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After succeeding with the challenge of the Almost Blue album, Elvis Costello next set himself the task of reproducing the experience for a one-off concert at the Royal Albert Hall in the company of The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
The concert, which was filmed by Riviera Global, was split into two parts. The first set was straightforward enough with Costello and The Attractions running through both old and new material in familiar style.
After the interval, however, it was a different story. The RPO took up their positions and the star walked on with Steve Nieve for a confident version of "Shot With His Own Gun." They were then joined by the rest of The Attractions and Doobie Brother John McPhee on pedal steel guitar.
While older numbers such as "Alison" and "Accidents Will Happen" successfully received the Hooked On Elvis treatment, the audience reserved most applause for the Almost Blue material such as "Brown To Blue" and the two recent singles.
Having finished with a stirring version of "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace Love and Understanding," Elvis eventually had to be called back to tell the crowd that they had run out of material to play. The concert was an undoubted feather in Costello's cap, and it will be interesting to see what he does next.
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