South Wales Echo, July 14, 2014

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South Wales Echo

UK & Ireland newspapers

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Elvis Costello, Brangwyn Hall, Swansea


Tony Woolway

Tony Woolway waited three decades to see Elvis Costello in Swansea and here's why it was definitely worth it
4 stars (out of 5) reviews4 stars (out of 5) reviews4 stars (out of 5) reviews4 stars (out of 5) reviews4 stars (out of 5) reviews

A wait of 34 years is a very long time, especially for an artist like Elvis Costello who seems to be constantly touring the globe in various guises and with different band mates.

So it was no surprise that the Swansea faithful packed the newly refurbished Brangwyn Hall for the eagerly awaited return of one of rock's most highly regarded and influential performers, who, despite an inauspicious start with some nasty sounding electrical problems, bounced back swiftly to produce a two-hour solo set that enthralled and entertained, earning countless standing ovations from a very knowing and appreciative audience.

Commenting on the rather more salubrious surroundings than his last visit, he cheekily compared the hall's dramatic murals to those drawn on the toilet wall of the old Top Rank venue where he played all those years ago, it was very much an evening of tall tales as well as breath-taking music.

For Elvis entertains on many levels being a skillful and very funny raconteur he regaled the audience with stories about his songs and experiences that complemented sweetly the great song choices that had something for everyone, from those who mainly knew the hits to the more discerning Elvis disciple armed with a knowledge of the his incredibly extensive back catalogue.

Opening with "Jack Of All Parades" from his acclaimed King Of America album it was the start of an interesting and varied set, virtually all played on acoustic guitar in Elvis' inimitable and aggressive style, the only deviation being a keyboard accompanied "Shipbuilding."

Picking highlights from such an impressive set is virtually impossible, yet to my ears, "New Amsterdam," that drifted effortlessly into The Beatles' "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away," and back again took some beating, as did renditions of "Alison," a wonderfully noisy version of "Watching The Detectives" full of guitar loops and feedback, even incorporating a police siren, which contrasted perfectly with a gentle version of Nat King Cole's "Walkin' My Baby Back Home."

Whether it be Carnegie Hall, where he recently played, or Brangwyn Hall, one thing's for certain, Elvis never fails to deliver.

Yes, 34 years is a long long time, but it was well worth the wait.


Tags: Brangwyn HallSwanseaTop Rank Suite (Swansea)Jack Of All ParadesKing Of AmericaNew AmsterdamThe BeatlesYou've Got To Hide Your Love AwayAlisonWatching The DetectivesNat King ColeWalkin' My Baby Back HomeCarnegie Hall

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South Wales Echo, July 14, 2014


Tony Woolway reviews Elvis Costello, solo, Friday, July 11, 2014, Brangwyn Hall, Swansea, Wales.



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