Review: Denver II
Over the past decade, Elvis Costello devotees who prefer the pop songcraft, clever wordplay and bristling, crackling sound that first brought him to attention in 1977 have had reason for concern. He's delved into other genres working with decidedly adult artists - '60s pop professional Burt Bacharach, Swedish mezzo-soprano Anne Sofie von Otter, the Mingus Orchestra.
But his latest CD, "When I Was Cruel," goes back to taut, bilous rock. Costello describes it as a "rowdy rhythm" record. Nearly 16 months after its release, he's still touring to support it. He visited Universal Lending Pavilion on Wednesday night with the Imposters, featuring two original members of his seminal band, the Attractions - keyboardist Steve Nieve and drummer Pete Thomas.
Elvis Costello’s been rocking out, but his next project is with his fiancée, jazz singer Diana Krall. The set included "Tear Off Your Own Head (It's a Doll Revolution)" (the reunited Bangles cover it on their new album), "Radio Radio" (in a Clear Channel-owned-and-operated venue!) and "Alison" (which morphed into "Suspicious Minds" - apparently Costello's into the other Elvis, or at least "Lilo & Stitch").
At the one-hour mark, Costello unplugged his guitar and walked off stage, the band scurried after him, the house lights came up and music was piped over the PA. Thankfully, the singer/songwriter/guitarist returned (he was reportedly mad about monitor problems), but it was cool to see some real vitriol. It wasn't all show biz.
Costello never said a word to the crowd until his several encores, which were generous. He veered from saloon singer (Merle Haggard's "Tonight the Bottle Let Me Down") to soul man ("You Really Got a Hold on Me"). The finale of "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding" showcased Nieve's churning organ, Thomas' busy beats and Davey Faragher's sharp, muscular bass.
On the way out of the venue, fans were praying that Costello will make another album with the Imposters. The answer is no. At least not right away. And probably not until he makes the inevitable record with his fiancee, jazz singer Diana Krall. A new album is set for Sept. 23 release by Deutsche Grammophon. According to his publicist, "North" contains 11 ballads written at the piano and sung predominantly in his intimate speaking register. Instrumentation ranges from solo piano to a 48-piece ensemble. There are fewer than 12 bars of electric guitar on the entire record.
Describing the album, Costello said, "The record begins with a song called 'You Left Me in the Dark' and ends with a track called 'I'm in the Mood Again.' You have to listen to what goes on in between to find out why."