LIES & INVENTIONS
August 25th 1954
Born in St. Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, London.
Baptized in Holy Cross Church, Birkenhead.
1954-60
Family lives in basement flat in Avonmore Road, Olympia, London.
1954-69
Having begun as a trumpet player leading his own Modern Jazz ensemble in Birkenhead, his father, Ross MacManus, becomes one of three vocalists with The Joe Loss Orchestra.
This highly successful dance band is resident at the Hammersmith Palais for most of the late 50’s and through the 1960s and frequently featured on the “Come Dancing” BBC television show.
Most of the successful beat groups and solo singers of the 1960s feature as guests on the long-running, Friday lunchtime BBC radio show, “The Joe Loss Pop Show”.
The three band vocalist have to learn a number of current songs every week, performing material ranging from Kathy Kirby’s “Secret Love” to “See Emily Play” by the Pink Floyd.
There is a constant stream from “A” label advance 45rpm singles and publisher’s acetate dubs coming into the household to augment a small but varied family record collection.
The albums include those by Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Nat Cole, Stan Kenton, Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie as well as a number of classical titles and Irish folk music collections but no rock and roll music.
1963
The Joe Loss Orchestra shares the bill of the Royal Command Performance at the London Palladium with The Beatles and Marlene Dietrich, featuring her musical director, Burt Bacharach
1960-70
Family lives in East Twickenham.
Local newspapers report on dates at Eel Pie Island and the Station Hotel, Richmond that stage early shows by The Who and The Rolling Stones but licensing restrictions prevent attendance at such events.
Local residents include, Pete Townshend and members of the Yardbirds.
1969
First public performance, as an unpaid floor singer”, at the Lamplight Folk Club, Richmond in the basement of St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church.
Former Red Megaphone stalwart and composer of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”, falls asleep during “Winter Song”.
1970-73
Resident in Liverpool during senior school years before taking employment as a computer operator in 1972.
1971
First paid public performance at St. Georges Project, Liverpool. Short solo set is rewarded with a fee of 50 pence.
1971-73
Various appearances, both solo and in the duo, Rusty with Allan Mayes at the Yankee Clipper nightclub and local contemporary folk clubs and poetry readings.
1972
Meets Nick Lowe in The Grapes public house, Mathew Street, Liverpool prior to a Brinsley Schwarz gig at The Cavern.
1975
First recording sessions – both solo and with semi-professional band, “Flip City” – at an eight-track studio at the Hope and Anchor pub in Islington, London.
Abandoned plan by future Stiff Records founder, Dave Robinson, for a single release of Flip City’s cover version of “Third Rate Romance”, after Jesse Winchester’s recording of the song achieves cult status on BBC Radio London.
1975-76
Last Flip City appearances at the Red Cow, Hammersmith. A venue also played by The 101s, featuring Joe Strummer.
First solo public appearances billed as “D.P. Costello”, joining given initials to great-grandmother’s maiden name.
1976
Home-recorded tape of “Wave A White Flag”, “Poison Moon”, “Jump Up” and “Mystery Dance” aired on the BBC Radio London show, “Honky Tonk” by D.J. Charlie Gillett.
Stiff Records founded by Jake Riviera and Dave Robinson.
Personal delivery of demo tape to Stiff Records’ offices in Alexander St., London, results in them planning a recording session produced by Nick Lowe.
“Radio Sweetheart” and “Mystery Dance” are selected as the first songs to be recorded. The second song is regarded as a demo for Dave Edmunds, as Stiff initially identify Costello as a songwriter rather than recording artist.
Indeed most U.K. publishing houses and several record labels had already passed on a series of home produced demo recordings.
Nevertheless, rehearsals take place with members Marin County band, Clover, then resident at Headley Grange, country house and former album preparation location for Led Zeppelin and Bad Company.
1976-77
Elvis Costello is the first new artist signed to Stiff Records but has to wait until their eleventh single release (BUY 11), before being heard by the public and continues to work as a computer operator for the Elizabeth Arden cosmetics company, recording during “sick days”.
“Less Than Zero b/w “Radio Sweetheart” is followed up by “Alison” b/w “Welcome To The Working Week”.
Both are met with almost total commercial indifference.
Nevertheless, Stiff Records compile the results of six, four-hour sessions at the eight-track, Pathway Studios, Islington, London into an album, “My Aim Is True”
The album features with bassist, John Ciambotti, drummer, Mickey Shine, keyboardist, Sean Hopper and the guitar and pedal steel of John McFee, all the members of Clover apart from their singers, Alex Call and Huey Lewis.
