Kansas City Star, August 31, 1983

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Horns blow joyful note into Costello's rock


Joe Rassenfoss

Elvis Costello and the Attractions with the TKO Horns
and Aztec Camera, Starlight Theatre, Kansas City

It's difficult keeping up with Elvis Costello, and judging from the English rocker's show Tuesday night at Starlight Theatre, it isn't going to get any easier.

In the past Mr. Costello has kept his fans guessing, going so far as to release an entire album of country songs (Almost Blue) to show his appreciation for that musical genre.

The songwriter's musical personality has seen its share of change, too. The "angry young man" of the past has given way in recent years to a more mature person.

Mr. Costello took the mystery a step further on his new album, Punch the Clock, by adding the TKO Horns, a bright four-piece outfit that contributes a soulful edge to his songs and a fine counterpoint to his razor-sharp vocals.

The horn section was along for nearly half the show, attended by about 4,000 fans, and the result was magnificent. It helped create a joyful sound on new songs such as "Let Them All Talk," "The Greatest Thing" and "Everyday I Write the Book."

Even better was the support it lent to older material such as the rhythmically halting "Watching the Detectives" — which almost sounded like reggae — and "Alison."

Mr. Costello and the Attractions took some time onstage alone during a set that ultimately stretched to 26 songs, burning through "(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes" and "What's So Funny 'Bout Peace, Love and Understanding?," among others.

It wasn't all up-tempo; the band saw fit to change speeds often. Particularly compelling were "Shabby Doll," from his album Imperial Bedroom, and the new "Shipbuilding," which bemoans man's ability to wage war above everything else.

In accord with his less-than-zealous stage presence, Mr. Costello employed a light system that was completely contained on-stage. It utilized lots of back lighting through translucent panels, which was extremely effective at framing the band as it performed.

Which is not to say the performer was a poor host. He introduced many of the songs and even went so far as to joke about Starlight Theatre's open-air atmosphere. ("Still don't have enough money for a roof, eh?") Now if someone would just tell him he isn't in Kansas.

Aztec Camera's unfettered, often acoustic, approach made it a most suitable opening act. Singer-songwriter Roddy Frame and his band drew more than polite responses on catchy tunes such as "Walk Out to Winter" and "Boy Wonders." Although the new band's repertoire is still growing, the future is promising.


Elvis Costello and the Attraction with the TKO Horns, Elvis Costello, vocals and guitar; Steve Nieve, keyboards; Bruce Thomas, bass; Pete Thomas, drums; Jim Paterson, trombone; Jeff Blythe and Paul Speare, saxophone; Dave Plews, trumpet.

With Aztec Camera. Presented at Starlight Theatre by New West and Contemporary Productions.


Tags: Starlight TheatreKansas CityMissouriThe AttractionsSteve NieveBruce ThomasPete ThomasThe TKO HornsJim PatersonJeff BlythePaul SpeareDave PlewsPunch The ClockLet Them All TalkThe Greatest ThingEveryday I Write The BookWatching The DetectivesAlison(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding?Shabby DollImperial BedroomShipbuildingAztec CameraRoddy Frame

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Kansas City Star, August 31, 1983


Joe Rassenfoss reviews Elvis Costello & The Attractions with The TKO Horns and opening act Aztec Camera, Tuesday, August 30, 1983, Starlight Theatre, Kansas City, Missouri.

Images

1983-08-31 Kansas City Star page 16B clipping 01.jpg
Clipping.


Page scan.
1983-08-31 Kansas City Star page 16B.jpg

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