BREAKDOWN IN BALTIMORE

2 CD DIGIPACK - Straight Arrow

BALTIMORE, MAY 29, 1977

AUDIENCE RECORDING

40 Years After Vol. 3

The second STRAIGHT ARROW release is called “BREAKDOWN IN BALTIMORE”. It is a new double CD dedicated to Elvis' May '77 tour. This recording was taken directly from a recently found original audience recorded mastertape, taped by Elvis fan Linda from Washington.

The Baltimore, May 29th, 1977 show was first released in 1994, on the poor sounding, incomplete CD ”SEND ME THE LIGHT… I NEED IT BAD!” In 2011, it was released again in better sound on the 2CD-set ”BALTIMORE NIGHTFALL”. Now STRAIGHT ARROW is coming with the ultimate release of this historic night. This concert was never before available in such good sound quality!

When The King made his last visit to Baltimore 40 years ago, no one knew he would be dead less than three months later. But many suspected that something was wrong.

The Elvis Presley who took to the stage at the Civic Center on May 29, 1977, was not the Elvis most of his fans knew. Presley was no longer the sexy, virile, electric presence that revolutionized both the recording industry and live performing in his heyday. Still, his voice and charisma were present.

As usual, Elvis opened the show with “See See Rider,” kicking off a set that included many of the classics, including “That’s All Right”, “Are You Lonesome Tonight,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Hound Dog,” a rare attempt at “The Wonder of You” and “It’s Now or Never.” It was reported that Elvis left the stage for 30 minutes, actually it was barely 20 minutes and after his return, Elvis performed knock-out versions of “Help Me”, “Hurt” and THE SONG of the evening: a fantastic version of “Unchained Melody”.

The liner notes are taken from recent article, published on Aug. 10th, 2017 in the Baltimore Sun. This new release will be presented in a beautiful 4-panel double digipak that includes rare photos taken in Baltimore. Another essential SA release, providing a fresh insight into what must have been a difficult night for Elvis. Despite obvious health issues, Elvis does his best to ‘deliver the goods’ to the fans, and especially the final part of the concert is both moving and heart-warming… He must have felt terrible, but still he pulled out all the stops to be Elvis Presley for his audience. A must, and a unique insight into the man’s will-power and love for his fans.

Tracklist:

CD1

01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen - 04. That’s All Right - 05. Are You Lonesome Tonight - 06. Blue Christmas - 07. Heartbreak Hotel - 08. Love Me - 09. Jailhouse Rock - 10. You Gave Me A Mountain - 11. Danny Boy (Sherrill Nielsen) - 12. Walk With Me (Sherrill Nielsen) - 13. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel / Elvis leaves the stage - 14. Walk That Lonesome Road (J. D. Sumner & The Stamps) - 15. My Heavenly Father Watches Over Me (Kathy Westmoreland).

CD2

01. Introductions of singers, musicians, orchestra (by Charlie Hodge) - 02. Early Mornin' Rain (sung by John Wilkinson) - 03. What'd I Say (James Burton, instrumental) - 04. Johnny B. Goode (James Burton, instrumental) - 05. Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) - 06. Bass Solo (Blues - Jerry Scheff) - 07. Piano Solo (Tony Brown) - 08. Electric Piano & Clavinet Solo (Bobby Ogdin) - 09. School Day / Elvis returns - 10. Hurt - 11. Hound Dog - 12. Help Me - 13. Unchained Melody - 14. Blue Suede Shoes - 15. The Wonder Of You (part only) - 16. One Night - 17. O Sole Mio (Sherrill Nielsen) / It's Now Or Never - 18. Can't Help Falling In Love - 19. Closing Vamp / Announcements.