July 1977
Elvis Costello and the Attractions are formed after auditions recruit 19 year old, Royal Academy of Music student and organist Steve Nason (later re-named, “Nieve”) and late 60s and early 70s, “veteran” bassist, Bruce Thomas.
Accompaniment at auditions provided by Andrew Bodnar and Steve Golding from The Rumour.
This line-up records “Watching The Detectives” at Pathway Studios and the song is later added to the U.S. edition of “My Aim Is True”.
It also features the first recorded appearance of Steve Nieve.
The Attractions line-up is completed by drummer Pete Thomas, who returns from several years working California, much of it with working with, John Stewart, the composer of The Monkees hit, “Daydream Believer”.
July 14th 1977
Following a week of rehearsals in Davidstowe Town Hall, Elvis Costello and the Attractions make their first public appearance in Penzance, Cornwall, supporting Wayne County and the Electric Chairs.
July 26th 1977
First London appearance at Dingwall’s is preceded by the arrest of the singer outside at the Park Lane Hilton, while making an impromptu kerbside audition for record company executives breaking for lunch at a Columbia Records convention.
August-September 1977
First national club dates take place between a month-long, Monday-night residency at the Nashville Rooms, West Kensington.
Dire Straits are among the opening acts.
By the final week, the show is threatened with police closure when crowds become too big for the tiny venue.
August 11th 1977
Elvis Costello and the Attractions make a two-day trip to Belgium to play the Bilzen Festival with The Damned and The Clash.
August 31st 1977
Due to a commercial airline strike, Elvis Costello and the Attractions fly in six-seat chart plane from Glasgow to London and then back to Edinburgh in order to make their first appearance on weekly chart show, “Top Of The Pops”.
They mime and lip-synching to new Stiff single release, “Red Shoes”.
The performance fails to improve the fortunes of the record.
October 3rd 1977
“A Bunch Of Stiff” tours opens in High Wycombe, England.
The rotating bill features, Elvis Costello and the Attractions, Ian Dury and the Blockheads, Wreckless Eric and Nick Lowe and the Last Chicken In The Shop, featuring Pete Thomas on guitar and Dave Edmunds as one of two drummers.
“Pump it up” written on a fire escape in Newcastle and debuted at Lancaster University in the last days of the tour is recorded at Eden Studios, a week later in the first of nine days of sessions which result in the album, “This Year’s Model”.
November 15th 1977
U.S. debut at the Old Waldorf, San Francisco, followed by dates at the Whiskey A-Go-Go, Hollywood, Jed’s in New Orleans and other cites including, Chicago and New York and concluding at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park.
The bill at the tiny, Capri Theater, Atlanta, is shared with Talking Heads, while the date at the Riviera Theatre, Chicago is in support to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
Neither of these shows is a sell out.
Columbia Records attempt to promote their recording artist Eddie Money with the, “Elvis n’ Eddie” double bill at the Agora Ballroom, Cleveland. Tickets cost $1.99¢.
The Stiff Records single, “Watching The Detectives”, reaches #16 in the U.K. charts.
December 17th 1977
Elvis Costello and the Attractions make their first U.S. television appearance on “Saturday Night Live”, deputizing for the originally booked musical guests, the Sex Pistols.
The substitution of “Radio Radio” for the second scheduled number, “Less Than Zero”, results in banishment from the programme until 1990 and from any NBC show until 1984.
1978
Recording of “This Year’s Model”, produced by Nick Lowe, is completed at Eden Studios, London.
U.K. Top 30 chart positions for singles, “I Don’t Want To Go To Chelsea”, #16, “Pump It Up”, #24 and “Radio Radio”, #29.
January 25th 1978
Second North American tour opens at the Armadillo Headquarters, Austin, Texas and closes on the March 7th at the “El Mocambo” club in Toronto.
March 26th 1978
Elvis Costello and the Attractions play the Stella Cinema, Rathmines in Dublin and tour theatres and clubs in Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England.
When bassist, Bruce Thomas cuts his hand in a bizarre juggling accident, Nick Lowe deputizes on bass for the final shows of the U.K. tour.
April 15th and 16th 1978
During the first of a two-night stand at the Roundhouse, Camden Town, Elvis Costello and the Attractions are joined on, “Mystery Dance” by Phil Lynott, the bassist of Thin Lizzy.
April 19th 1978
Third North American tour opens at the State Theatre, Minneapolis with Johnny Ciambotti of Clover deputizing on bass at this date and in Madison, Wisconsin until Bruce Thomas recovers and rejoins the band.
