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Night Of The Dragon

November 19, 2020 | Music

Wednesday, August 28th 1974 Dinner & Midnight shows, Las Vegas Hilton, Las Vegas, NV.
Label:  Straight Arrow Special Products SA/SP 2020-63-02

Straight Arrow is pleased to bring you a new double CD dedicated to Elvis' Summer Las Vegas '74 season, which was always rated as controversial due to Elvis in-between-songs comments in several shows. Nevertheless, musically, all shows were very good. Straight Arrow has released only 2 shows so far: "Karate Fever" CD (August 31st, 1974 D/S in 2010) and "Stormy Weather Ahead" 2CD (September 2nd, 1974 D/S in 2017).

August 28th recordings are coming directly from the recently discovered new sources; the first generation copies of the original audience-recorded mastertapes, never before in circulation! These fascinating, previously unreleased concerts were never before available in such an excellent sound quality!

Both play lists included several songs unique to this season: "It's Midnight", "Big Boss Man" and funky "If You Talk in Your Sleep," the latter with a karate demo midway. His song selection demonstrated his expertise in a great variety of musical genres: the sexy styling of "Fever," the poignancy of "I'm Leavin'," and the feel-good of two Olivia Newton John songs "If You Love Me (Let Me Know)" and "Let Me Be There." Most of all, perhaps, Elvis touched first base musically with the stirring performances of "How Great Thou Art." Worth to mention is the rare inclusion of "My Boy" which was presented only once in 1974 (by request).

As usual, this release is presented in a deluxe 4-panel double digipack with a collection of images taken on stage during Elvis' Summer Las Vegas '74 season. If you have enjoyed our previous August / September '74 releases, we believe that you will love this one as well. Ask your local audio vendor for trials!

The Straight Arrow team is always looking for new, unreleased audience-taped shows and for the improved versions of previously released recordings. If you have such tapes, even damaged or broken, do not hesitate to contact us through your local vendor.

Tracklist:

CD1 – Wednesday, August 28, 1974 Dinner Show
01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen - 04. Love Me - 05. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - 06. It's Midnight - 07. Big Boss Man - 08. Fever - 09. Love Me Tender - 10. All Shook Up - 11. I'm Leavin' - 12. Softly As I Leave You (with Sherrill Nielsen) - 13. Hound Dog - 14. An American Trilogy - 15. Introductions of singers, musicians, orchestra - 16. If You Talk In Your Sleep - 17. Help Me - 18. My Boy - 19. How Great Thou Art  - 20. Let Me Be There (with reprise) - 21. Hawaiian Wedding Song - 22. Can't Help Falling In Love - 23. Closing Vamp.

Bonus tracks (recorded from soundboard, August 28th, 1974 D/S):
24. Help Me - 25. My Boy - 26. How Great Thou Art.

CD2 – Wednesday, August 28, 1974 Midnight Show
01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen - 04. Love Me - 05. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - 06. It's Midnight - 07. Big Boss Man - 08. Fever - 09. Love Me Tender - 10. All Shook Up - 11. I'm Leavin' - 12. Softly As I Leave You (with Sherrill Nielsen) - 13. Hound Dog - 14. An American Trilogy - 15. Introductions of singers, musicians, orchestra - 16. Introduction of Tom Jones - 17. If You Talk In Your Sleep - 18. Why Me, Lord? - 19. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - 20. How Great Thou Art - 21. Let Me Be There (with reprise) - 22. Hawaiian Wedding Song - 23. Monologue - 24. Can't Help Falling In Love - 25. Closing Vamp.

Source:For CD Collectors Only