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Elvis Costello was in a very playful mood at the Wellmont Theater last night, and the crowd of mostly Baby Boomers (with a spattering of younger men in Elvis-style hats), were primed. After all, ticket holders to the sold-out show had waited since May to see him. Costello was forced to cancel his spring date due to a respiratory infection.
But no matter, the former London pub rocker made up for it by playing nonstop for three hours. He put so much energy into his performance — which was complete with a retro-20th century TV game show theme — that he soaked his three piece suit with sweat. Costello brought up audience members to spin the great song wheel, adding chance to his performance line up. Whatever song the wheel landed on is what he played, more or less. At one point, he nudged it a little, and said “if I can’t cheat in New Jersey, where can I cheat?” Once they spun the wheel, the lucky audience members got to sit on stage and enjoy the performance, as well as dance in the groovy go-go booth.
Speaking of Jersey, Costello worked in a few American political jokes. He noted that Governor Christie was no longer running for President — if he ever had been. He also warned the audience that the “rapture” was coming, and that they would be taking Michelle Bachmann first.
But fun showmanship aside, it was really all about the music, which was eclectic and sublime. In typical Costello style, a diverse range of genres, from jazz, ragtime and Motown, to head-banging and trippy-rock were passed through his special filter, only to come out distinctly Elvisized. He even had his own “jam band” moment, with the stage lights all red and him wailing away on the guitar. For sure, Costello puts his own unique signature on everything he performs, but that’s not news. He’s a musical barrier-buster, and celebrates the totality of music, paying homage to all of it.
One of my favorite moments — and I was in good company in my appreciation, based on the cheering — was when he was alone on the stage and stepped away from the microphone. Costello’s vocals carried unassisted through the venue, and his rendition of A Slow Drag With Josephine was memorable in its simplicity.
But the encores… ah, well he finally got to Alison in the second return to the stage. In the middle of the song, he switched into Smokey Robinson’s Tracks of My Tears. After that it was all delicious icing on the cake.
And yes, Elvis, since you asked, it was well worth the wait.
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