The triple bill features, Rockpile with Nick Lowe and Dave Edmunds and Mink Deville and plays both “early” and “late” shows in Royal Oak Theatre, Michigan, Massey Hall, Toronto and New York Palladium.
The tour also makes a stop at “Cain’s Ballroom”, Tulsa, Oklahoma – former radio broadcast home of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys and one of the few U.S. venues visited by the Sex Pistols.
The tiny local punk rock community is startled when Elvis Costello and the Attractions open the show with the Hank Williams songs, “Honky Tonk Blues” and “Honky Tonkin’”
During the tour “Accidents Will Happen” is written in Phoenix, Arizona and debuted six days later, with just Steve Nieve’s piano accompaniment, at the opening of the show at Hollywood High School on June 4th 1978.
June 7th 1978
The tour closes at the Winterland Ballroom, California.
June 21st 1978
Elvis Costello and the Attractions are taped performing “live” in a European television studio for the first time at an edition of “Rockpalast” in Cologne, Germany.
All previous U.K. and European television appearances have been mimed or filmed at club or concert locations.
July 1st-12th 1978
Scandinavian tour includes an appearance at the Roskilde Festival in Denmark
Late July 1978
Private visit to Nashville during which “Stranger In The House” is to be recorded for the George Jones album, “My Very Special Friends”.
Planned duet is postponed when Jones is unable to attend session.
July 25th 1978
Guest appearance with Delbert McClinton at the Lone Star Café, performing, Hank Williams’, “You Win Again”, the Chuch Berry number, “Don’t Lie To Me” and Merle Haggard’s “Tonight The Bottle Let Me Down”.
August 5th 1978
Elvis Costello and the Attractions perform “live” on U.K. television for the first time on the “Revolver” programme, hosted by comic genius, Peter Cook.
August 1978
Recording of “Armed Forces” at Eden Studios produced by Nick Lowe.
A BBC documentary film crew is ejected from the studio on the second day of recording after a dispute with management over working conditions.
September 24th 1978
100,000 people attend the second “Rock Against Racism” event at Brockwell Park, Brixton. Elvis Costello and the Attractions share the bill with the reggae group, Aswad and the punk band, Sham 69.
October 18th 1978
Guest appearance at C.B.G.B’s., playing guitar with Richard Hell and the Voidoids. Numbers performed include, “You Gotta Lose” and the Jagger/Richards song, “Shattered”.
November 1978
Filming of video clip for “What’s So Funny About Peace, Love and Understanding” in Stanley Park, Vancouver at the end of first trans-Canadian tour.
Filming of video clip for “Oliver’s Army” in Honolulu during a stopover on the way to Japan.
First Japanese dates in Toyko and Osaka.
December 1978
First Australian tours attended by controversy after the band fail to perform an encore at a 35-minute set at the Regent Theatre, Sydney and members of audience destroy a number of seats.
December 1978
Motion picture career begins with appearance as “Earl Manchester” performing “Crawling To The U.S.A.” in the satirical comedy, “Americathon” in Los Angeles, California
January 1st 1979
Release of “Armed Forces” on Radar and Columbia Records.
Both the album and first single, “Oliver’s Army” reach #2 in the U.K. charts.
Second single, “Accidents Will Happen” also makes it into the Top 30, reaching #28.
This song is briefly referenced during a scene the Stephen Spielberg motion picture, “E.T. – The Extra-Terrestrial”
January 2nd 1979
The 26-date U.K. tour pauses only for the band to make television appearances, one of which is in Holland at which they lip-synch. Other musical guests include, The Dolly Dots and Chic.
February 6th 1979
The two and a half month, “Armed Funk Tour” of the U.S. opens in Seattle, Washington, one week after the final U.K. show.
Proposed opening act, Carl Perkins has tour support funds withheld at the last minutes by Jet Records supremo, Don Arden.
Berzerkley Records group, The Rubinoos deputize.
February 16th 1978
Elvis Costello and the Attractions and Chic lose out in the “Best New Artist” Grammy category to the disco sensation, Taste Of Honey of “Boogie Oogie Oogie” fame.
The band fail to attend the ceremony, playing two country music based sets at the Palomino Club, Pasadena.
March-April 1979
The date at the War Memorial Hall, Nashville provides an opportunity to finally record vocal part on “Stranger In The House” alongside George Jones with Billy Sherrill producing.
