No more results on this page
Elvis Costello is a writer and part-time musician who made a number of records in the 20th Century, some of which are still remembered today.
He was born in London and raised there and in Liverpool.
Costello is the composer or lyricist of over six hundred published titles, including fifteen songs co-written with Paul McCartney and renowned collaborations with Allen Toussaint, the Brodsky Quartet and T Bone Burnett.
Costello's songwriting alliance with Burt Bacharach, began in 1995 with the song, "God Give Me Strength", which led to the 1998 album, "Painted From Memory", before their work was collected in 2023, on the four-album set, "The Songs Of Bacharach & Costello".
Elvis Costello songs have been recorded by Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, Chet Baker, Dusty Springfield, Solomon Burke, George Jones, Linda Ronstadt and Bjork, while among the artists with whom he has written songs are Loretta Lynn, Carole King, Rosanne Cash and Kris Kristofferson and his wife, Diana Krall.
Working purely as a lyricist, Costello has provided words for the music of Billy Strayhorn, Oscar Peterson and for twelve Charles Mingus compositions and as a composer, set twelve unpublished lyrics by Bob Dylan.
2024 will see the opening of "A Face In The Crowd", Sarah Ruhl's stage adaptation of the Budd Schulberg story for which Elvis Costello composed the songs.
"A Face In The Crowd" will open at the Young Vic in London on INSERT DATE, directed by Kwame Kwei-Armah and produced by Adam Kenwright.
Elvis Costello is the author of "Unfaithful Music & Disappearing Ink", a more than six-hundred page memoir which has been translated into six languages. He has received a range of awards over his 45 year old career of which the induction into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame is probably the most significant.
Although he holds two honorary doctorates in music - one from the University of Liverpool and another from the New England Conservatory- Elvis Costello is known for playing the guitar with almost no regard for common sense.
Costello currently performs with The Imposters; his long time companions, drummer, Pete Thomas and pianist, Steve Nieve, bassist of twenty-three years standing, Davey Faragher and their special guest, Texas guitarist, Charlie Sexton.
The sound mix was awful, no separation at all. We sat in the front center balcony. This was my third show at The Factory and two had inexcusably bad sound mixes.
I thought it was great. Elvis was personable and interacted with the crowd continuously. My favorite part of the night was the story he told leading up to Radio Radio. The concert was very bluesy. Not my wife's cup of tea, but I dug it. The change of pace kept things interesting for three hours. Most of the favorites were included, along with a very eclectic set list. The finale rocked, Steve Nieve sounded great, and Charlie Sexton (and Elvis) shredded. The encore finished with a surprise blues song he hadn't played the night before.
Very entertaining and talented. Played with heart and sounded amazing
Elvis sounds as good as he did in the 80s!! He connects with the audience through his vocals and instrumental talents. Great concert!
First time my daughter or I saw Elvis Costello. He and the Imposters put on a great show! They played every song we know. We are very happy to have seen them. The Factory is a great place to see a show. Third time we've been there will definitely be going back soon.
Great songs, great band, great storyteller, witty, funny. A true entertainer, every time, can’t wait until the next time
LOVED IT!! usually hate when singers talk but EC was so engaging and funny that I didn’t mind. Loved that he sang other songs and restyled some of his own. Every day I write to book is my all time fave and he sang it! Just a great night with great music. Couldn’t have asked a more talented group of people to be on the stage.
We have seen EC at least six times over the years and this show was as good as any of them and they have all been excellent. We hope to see him again some day. His vocals were great, the set list was diverse and the band was tight. The final encore was mesmerizing.
Elvis sounded pretty good. His band was excellent with Charlie Sexton adding some great guitar! He played a few oldies which really got the crowd jumping, lots of new tunes that were good too. Was not a set of oldies by any means, but enjoyable overall.
First two or three rows of the upper sections may be behind ADA seating. If someone is sitting there you won't be able to see the stage. If nobody is sitting there the rails block visibility too. If you want a clearer view sit at least 4-5 rows up in the 200s. The set list itself was disappointing. I knew he would play some songs I was unfamiliar with but he only played 6 or so of his hit songs with covers and other obscure songs making up the rest of the set. In the middle of the set he played some acoustic songs where people were in masse getting up to go to the bathroom or get another drink.
A wonderful venue for my all time favorite artist! We were lower balcony and I could see his facial expressions!!! The sound quality was superb!! I would definitely go to the Factory again!
Every show I see at the Uptown has terrible sound. One would think it's the room, but during the Elvis Costello show, 80% sounded like we were in a tin can (punishingly shrill, with virtually no midrange), and the remaining 20% was decent and we were able to enjoy the very solid ending of the set and encores. Elvis was in fine form, full of amusing stories and jokes. My favorite moment came with a reworking of "Brilliant Mistake"that had a Rain Dogs-era Tom Waits feel. Definitely recommend seeing Elvis on this tour. Just hoping he'll book a different venue next time he comes through.
The Uptown Theater was an awesome venue for the concert. The sound was phenomenal, and the seats were comfortable. Elvis and the Imposters put on a top-notch show filled with classics and covers. We are thrilled to have gotten the chance to see the show!
I had been an early Elvis fan. Saw his first concert in Kansas City in 1978! Had picked up 1-2 albums on the 20years after, but other than knowing he had married Dianna Krall , I hadn’t really paid much attention recently…Decided to go back to KC for his current tour - kind of for a reason to stay downtown for my wife’s birthday - and WOW! He is phenomenal! He came out wearing a kilt and he frequently engaged the audience with comical banter… BUT HIS MUSIANSHIP AND HIS BAND WERE ALL FANTASTIC! Even so many songs I had never heard were truly captivating! And he threw in several older songs , like “Watching the detectives” and “Allison” with new arrangements that made them even better! This was a STANDOUT SHOW!!! I saw Dylan in KC in August and yes, “he’s Bob Dylan …” (who I’ve seen at least 6-7 times), but Elvis was FAR MORE IMPRESSIVE! My wife and I are still talking about it! I’d go see him again in a minute!
Elvis fed off the excitement of the crowd and through that he put on an amazing show going through a songbook that covered decades.
Wow! Elvis Costello sounds just like he did when he was younger. He and his band members put on an outstanding show, and I am SO impressed. I loved his quirky energy and humor throughout the performance. I'm also amazed that he can chew gum and sing at the same time lol. My only disappointment was he didn't sing the song "Veronica."Other than that, I highly recommend seeing Elvis if you can! Also, I always enjoy attending concerts at this venue.
Elvis in wonderful form 1st couple songs too loud for the venue otherwise it was very good.
Overall a good show, acoustics seemed to be a bit off at venue
I’ve seen Elvis Costello four times and he gets better every time! Plus, he looks like he is having fun. .. I’m now hearing impaired so I don’t go to many live music venues or shows anymore but he (and Tom Petty when alive) are/were must sees!
The Uptown is a great old theater. Fun place. Elvis Costello just gets better with time! Just a great night!
