Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite - Presley, Elvis (CD 1998)

On 14 January 1973, Elvis Presley stepped on stage at the Honolulu Convention Centre and sang to a billion people via satellite around the world (excluding the US and UK). The number of viewers exceeded those who watched the first walk on the moon. The subsequent double album quadraphonic recording of the event hit the top position on Billboard s Album chart and remained on the chart for 52 weeks.

As a visual event, the show was a little disappointing as Elvis (though lean and looking damn cool) did not shake his legs or swivel his famous hips that much. Even his karate kicks and aerial chops were kept to a minimum. The advantage of this from a CD perspective, however, is that Elvis s vocal performances are not affected by him being out of breath or inadvertent movement of the hand microphone. Indeed, Elvis s vocal performances on this CD are easily (as a collection) some of his best from the 70 s era.

The sound quality on this CD is outstanding and is one of the best (if not the best) in-concert recording in this regard that I have ever heard. Significantly, there is not a trace of tape hiss. Also, the audience reaction rarely, if ever, interrupts one s listening pleasure.

The range of material and music styles on this collection is extensive and includes classic rock (from the 50 s, late 60 s and 70 s), ballads, standards (e.g. My Way ), country music, and blues. Elvis effortlessly moves from one type of number to another and despite the diversity of material, the CD comfortably holds together as a cohesive whole.

1. The classic rock numbers

Reviews I have read of this CD tend not to emphasise the rock numbers contained in the collection. This is surprising as many of the rock performances included here are superb. Elvis s rendition of his 1972 driving hit rocker Burning Love (1972: US #2) is, if anything, better than the original. The renowned hucka hucka burning love ending is particularly good and it is near impossible not to sing along.

Significantly, Elvis s renditions of Big Hunk of Love (1958: US #1), Long Tall Sally , Whole Lotta Shaking Going on , Johnny B Goode , Suspicious Minds (1969: US #1), Blue Suede Shoes (1956: US #24) and CC Rider do not attempt to recreate either his own earlier versions of the numbers or those of other 50 s artists. They are truly new creations that stand in their own right and cannot be compared with the original recordings. Most importantly, the subject performances represent rock par excellence and serve as a reminder of why Elvis earned the tag of King of Rock and Roll .

2. The Ballads

The CD contains one of the best ballad performances Elvis ever put to disc. The song in question is I ll Remember You . It was written by Kuiokalani Lee, who died of cancer some years prior to the concert and is a fitting homage to this obviously talented songwriter. Of interest, the proceeds of the concert were donated to a cancer fund named after Kuiokalani. Elvis gives I ll Remember You a restrained yet heartfelt performance. Anyone who has lost a partner to cancer or knows anyone in this position could not help but be moved by Elvis s interpretation of this most beautiful song.

Elvis s performance of his 50 s hit Love Me (1956: US #6) is a fun-filled tongue in cheek performance. Fever (originally recorded by Elvis in 1960 for the Elvis is Back album) is also in the same vein. In Fever , however, Elvis shakes his leg and twitches at key times throughout this number (effectively driving the female members of the audience into a frenzy) thus producing a myriad of screams at appropriate times. Significantly, this does not detract from the listening pleasure of this number and indeed the audience interaction (or reaction) is a key element in the success of this recording.

A terrific version is also done of What Now My Love . Sonny and Cher, Al Martino and even Herb Alpert have all given their own unique interpretations of this classic French composition. Elvis rendition is particularly powerful and his voice perfectly suits the dramatic yet sad feel of the song.

3. The Standards

Elvis tackles a number of well-known standards on this CD including Frank Sinatra s My Way , the Beatles Something and Jim Reaves Welcome to My World . Hardcore fans of the original big name artists associated with these numbers will undoubtedly prefer their recordings. It must be stated, however, that Elvis gives strong renditions of these classics and to his credit is not content in any of them to merely impersonate or replicate the better-known versions.

Welcome to My World is my favorite of the three. By the time Elvis sang this number in the subject concert he had long won over the concert audience. Welcome To My World comes across like a musical statement of his love for those present. The performance is filled with warmth and is a testimony to the magical relationship that Elvis had with his audience.

4. Country

Although not often referred to, Elvis (particularly in the 70 s) had a swag of top 10 hits in the country music charts. This CD not surprisingly has a number of songs (mostly ballads) with a country music flavor. These include I m so Lonesome I Could Cry , It s Over , I Can t Stop Loving You and You Gave Me a Mountain . Elvis gives his absolute all on these songs and delivers performances that will not only appeal to the country market but also the easy-listening market and possibly beyond.

5. Blues

Elvis s version of the James Taylor penned Steamroller Blues was the single release from the original double album. The single was deservedly a top 20 hit and ably demonstrates that Elvis was one of those rare performers who understood that to do the blues well the artist must not just sing the material but become at one with it. The performance is supported by some great guitar work by the legendary James Taylor . The dirty piano playing by James Hardin also helps bring the number to life.

6. American Trilogy

An American Trilogy is a medley of All My Trials , Dixie and The Battle Hymn of the Republic . Whenever Elvis sang this song in concert it inevitably was a showstopper. The rendition on this CD is sung with absolute sincerity and is, in essence, a dedication to all those who have died in battle and the loss felt by their families. The line so hush little baby don t you cry, you know your daddy is bound to die never ceases to move me. The sad flute solo leading into the dramatic ending of Glory alleluia their truth is marching on is the closest thing to a musical 12-gun salute that could ever be achieved. Though Elvis did many great versions of this song, the definite version on disc is the recording contained on this CD. The standing ovation that concludes the performance is well deserved.

I have owned Aloha From Hawaii in one form or another for 27 years. I am as impressed today as I was the first time I heard it nearly three decades ago. If there was ever a CD deserving of a five star rating it is this one. God bless you Elvis and I hope you found the peace in the next world that some how eluded you in this one.