Carl Perkins is scheduled to make a guest appearance on “Mystery Dance” in the encore of the Nashville show but absents himself from the scene upon hearing the discrepancy in tempo and volume between the Attractions’ recorded and live performances.
Idiotic remarks made during a drunken brawl in Columbus, Ohio cause the tour to end in controversy, death-threats, employment of armed bodyguards and the removal of records from radio playlists.
Having reached #10 in the U.S. Album Chart with “Armed Forces”, Elvis Costello and the Attractions do not return to the United States until 1981.
Summer 1979
Various European concerts and festival dates, including Pink Pop, featuring, in order of appearance, The Average White Band, The Police, Dire Straits, Elvis Costello and the Attractions, Rush and the headliner, Peter Tosh.
Production of The Specials debut album at T.W. Studios, London.
Release of “That’s What A Friends Are For” by Georgie Fame, the first release of an otherwise unrecorded Elvis Costello song.
Autumn 1979
Scandinavian and European concert appearances
Recording of “Get Happy” album produced by Nick Lowe at Wisselord Studios in Hilversum, Holland and Eden Studios, London.
Concert For Kampuchea at the Hammersmith Odeon on a bill with Rockpile featuring Robert Plant and Wings, in their last appearance.
St. Stephen’s Day 1979
Records harmony vocal on “We ought to be ashamed” with Johnny Cash at Am-Pro Studios, Shepherd’s Bush, London, the home studio facility of his, then, son-in-law, Nick Lowe.
1980
The 20-track “Get Happy” album is released on F-Beat and Columbia Records, it reaches #2 in the U.K. Chart.
The single, “I Can’t Stand Up For Falling Down” – an uptempo re-make of a Sam and Dave ballad B-side – reaches #4 in the U.K. Charts.
Elvis Costello and the Attractions play Sweetwaters Festival, Auckland, New Zealand and spend show fee on tourist, world trip via Singapore and Australia, returning via Peru and Brazil.
February-March 1980
U.K. “Get Happy” tour visits Tiffany’s, Merthyr Tydfil and Frenchman’s Motel, Fishguard in Wales but avoids major cities for adjacent towns – Southport rather than Liverpool, Sunderland rather than Newcastle, Hastings rather than anywhere.
April 1980
When Steve Nieve is injured in a car accident prior to the European dates, “The Elvis Costello Experience” makes a highly unsuccessful trio appearance in Guernsey in the Channel Islands before being joined for the rest of the tour by Rumour guitarist, Martin Belmont, in a twin-guitar line-up.
“High Fidelity” reaches #30 in the U.K. Charts, while the follow-up, “New Amsterdam”, only makes #32, ending an unbroken run of eight, Top 30 singles.
August 23rd. 1980
Elvis Costello and the Attractions replace The Clash as the headliners of the Heatwave Festival at Mosport Park, near Toronto. Rockpile, The Pretenders, the B-52s and Talking Heads are also on the bill.
It is the band’s first and only North American appearance of 1980.
Autumn/Winter 1980
Sessions for, “Trust”, produced by Nick Lowe at D.J.M and Eden Studios
Production of the Squeeze album “East Side Story” with Roger Becherian – engineer of all the Nick Lowe produced sessions between “This Year’s Model” and “Trust” – at Eden Studios.
Elvis Costello joins Glenn Tilbrook in the vocal group which appears in the second verse of “Tempted”, which otherwise is sung by Paul Carrack.
November 1980
Columbia Records release of “Taking Liberties” – the second twenty-track album of the year – a compilation of U.K. singles, album tracks deleted from U.S. releases and B-sides designed to kill the exploitative trade in import singles and albums.
A companion U.K. release – with a slightly different running order – is released in a cassette-only format under the title “Ten Bloody Marys And Ten How’s Your Fathers”
1981
“Trust” album released
Singles “Clubland” and “From A Whisper To A Scream”, a vocal duet with Glenn Tilbrook, fail to make significant chart impact.
Elvis Costello and the Attractions return to the U.S. on the “English Mugs Tour” with Squeeze as the opening act.
January 20th 1981
A Nashville date at Vanderbilt University provides an opportunity for a trial session with Billy Sherrill at legendary Columbia Studio B – venue for “Stand By Your Man”, “Behind Closed Doors” and “Blonde on Blonde”.
Pedal-steel player, Pete Drake, augments the Attractions for the session which yields two cuts, Hank Cochran’s, “He’s Got You” – a hit for Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn as “She’s Got You” – and the Bobby “Blue” Bland, R&B ballad, “I’ll Take Care Of You”.
