various venues. Spring Tours '77. Elvis in Concert does come close since it contains nearly all of the 8:30 p.m. show from Rapid City (6/21/77). As you say in your original post, there were some great moments, but there doesn't appear to be a spectacular night worth putting out.
Dan The Man wrote on
February 15, 2004
How lucky we are, when Ernst's in charge we get the real deal. What it all boils down to is, we as collectors are pleased with what we don't have. I Think this is said before, FTD does not have to take bootlegs in considerations and what they produced so far is of high standards. Keep 'em rollin' Ernst! Regards Dan
thekingisalive wrote on
February 14, 2004
Corey3rd: No 1977 shows have been released officially, only outtakes. This is the only year from which we do not have any concerts (I'm not counting 1971, because of the upcoming release).
Andreas77 wrote on
February 17, 2004
Jim Semple's comment posted on the February the 15th sums up all my frustrations with RCA/BMG. Elvis from 68-77 is the equivalent to anything he did in the 50's, and the public has virtually no idea about what he did during those years. Enormous potential lies here. Come on BMG. Well said, Jim
JC´ wrote on
February 13, 2004
well,sound great, air fresh for FTD and the fans. I hope that contained photos rare. we´ll apreciate,thank you.
jaap van der leij wrote on
February 13, 2004
I hope these plans will come true. It's a perfect combination, a book and cd. I like the ttwii-book and cd. This is really good news.
etp wrote on
February 13, 2004
I only hope that the books will be in better quality than the ttwiw book, and that it will be worth the money! The ttwiw was not! The pictures were gray instead of black and the quality of the paper was lousy! I really appreciate Ernst Jorgensen's knowledge and work but I want quality. And when it comes to the point of quality, well in my opinion FTD has negleced that part of the business! .....