February 21, 1971 Midnight Show

(text kindly lended from “BOOTLEG ELVIS”)

Not even half a year had passed since Presley’s triumphant summer festival in bright light city, during which a good part was filmed for the upcoming documentary ‘That’s The Way It Is’. In the meantime, two highly successful and thrilling short tours, the first ones since 1957, brought the legendary performer back to many fans’ doorsteps all across the nation. 

Coming back to Las Vegas for his fourth month-long run in the short time span of only one and a half years, it became apparent to the close observer that the Memphis singer was bored already. Too lazy to care much about an updated repertoire, all the audience got was a rehash of his earlier appearances with two exceptions; Most shows, partially due to the star catching the flu, ran only about half as long as during the previous engagement and some closed with a new song – The Impossible Dream – a beautiful Mitch Leigh composition from the tony award winning 1965 musical The Man Of La Mancha. To be fair, we have to say that even with some shows only running around 35 to 40 minutes , Elvis , as bored as he might have been at times, infused them with a good deal of his humor and vocal power, still leaving the audience in awe. It might be of interest to the serious Presley scholar that it was during this engagement that a new orchestral theme was inaugurated. 

The resounding horns of Richard Strauss’ Also Sprach Zarathustra would from now on herald the arrival of the King to the concert stage. If you want to relive the magic and excitement of Elvis in Las Vegas, this superbly packaged and good sounding album is your invitation to the showroom of the International Hotel. Enjoy the show.

Tracklisting:

February 21, 1971 Midnight Show
Digitally remastered with great results.

That’s All Right
I Got A woman
Jailhouse Rock
Love Me
Mystery Train / Tiger Man (medley)
Sweet Caroline
You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling
Pol Salad Annie
Something
Johnny B. Goode
How Great Thou Art
Don’t Be Cruel
Heartbreak Hotel – Blue Suede Shoes (medley)
Little sister / Get Back (medley)
It’s Now Or Never
Hound Dog
The Impossible Dream 

Brand-New Release import