March 3rd 1981
Performances of “New Lace Sleeves”, “Watch Your Step” and interview with Tom Snyder on the NBC show, “The Tomorrow Show”, the first U.S. television appearance since 1977.
April 28th. 1981
Recording of HBO George Jones Special in Los Angeles.
Despite a visible case of the mumps – and quarantine from the other guest artists, Waylon Jennings, Tammy Wynette, Emmylou Harris and Tanya Tucker – Costello duets with George Jones on “Stranger In The House” and sings two other songs with specially convened band; John Hiatt, Nick Lowe, John McFee and Pete Thomas.
May 1981
The album, “Almost Blue” is produced by Billy Sherrill at Columbia Records Studio A, in Nashville, Tennessee.
John McFee augments the Attractions on lead guitar and pedal steel guitar.
Billy Sherrill adds strings and the Nashville Edition vocal background group to several tracks.
Some thirty songs are cut in nine days, only one of which is an Elvis Costello composition.
The repertoire is country material from the 50s and 60s with the exception of two Gram Parsons songs.
A documentary film crew records the progress of the sessions for an edition of the “South Bank Show”
August 29th 1981
In almost their last act as pop stars, Elvis Costello and Attractions headline the “Rock On The Tyne” festival in Gateshead in the North-East of England.
Other acts on the bill include, Ian Dury and the Blockheads and a rising group from Dublin called, U2.
October 1981
“Almost Blue” released to almost universally negative critical response on either side of the Atlantic.
“Good Year For The Roses” reaches #6 in the U.K. Singles Chart.
November 1981
Recording of “Imperial Bedroom” begins with Geoff Emerick overseeing the production at AIR Studios, London.
Shows presenting the songs from, “Almost Blue”, are played at the Los Angeles Sports Arena, the Palladium Theatre, New York on New Year’s Eve with N.R.B.Q. as the opening act.
1982
The brief “Almost Blue” tour continues to the Opryland Theatre, Nashville.
January 7th 1982
The London concert in early January is at the Royal Albert Hall and features 60 members of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Robert Kirby.
Kirby, who is best known for his beautiful chamber arrangements for Nick Drake and other, provides large-scale orchestral arrangements of several older songs such as “Watching the Detectives”, together Steve Nieve’s chart for the then unreleased, “Town Cryer”.
The Gram Parsons/Chris Ethrigdge composition, “Hot Burrito No. 1”, re-titles, “I’m Your Toy”, is later released as a live single.
Tickets for the concert facetiously state, “Evening Dress Optional”, which accounts for outlandish appearance of some attendees at this grand folly.
Early 1982
Recording for “Imperial Bedroom” continues for twelve weeks at A.I.R. Studios.
In addition to the 40-piece orchestra employed to play Steve Nieve’s arrangement for “…And In Every Home”, a harpsichord is hired for “You Little Fool”, a vibraphone for “Kid About It” and an accordion and three French Horns for “Long Honeymoon”
Geoff Emerick vast experience of working at Abbey Road – especially on The Beatles most experimental records, “Revolver” and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” – allows him to bring come sonic cohesion to the sessions.
It is the band’s first record made in a multi-studio facility.
Other clients working there at the time include, The Jam – completing their double A-Side single “Town Called Malice”/”Precious” and Paul McCartney, who is working with George Martin on the album, “Tug of War”.
During the album sessions, the 1978 ballad, “Just A Memory” is expanded lyrically and following transatlantic telephone consultations, recorded by Dusty Springfield, for whom the song had been originally intended.
May 1982
During an Antipodean tour, lurid speculation about the escalation of the then ongoing, Falkland War during an Australian tour, provokes the lyric response, “Shipbuilding”, which is written for a melody by Clive Langer.
Co-production of Robert Wyatt’s recording of “Shipbuilding”. Langer records the accompaniment while Costello oversees the vocal session.
The Robert Wyatt rendition eventually reaches #36 in the U.K. single chart.
July 1982
Release of “Imperial Bedroom”
Album sleeve features a large scale pastiche Picasso’s “Three Musicians”, painted by the great graphic designer and artist, Barney Bubbles, under the nom de pinceau, “Sal Forlenza”.
Summer 1982
U.S. and European tours range from Aberdeen to Zwolle. The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles and the Royal Albert Hall are both played for two-night stands.
Elvis Costello and the Attractions also occasionally join multiple artist bills at large outdoor events.
A racetrack show in Minneapolis sees the band follow, rising stars, Duran Duran and perform prior Blondie’s final Twin Cites appearance with their original line-up.
