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"Collectors Gold" provides fans with a unique
glimpse of Elvis at work in the studio and on stage in the legendary
cities that made him an icon of pop culture: Hollywood, Nashville,
and Las Vegas.
Uncovered by BMG executives Ernst Mikael Jorgensen and Roger Semon
during a 1989/90 worldwide vault search, the never before heard
takes from Hollywood and Nashville sessions on discs one and two
reveal Elvis the musician, honing his craft. You'll hear different
song arrangements employed, some alternate approaches to now
familiar vocal lines, and even a magic moment or two of Elvis' down-home demeanor as he comments on the proceedings and jokes
around with the boys in the band.
The sounds on these discs serve to transport the listener to a
comfortable easy chair positioned between the monitors in the studio
control room while the rock 'n' roll sizzles.
Disc three will delight fans who've been anxiously awaiting a new
concert release, as it features recently discovered live material
from Elvis' 1969 appearances at the International Hotel in Las
Vegas.
While the team of producers involved in the development of this
compilation acknowledge that these alternate takes were obviously
held back from release for some reason, one listen will reveal that
this was not necessarily due to a lack of quality. Indeed, in mang
cases the sound quality of these newly found tape sources rivals
that of the original masters.
Further, alter listening to all the new material, the team
discovered that the original master take wasn't necessarily the only
fascinating one. With the heavy pressures of a "career move" long
since taken away, the merit of Elvis' recorded work can be assessed
from a historical perspective, and in a more objective manner. Elvis
has indeed left behind a colorful and interesting legacy of
unreleased recordings, as well as a fervently loyal legion of fans.
With that in mind the producers have decided to salute these fans
with a unique and intimate look at Elvis through the 60's. |
