I bought what I thought were surprisingly expensive tickets for this show at the Beacon because Elvis Costello has always delivered a great show and an original one whenever I have seen him. This was no exception
First up was Ian Prowse who was a full throated scouser singer songwriter. He started with an acapela folky song and played an interesting selection ending with ‘Does this train stop on Merseyside’ which we had heard Christy Moore sing many years ago but which he wrote.
Elvis Costello appeared with just Steve Nieve plus a technician who sometimes sorted out some drums and other stuff. Steve Nieve was brilliant – I hadn’t appreciated how good a keyboards player he was. Elvis as always delivered superb singing, interesting guitar accompaniment and a great selection of songs.
It was a two hour set with all his hits, some covers and a lot of songs I didn’t recognise but without exception enjoyed.
The covers included ‘Ghost Town’ and a super version of ‘Don’t let me be misunderstood’ which blew away the Animals version which I had previously thought was good.
The EC hits were all done as new arrangements, ‘Alison’, ‘I don’t want to go to Chelsea’ and ‘Olivers Army’ all came across as original versions particularly with Steve Nieve's piano which featured strongly throughout the gig
One highlight was ‘Shipbuilding’ which has to be my favoutrite of his songs but that was soon followed by ‘Watching the Detectives in up tempo mode and the the entirely appropriate ‘What’s so funny bout peace love and understanding’ to finish the gig.
Yet again Elvis Costello delivers.
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