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It is not often you see a performer who has the ability to capture an audience as a one-man-show. Elvis Costello did just that at RIT last Friday night.
A crowd of approximately 3000 people witnessed Costello at his best as he captured the stage without his backing band, The Attractions. The one-man-show was perfect evidence that he has steadily progressed into a top-line performer.
Costello showed much of the versatility he has gained over the Course of his eight albums. Whether on guitar, keyboards or piano, he captivated the audience's attention throughout the show. For just short of two hours, he played a wide variety of singles from his albums.
Whether playing songs from early releases, like My Aim Is True and "Alison," or something as recent as "Pump It Up" and "Everyday I Write The Book," Costello gave the crowd their money's worth.
The show continued the long work Costello has put in to gain his moderate following.
He rode into the scene at a time when disco was at its zenith and the rock world was in a state of limbo.
In 1977 Costello released his first album, entitled My Aim Is True, which has become an underground classic. The record included songs like "Welcome to My Working. Week," "Red Shoes" and "Alison."
Many people were not ready for a performer with, the appearance of Costello. With the looks of a true nerd and a pigeon-toed style of playing guitar; it was obvious that Costello was not the typical performer of his day.
In his first few years in the music business, Costello gained a reputation as being extremely rude. Recently, however, he has shown substantial change in that area.
While listening to Costello on record or in concert, his songs often seem to reflect a cynical nature.
He is a definite master of the pen in conjunction with guitar. Even if you have never been a fan of Costello's, when listening to his albums, you can find . something that appeals to your taste. There is no doubting the man's versatility.
As time has passed, Costello's stage shows have increased in entertainment value. Friday's show was a perfect example that Costello is far from those 45 minute shows of the early days. His shows are more personal now — then was a certain aura at the Ritter Ice Arena.
Costello's show was an amazing presentation that showed he is outstanding with or without The Attractions. In due time Costello will crack the commercial barrier.
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