A show at R.F.K. Stadium, Philadelphia has the band follow, Duran Duran and Flock of Seagulls but precede Genesis.
The full horror of the 80s is finally becoming apparent.
September 1982
“The Rolling Stone” cover story and interview with Griel Marcus runs under a cover shot by Annie Leibowitz and a sub-editor’s headline, “Elvis Costello Repents”
1983
Recording sessions for “Punch The Clock” at AIR and Genetic Studios, produced by Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley.
In addition to the Attractions, the tracks feature the T.K.O Horns and the vocal group, Afrodiziak.
A new recording of “Shipbuilding” is graced by a Chet Baker trumpet solo and a string arrangement by David Bedford.
The single, “Everyday I Write The Book” becomes the Top 40 U.S. chart placing, reaching #36, while it also reaches #28 in the U.K. charts.
May 1983
“Pills and Soap” credited to The Imposter, is released as a single and reaches #16 in the U.K. charts before being deleted.
August 3rd. 1983
Elvis Costello and the Attractions, the T.K.O Horns and Afrodiziak open the “Clocking In Across America Tour” in Allentown, Pennsylvania and reach Pier 84 in New York City on the August 7th 1983.
August 8th 1983
Appearance at the Red Parrot club, New York City with the Count Basie Orchestra for a never-aired NBC television special, “Swing it Again”.
Songs performed included, “Lil Darlin’” and a duet with Tony Bennett on “It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing”
September 1983
A version of “Walking On Thin Ice” is commissioned by Yoko Ono for, “Every Man Has A Woman” – a compilation album of her songs.
The Attractions and T.K.O. Horns are arranged and produced by Allen Toussaint at Sea-Saint Studios, New Orleans between scheduled concert dates.
“Clocking On Across America”, closes with two shows at the Universal Amphitheatre, Los Angeles followed by shows at Irvine Meadows, Orange Country, the Greek Theatre, Berkeley and the Civic Center, San Francisco in the final seven days of the tour.
December 21st-22nd 1983
The year closes with three shows in two days at the Hammersmith Odeon, London.
Early 1984
Sessions at Sarm West and Genetic Studios for the album “Goodbye Cruel World, produced by Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley.
Guests included, saxophonist, Gary Barnacle and vocalists, Green Gartside and Daryl Hall.
April 10th 1984
First professional solo tour begins at the University of Virginia, Charlotteville, Virginia with T Bone Burnett as the opening act.
The Coward Brothers – Henry and Howard – make first appearance a few nights later.
May-June 1984
Role of almost mute, “Henry Scully” in Alan Bleasdale’s comedic family drama series, “Scully” for which, “Turning The Town Red” is the opening theme song.
June 18th 1984
Release of “Goodbye Cruel World” by Demon and Columbia Records
Re-working of obscure Hi Records single by the Teacher’s Edition, “I Wanna Be Loved”, reaches #25 in the U.K charts proves to be last Top 30 single until 1992.
“Goodbye Cruel World” marks the last in a run of eight consecutive U.K. Tope Ten albums, four of which reach the Top Five.
Touring with the Attractions, solo and as The Coward Brothers alternates for the rest of the year through Australia, Japan, the U.S. and U.K. and two tours of Europe.
The Cowards Brothers’ misadventures in Europe are documented in their song, “The People’s Limousine” and the T Bone Burnett song, “Euro-Mad”.
1985
Elvis Costello and the Attractions play a benefit for National Union Of Miners at Logan Hall on the night the bitter 1984-85 strike is finally called off and perform the new song, “Betrayal” and Merle Haggard’s “No Reason To Quit”.
Spring 1985
Production of The Pogues album, “Rum, Sodomy and The Lash” at Elephant Studios, London.
May 1985
“Don’t Get Above Your Raisin’” performed with Ricky Skaggs at the Dominion Theatre, London for Skaggs’, “Live In London” album.
The Coward Brothers continues to tour Australia, Japan and return to London and Dublin on co-billed shows.
The Coward Brothers single, “The People’s Limousine” b/w “They’ll Never Take Her Love From Me” is released on the Imp label.
The A-side features a rhythm section of Ron Tutt on drums and David Miner on bass with a cameo appearance by Bonnie Raitt.
The Hank Williams song on the B-Side features the mandolin of Stephen Bruton.
July 1985
Solo performance of “All You Need Is Love” at the “Live Aid” concert at Wembley Stadium, London.
