Maturity can do conflicting things to a rock performer like Elvis Costello. During his early, angry young man days, his shows were wildly unpredictable. He prematurely ended a Santa Monica Civic show, stalking off the stage, livid at the sound problems. The next night, he'd put on a fiercely spectacular show at Hollywood High. Every Costello concert used to be such a crapshoot.
Now, as the mellow Costello (relatively speaking), he may not reach the manic pinnacles of before, but his shows are consistently strong.
Such was the case at the Universal Amphitheatre, where Elvis displayed his ample talents in a lengthy, generous set. Backed by a four piece horn section, and two backup singers, Costello emphasized the soul/R&B roots of his music. While the brass added an imposing aural presence, punching up tunes like "Possession" and "Pump It Up," it didn't always work. The subtle tension of "Watching The Detectives" was lost in the overbearing brass.
For the most part, however, the musicianship was excellent. The Attractions, by themselves, are one of the best backing bands around. Special kudos have to go to Steve Nieve, effortlessly moving from one keyboard to another, his work not only fleshed out the melodies, but his tasteful arpeggios enhanced its dynamics.
Even so, it is Costello's material and presence that make it work. He is a master arranger, seamlessly segueing from the O'Jays' "Back Stabbers" to "King Horse," and from an Elvis Presley tune into "The Greatest Thing." This keeps the audience on their toes, never knowing what song to expect, and it adds to their surprise when they recognize each new tune.
While not blessed with the widest octave range or the purest voice, Costello uses his vocal talents magnificently. His phrasing is excellent, accentuating the lyrics for emotional impact on songs like "Kid About It" and the haunting anti-war ballad, "Shipbuilding." The man is in complete control of his talents, and he knows just when to lay back and when to go full-throttle.
Elvis Costello may not be the angry young man who, when he's on, can electrify an audience with his reckless abandon. But the passion is still there, and now, he rarely wastes it. Here, it's a just and acceptable trade-off.
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