Review : From Elvis In Memphis CD

From Elvis In Memphis

Elvis Presley's 1968 NBC TV Special had been well received and critically acclaimed and the resulting soundtrack had sold a million copies. Elvis quickly returned to the studio and recorded one of the better albums of his career.

Elvis decided to stay close to home and record at Chip Moman's American Studios in Memphis. Chips Moman would share producing credits with Elvis' personal producer, Felton Jarvis. The resulting album, From Elvis In Memphis,was a mix of country, rhythm & blues and rock 'n' roll songs. The album, released June 17, 1969, would be a huge pop hit and also reach number 2 on the national country charts. One of Elvis' late career signature songs graces this album. 'In The Ghetto' was a significant hit and showed, at age 34, a mature Elvis who was now far from his film career of just a year ago. Released several months before From Elvis In Memphis, this socially conscious song provided the musical foundation and interest for the album which followed.

'Wearin' That Loved On Look' is the first track on the album and is an energy filled romp. Elvis' voice is in fine form as he roars through this song written by Dallas Frazier especially for this album. The old Eddy Arnold country song, 'I'll Hold You In My Heart', is given a fine blues interpretation. The Hank Snow classic, 'I'm Movin' On', is a combination of classic country with a pop vocal. 'Gentle On My Mind' and 'Any Day Now' have vocal performances that are smooth like butter. The Johnny Tillotson pop tune, 'It Keeps Right On A Hurtin', is interpreted as an effective country song.

The Memphis sessions also produced a number of outstanding tracks that were left off the album and were issued as stand alone single releases. They have been added as bonus tracks to most modern day CD releases of this album. These tracks only serve to make a very good album better. The beautiful and tender ballad 'Don't Cry Daddy', the mellow 'Kentucky Rain' and the number one hit 'Suspicious Minds' were all products of these recording sessions and would keep Elvis in the public eve and on the radio for almost a year.

In addition two underrated Elvis performances, 'Mama Liked The Roses' and 'The Fair Is Moving On' were also recorded at this time.

From Elvis In Memphis proved to be a highlight in the recording career of Elvis Presley. Oddly he would never work with Chips Moman again which was a regrettable decision given the quality of their work together. This album, both the original release and the lengthened CD issues, are essential listening for any Elvis fan.

Buy From Elvis In Memphis : 40th Anniversary Legacy Edition 2 CD Set

 Reinventing Elvis: The American Sound Studios Sessions

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From Elvis In Memphis : 40th Anniversary Legacy Edition 2 CD Set

Disc 1: Elvis Is Back (1960)

Make Me Know It
Fever
The Girl Of My Best Friend
I Will Be Home Again
Dirty, Dirty Feeling
Thrill Of Your Love
Soldier Boy
Such A Night
It Feels So Right
The Girl Next Door Went A'Walking
Like A Baby
Reconsider Baby
Stuck On You
Fame And Fortune
It's Now Or Never
A Mess Of Blues
Are You Lonesome Tonight?
I Gotta Know
Surrender

Disc 2: Something For Everybody (1961)

There's Always Me
Give Me The Right
It's A Sin
Sentimental Me
Starting Today
Gently
I'm Coming Home
In Your Arms
Put The Blame On Me
Judy
I Want You With Me
I Slipped, I Stumbled, I Fell
I Feel So Bad
(Marie's The Name Of) His Latest Flame
Little Sister
Good Luck Charm
Anything That's Part Of You

Buy Elvis Is Back! Legacy Edition

Musicians:

Elvis Presley and the band - Studio B, Nashville, June 1970

Top, (left to right): David Brigs, Norbert Putman, Elvis Presley, Al Pachucki, Jerry Carrigan; bottom: Felton Jarvis, Chip Young, Charlie McCoy, James Burton (Early morning hours June 9, 1970)

Guitar: James Burton (June sessions), Eddie Hinton (September sessions), Chip Young, Elvis Presley
Bass: Norbert Putnam
Drums: Jerry Carrigan
Piano: David Briggs
Organ & Harmonica: Charlie McCoy

Overdubbed later:

Guitar: James Burton, Harold Bradley ('Snowbird' only)
Percussion: Jerry Carrigan
Percussion & Vibes: Farrell Morris
Organ: David Briggs
Steel guitar: Weldon Myrick
Banjo: Bobby Thompson ('Little Cabin On The Hill' only)
Fiddle: Buddy Spicher ('Little Cabin On The Hill' only)
Trumpet: Charlie McCoy, George Tidwell, Don Sheffield, Glenn Baxter
Sax: Wayne Butler, Norman Ray
Trombone: Gene Mullins
Flue and Trombone: William Puett
Flute, Sax And Clarinet: Skip Lane
Vocals: The Imperials, The Jordanaires, Millie Kirkham, Mary (Jeannie) Greene, Mary Holladay, Ginger Holladay, Temple Riser, June Page, Sonja Montgomery, Dolores Edgi

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