Summer/Autumn 1985
Recording sessions for “King of America” produced by T Bone Burnett take place at Sunset Sound and Ocean Way Studios, Hollywood, California.
The Attractions feature on only one song, “Suit of Lights”.
Several other line-ups provide the accompaniment for the remaining songs.
Five titles are cut with members of Elvis Presley’s former “T.C.B.” band members, James Burton, Ron Tutt and Jerry Scheff.
Scheff and Burton then join drummer Jim Keltner and keyboardist, Mitchell Froom for another set of recording dates.
Hall and Oates rhythm section Mickey Currey and T-Bone Wolk play on two cuts. Wolk also plays electric guitar and accordion on “Brilliant Mistake”.
David Hildalgo of Los Lobos adds high harmony to “Loveable”, while Jo-El Sonnier adds French accordion to “American Without Tears”.
The session for “Poisoned Rose” features Ray Brown on bass, and Earl Palmer on drums, with Tom Canning on piano.
1986
Role as inept conjurer, “Roscoe Deville” in the movie of Alan Bleasdale’s “No Surrender”
“Seven Day Weekend” written and recorded with Jimmy Cliff at Eden Studios for the Robin Williams, Peter O’Toole, Twiggy comedy vehicle, “Club Paradise”.
The Role of “Hives” the butler in Alex Cox’s “Straight To Hell”, starring Sy Richardson, Joe Strummer, The Pogues, Kathy Burke, Courtney Love and featuring cameo appearances by Jim Jarmusch, Grace Jones and Dennis Hopper”
The desert location, outside Almeria, Andalusia, inspires “The MacManus Gang” single, “A Town Called Big Nothing”, which features the narration of Sy Richardson and the trumpet of Ross MacManus.
Spring 1986
Recording sessions with the Attractions for “Blood and Chocolate” produced by Nick Lowe at Olympic Studios, London.
June 6th 1986
Guest appearance with Chet Baker’s drummer-less trio at “Ronnie Scott’s” jazz club in London recorded for video special.
Songs performed include, “The Very Thought Of You”, “You Don’t Know What Love Is” and “I’m A Fool To Want You”.
November 1986
“Costello Sings Again” tour commences with a five-night stand at the Beverly Theatre, Los Angeles. San Francisco, Chicago and Boston each staged three-night stands until the tour reached another five-night run at the Broadway Theatre, New York City.
Each concert features a different presentation.
One concert in each city is a solo performance, another with the Attractions presents the material from “Blood and Chocolate, while the Confederates perform songs from “King Of American” and songs by Dan Penn, Mose Allison, Allen Toussaint, Waylon Jennings and Dave Bartholomew.
The Confederates – Jim Keltner, Jerry Scheff, James Burton, Mitchell Froom augmented at different shows by Michael Blair on vibraphone and percussion, Ralph Carney on saxophones and T-Bone Wolk on accordion and vocals.
“Spectacular Spinning Songbook” is the most unpredictable evening.
Costello in the guise of host, “Napoleon Dynamite”, invites audience members to spin a game show wheel, selecting the next song to be performed by the Attractions.
The guest M.C. for the very first “Spectacular Spinning Songbook” show is Tom Waits, who also joins in a duet of the Skeeter Davis hit, “I’ve Forgotten More Than You’ll Ever Know”.
Other M.C.s during the tour included Huey Lewis, members of the Chicago Bears, Buster Poindexter and, the illusionists, Penn and Teller.
When the tour reaches Rome, the guest M.C. is the comic actor, Roberto Benigni.
Guest artists appearing during the tour include, Tom Petty performing, “American Girl” with the Attractions, The Bangles, John Doe, David Hildalgo, Aimee Mann, Benmont Tench, Jackson Browne, Nick Lowe and T Bone Burnett.
1987
The year began with a six-night stand at the Royal Albert Hall.
These include three shows with the Attractions and three nights with the Confederates.
At the last of these, Van Morrison performs “Jackie Wilson Said” and a duet on the Ray Charles’ hit, “What Would I Do”
The Confederates then tour of England, Scotland and Ireland.
Solo concerts with Nick Lowe sharing the bill take up much of the year.
June 20th 1987
The encore of a solo appearance at the Glastonbury features the last appearances with the Attractions until the early 90s.
The final song performed is “Poor Napoleon”, concluding with “Instant Karma”.
August 31st. 1987
Guest appearance performing “The Big Light” with Johnny Cash at the “Mean Fiddler” club in Harlesden, London during a Carter Family show.
