Saturday, September 24, 2011

September 24 - Alright, Okay, You Win Jerry

The Straight Arrow import label announced the release of the CD 'Alright, Okay, You Win' containing an audience recording of the September 29, 1974 afternoon show as recorded in Detroit MI. 


From the press-release:
Since the late 70s, there were rumours that the tour opening in College Park was a complete disaster - one of the worst Elvis concerts ever. This rumour was first published in Jerry Hopkins' book, and it was repeated in various publications so many times that almost nobody had any doubt. In 2006, Straight Arrow released a CD called "Chaos In College park" which was an eye-opener, and proof that it was rather decent concert with some fine performances, too. 
According to several books, the Detroit, MI, September 29th, 1974 afternoon performance was another of the most controversial Elvis Presley events. In a recent book, "Day by Day", it's said that Elvis was on stage for 30 minutes only, giving his worst concert of the tour. 
In August, Straight Arrow obtained a bunch of tapes, among them a 1st generation copy of a previously unknown audience recording of this Detroit concert. The producers decided to release this particular recording because it is an interesting show in good sound quality. Will another myth be shattered? Is the show as bad as its reputation? Judge for yourself. It's worth pointing out that the running time is about an hour, and not 30 minutes. 
As you've come to expect from Straight Arrow, the tape was completely restored for your enjoyable listening. The disc is accompanied with a deluxe 16-page booklet, including critical liner notes and a collection of photos taken in Detroit on Sept. 29th, October 4th and in South Bend on September 30th, 1974. 
"Alright, Okay, You Win" will be released in early October. 


Tracklisting: 
01. Opening Vamp / C. C. Rider - 02. I Got A Woman / Amen - 03. Love Me 04. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - 05. It's Midnight - 06. Big Boss Man - 07. Fever - 08. Love Me Tender - 09. Hound Dog - 10. All Shook Up - 11. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel / Hound Dog - 12. Don't Be Cruel (reprise) - 12. Introductions of singers, musicians - 13. When It's My Time (by Voice) - 14. Why Me Lord - 15. Introductions of singers, musicians continues - 16. Lead Guitar Solo (James Burton) - 17. Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) - 18. Bass Solo (Duke Bardwell) - 19. Alright, Okay, You Win (Glen D. Hardin, sung by Elvis) - 20. Killing Me Softly (by Voice, incomplete) - 21. Let Me Be There (with reprise) - 22. Hawaiian Wedding Song - 23. Can't Help Falling In Love 24. Closing Vamp. 
Bonus: Alright, Okay, You Win (taken from soundboard)


Way Down With Jerry Scheff



Backbeat Books announced the release of Jerry Scheff autobiography entitled 'Way Down: Playing Bass with Elvis, Dylan, the Doors and More - The Autobiography of Jerry Scheff' with March 2012 as the releasedate. 


From the pressrelease:
"In this candid and perceptive memoir of his 45-year career, bassist Jerry Scheff takes us onto Elvis's private jet, on tour with Bob Dylan, and into the studio with the Doors. A stalwart presence behind some of the greatest names of popular music, Scheff has also played with Roy Orbison, Elvis Costello, the Association, Neil Diamond, Johnny Mathis, the Everly Brothers, John Denver, and Nancy Sinatra, to name just a few. Eschewing hype, Scheff provides a behind-the-scenes perspective, from having worked sleeves rolled up, side by side, with the great artists in their factories. 
The book opens with the TCB band's learning of the King's death while en route to a tour date, a pivotal moment for him, the rest of the band, and the world at large. He then proceeds on a nonlinear journey that mirrors the process of true life-reflection, from his roots in San Francisco to his touring all over the world. This is a tale of a man who has truly grown a career from a genuine love of music and of his instrument, proving how following that gift can bring a person to places beyond his wildest dreams. It is an exciting inside view of the evolution and craft and work of making rock and roll - a must-have for true music craftsmen and music junkies in general."

(Source: FECC / Elvis Information Network / Elvis Club Berlin)