Review of concert from 2001-11-07: NYC, Beacon Hall; Elvis Costello with Charles Mingus Orchestra
- John Ottaviano

 

Beacon Hall, NYC

I was very fortunate that Rozy got us wonderful seats up close and on the right side. The band was just great, definitely on the spacy side rather than being real tight with an eclectic mix of instruments include French Horn, Oboe and Basoon.

Here's my best guess at the set list which is a combo of my Palm notes and cribbing from Mike Bodayle's list on the web:

1. Tonight at Noon - Charles Mingus Orchestra - Ripping, electric jazz tune
2. Noon Night - Charles Mingus Orchestra - smooth and soothing
3. This Subdues My Passion [Costello/Mingus] - EC on vocals - nice jazz ballad
4. Jelly Roll [Costello/Mingus] - EC on vocals - jaunty, bluesy tribute to Jelly Roll Morton
5. Clubland - arranged by Cy Johnson - The latin rhythm in the verses and the Kurt Weil choruses made me thing of the Boys from Brazil - interesting but a little jarring
6. The Long Honeymoon - sweet, appropriate arrangement
7. Self Portrait In Three Colouts [Costello/Mingus] - very lyrical, pleasant melodies, nice piano work
8. Stalin Malone - arranged by Roy Nathanson - While the music was good, I think Dec made the right choice on Spike by leaving out the vocals
9. Eclipse - Charles Mingus Orchestra alone - smooth, lovely tune - very sensuous
10. Upon A Veil Of Midnight Blue - arranged by Bill Frisell - w/EC - about as traditional a jazz tune as we heard all night
11. Slop ??? - Charles Mingus Orchestra alone
12. Invisible Lady [Costello/Mingus] - w/EC - a nice combo of lyrics, band and vocals - one of the best meshes of the night
13. Chewing Gum - arranged by Roy Nathanson - w/EC - super funky arrangement. The closest to 'getting down with his badself that the master of funk did all night.
14. Chill Of Death - Charles Mingus Orchestra alone - dark, brooding melody
15. Haitian Fight Song - Charles Mingus Orchestra - great rollicking and rolling tune - excellent jam
16. Edith And The Kingpin [Joni Mitchell] - arranged by Elvis Costello - w/EC - slow and deliberate (dreary) arrangement (also happened to be Joni's birthday which EC did not mention)
17. Don't Be Afraid, The Clown's Afraid Too {Costello/ - w/EC - in a word - cacophonous
18. Weird Nightmare [Mingus] - w/EC - very similar to the performances with the Big Band
19. Watching The Detectives - w/EC - arranged by Elvis Costello - Offbeat rhythm - awkward
20. Almost Blue - arranged by Earl McIntyre - w/EC - typical jazz arrangement - similar to Chet Baker version
21. Hora Decubitis (Hour Of Slep) [Costello/Mingus] - w/EC - the NYC tribute song w/Life is Beautiful chorus - a real be-bop rocker - easily the highlight of the evening

Elvis was actually quite chatty. Had lots of nice things to say about NY (why not?). I only wish I hadn't been so tired, but it was still a really nice show. As Brenda and Mikey said, the meet and great were fine, but crowded and the Beacon security were none too friendly and not cooperative. Still got my brand new FTS disc signed (thanks, Mike) before Elvis zoomed away.