Coming out soon from the Straight Arrow import-label is the double CD set "Doin’ The Best I Can" featuring two shows recorded on February 16.
From the press-release:
Most Elvis experts agree that the „post Aloha“ winter engagement was his weakest up to that point. Perhaps his inner turmoils played a role, but a rather severe throat infection most definitely did. It was so serious that midnight shows on Feb. 13, 14 and 15 ended up getting cancelled and dinner shows were performed against doctors advice. At some of the shows it was clear that the infection seriously hampered his ability to sing. Still, being the professional that he was, he tried to do the best he could. This is also what you will hear on the previously unreleased concerts from this engagement on this new Straight Arrow release. Presented in truly excellent audience-recorded audio, they give us interesting insights of Elvis at work under trying circumstances. His voice is not at its best here, his condition prevents him from firing on all cylinders, but still he’s giving solid and professional shows. And that’s one element that certainly deserves to be acknowledged more than it is today.
The February 16, 1973 concerts are taken directly from original „booth recorded tapes.“ The Feb. 16, 1973 D/S was previously released ("A Dinner Date At The Hilton", 2007 and "I'm A Steamroller Baby", 2008) from an inferior audience recorded source. These CD have nothing to do with Straight Arrow’s excellent „booth tape“ version! The Feb. 16 1973 M/S is a completely new show, even for die-hard Elvis fans. It has never been in circulation - in any form! These tapes were rediscovered recently and we believe that you will agree with us that this is another great find. A real must - not just for the hardcore collector. Another quality Straight Arrow release! Tracklist:
CD1 - Friday, February 16, 1973 Dinner Show
01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen - 04. Love Me Tender - 05. You Don't Have To Say You Love Me - 06. Steamroller Blues - 07. You Gave Me A Mountain - 08. Fever - 09. Love Me - 10. Blue Suede Shoes - 11. Hound Dog - 12. Johnny B. Goode - 13. What Now My Love - 14. Suspicious Minds - 15. Introductions of singers, musicians, orchestra - 16. Introduction of Johnny Tillotson - 17. I Can’t Stop Loving You - 18. An American Trilogy - 19. Can't Help Falling In Love - 20. Closing Vamp / Announcements.
CD2 - Friday, February 16, 1973 Midnight Show
01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen - 04. Love Me Tender (with false start) - 05. You Don't Have To Say You Love Me - 06. Steamroller Blues - 07. You Gave Me A Mountain - 08. Fever - 09. Love Me - 10. Blue Suede Shoes - 11. Johnny B. Goode - 12. Hound Dog - 13. What Now My Love - 14. Suspicious Minds - 15. Introductions of singers, musicians, orchestra - 16. Introduction of Paul Anka - 17. I Can’t Stop Loving You - 18. An American Trilogy - 19. Can't Help Falling In Love - 20. Closing Vamp / Announcements.
(Source: FECC)