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Last night Elvis Costello showed how much appeal there can be in a single performer singing his songs with power and conviction, as he put on a virtuoso solo concert before 2,000 people at Rochester Institute of Technology's Frank Ritter Memorial Ice Arena.
Appearing solo is a gutsy move for Costello. His normal backing group, the Attractions, played fierce, tight rock behind Costello in the past, providing the strengths of his previous concerts. Costello gave them up to present his songs and voice unprotected and unadorned.
But his songs and performing skills were more than up to the challenge. By slowing down the breakneck pace at which he usually plays his songs, Costello's clever word play became clearer, and he was able to change tempo and mood more easily from song to song.
Opening with "Accidents Will Happen" from his Armed Forces album, Costello included material from all phases of his prolific career, from his 1977 debut album My Aim is True to his most recent album, Punch the Clock. He also played some new material, including a fine number called "Not the Only Flame in Town" that he performed on electric guitar.
And for just one man, Costello was able to convey an incredible amount of power on stage as he furiously chorded his guitar and sang while the sweat poured down his face.
The songs demonstrated just how versatile Costello can be, ranging from powerful rock to sophisticated ballads to country music. His words always have packed a punch, whether they are his patented bitter love songs, attacks on popular culture such as "Radio, Radio" or "Worthless Thing" or political works such as his anti-war "Shipbuilding."
After closing with "Everyday I Write the Book" from Punch the Clock, Costello came back for a fabulous encore — opening with Dylan's "I Threw It All Away," then moving to "Angels Want to Wear My Red Shoes" from his first album, changing the mood with a Charlie Rich country song and closing with a superb version of "Alison," charged with passion and longing.
Opening the show for Costello was Texas singer/songwriter T-Bone Burnett, who also appeared solo. Although Burnett does not have the power or onstage electricity of Costello, he also put on a fine performance, whether reveling in the cynicism of "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend" or playing one of his own songs such as the tender "After All These Years" from his most recent album, Proof Through the Night.
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