Review of concert at 1999-06-18: Montreal, QUE, St Denis Theatre
Elvis Costello & Steve Nieve
- Bernard Perusse [bmperu@total.net]

 

By BERNARD PERUSSE

 

It was one of those rare occasions where the enthusiasm of a worshipping audience is justified in spades. Elvis Costello looked like he was thoroughly enjoying the revisiting of classics old and new during his 33-song, 2-hour-and-40-minute performance last night.

Despite the heavy demands this unadorned performance makes on his vocal cords, Costello couldn't have been in better voice. Steve Nieve, as always an awesome force of nature, provided enough dynamics and shading to turn the duo into a full band.

Acknowledgments of his French environment and several comments about how he doesn't come to Montreal often enough (two 1978 shows and a memorable 1994 performance are the only antecedents) further endeared him to the faithful.

For fans, it was a magical night. For skeptics, it must have been a revelation. My wife, who knew nothing of Costello's repertoire, said she can't remember ever enjoying a concert so much.

A triumph.