SONY/BMG ©
Disc Two
Let’s move on to the real gem on this set. Disc two gives us the outstanding closing night show from February 23rd 1970. After fifty seven shows over twenty nine days, Elvis is great spirits despite having a lingering cold throughout the engagement.
Elvis took to the stage well after midnight and was having so much fun it seemed as if he didn’t want to leave. He attacks “I Got A Woman” with a 50’s-like swagger - I’m sure Bill Black would have approved. After a rocking “Long Tall Sally”, Elvis has a go on a trumpet that apparently belonged to comedian Sammy Shore. (?) Answers on post card please! With the wives and girlfriends aloud to attend the closing night, even Priscilla waited her turn for a kiss during “Love Me Tender”. “Kentucky Rain” is done with the same passion and commitment as the recorded version; there’s no fooling around on this on this one. What can I say about “Let It Be Me”? This is another superb performance. By now, Elvis and the crowd are really into the show. You can tell they are right there with him as he puts everything into knock-out versions of “I Can’t Stop Loving You” and “See See Rider”. It’s unusual to hear this one in the middle of the show. “Polk Salad Annie” by now has that down and dirty feeling we’re all familiar with. Just listen as the Sweet Inspirations stay in the groove at the end of the song, “Say hey, hey, I fell alright!”
After the band intros, we’re treated to some real delights. Elvis is having a ball! He sits at the piano and gives us an impromptu version of Fats Domino’s “Blueberry Hill” before going into “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” and “Heartbreak Hotel”. Just brilliant! Elvis than takes his electric guitar and gives us a stomping version of “One Night”. This is followed a rare off-the cuff version of “Its Now Or Never”, with Glen D falling in right away with some beautiful Floyd Cramer style piano fills. The crowd are on their feet after “Suspicious Minds” almost brings the show to a close. Elvis thanks his light-man Lamar Fike and his sound engineer Bill Porter. He then introduces the Colonel, telling everyone that he loves him, only to find he’s out in the casino! (Now there’s a surprise!) Following a shout- out to Felton Jarvis, Elvis thanks the audience and tells them he’ll be in Texas next weekend at the Astrodome.
And so, “Can’t Help Falling In Love” brings this truly superb concert to a close. This is Elvis at the top of his game, singing every song with 100% commitment. After reviewing this show I’d say it’s one of my all-time favourites and considering the original sound source, Vic Anesini has done a great job remastering it. It’s a great addition to the other great shows from this time. I can’t recommend it enough - if you’ve still to add this one to your collection, don’t hang about. Get it and play it loud!
MR MEMPHIS