September 30th. 1987
Plays rhythm guitar, harmonica and organ on the Roy Orbison “Black and White Night” television special filmed at the Ambassador Hotel, Los Angeles.
All-star accompanying musicians include four members of the “T.C.B. Band”, James Burton, Jerry Scheff, Ron Tutt and Glen D. Hardin along with appearances by Tom Waits, T Bone Burnett and Bruce Springsteen.
The vocal background group includes, Jennifer Warnes, Stephen Soles, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt and k.d. lang.
1988
For the first time in 11 years, no major tours are undertaken and only a handful of public appearances made, including a series of performances at the Shetland Folk Festival.
The A.I.M.S. benefit concert duet set with Chrissie Hynde at the Royal Albert Hall, includes, Ray Davies’ “Days”, the Lennon/McCartney song, “I’ll Get You” and Bacharach/David’s “Windows Of The World”.
February 12th 1988
Release of the movie, “Satisfaction” starring Justine Bateman, Liam Neeson and making the movie debut of Julia Roberts.
The fictional rock and roll band, “The Mystery” – including Bateman and Roberts – perform, “Mystery Dance”
1988/89/90
“Back On My Feet” is the first result of a song-writing collaboration with Paul McCartney.
Writing sessions take place at the Hog Hill recording studio, where two-part demos are usually recorded immediately after the songs are completed.
The next two compositions, “Veronica” and “My Brave Face”, both become U.S. Top 20 singles.
Other songs written include, “So Like Candy”, “Tommy’s Coming Home Again”, “You Want Her Too”, “Twenty Fine Fingers”, Don’t Be Careless Love” and “Pad, Paws and Claws”.
When the collaboration is taken up again, the following year, the writing sessions result in “The Lovers That Never Where”, “Playboy To A Man”, “That Day Is Done”, “Mistress and Maid” and “Shallow Grave”.
Co-Production is begun on four of these songs for the Paul McCartney album, “Flowers In The Dirt”, which takes its name from a line in “That Day Is Done”.
1988 – Dublin – New Orleans – Los Angeles – London
The recording and mixing sessions for the album “Spike”.
The album, produced with T Bone Burnett and Kevin Killen, begins with a session at Windmill Lane, Dublin.
The songs “Any King’s Shilling” and “Tramp The Dirt Down” at performed with a group of traditional and contemporary folk musicians, led by Donal Lunny and including, the Chieftains harpist and multi-instrumentalist, Derek Bell, Frankie Gavin, Steve Wickham, Davey Spillane.
The singer-songwriter Christie Moore plays bodhran, while Pete Thomas makes a cameo appearance on drums.
The production then travels to New Orleans to record “Deep Dark Truthful Mirror” with Allen Toussaint on piano.
The Dirty Dozen Brass Band add their horns to this song, “Miss Macbeth”, the instrumental, “Stalin Malone” and “Chewing Gum”, which also features the Neville Brothers’ drummer, Willie Green.
Sessions in Los Angeles feature drummers Jim Keltner, Jerry Marotta and the percussion of Michael Blair, with bassists being, Jerry Scheff, T-Bone Wolk and Buell Niedlinger.
Keyboards are played by Mitchell Froom and Benmont Tench and the guitars by Costello, T Bone Burnett and Marc Ribot.
The twelve-string guitar on “This Town” is played by Roger McGuinn.
Paul McCartney adds Hofner bass to “This Town” and his co-composition, “Veronica” at AIR Studios, London, where Chrissie Hynde also records the vocal harmony on “Satellite”.
The production then returns to Los Angeles for the mixing sessions.
1988
Fiachra Trench, orchestrates musical themes by Elvis Costello written for the score of the Irish motion pictures, “The Courier”
February 7th 1989
The release of the Roy Orbison album, “Mystery Girl” produced with Jeff Lynne and T Bone Burnett.
The album contains the title song by Bono and The Edge and a re-writing of the Elvis Costello song, “The Comedians”, restoring it a style suitable for Roy Orbison.
The album reaches #5 in the Billboard 200 and #2 in the U.K. album charts.
February 14th 1989
“Spike” issued as the first release under a worldwide recording contract with Warner Brothers.
The single, “Veronica” reaches #19 on the U.S. Charts.
The “Spike” album reaches #5 in the U.K. charts – the first Top Five entry since “Punch The Clock” – and goes on to be the artist’s highest selling record – upon its initial
release – to date.
April 24 1989
Solo performance at a party celebrating the 21st Anniversary of Village Music – the world’s great record store – at Sweetwater, Mill Valley turns into an extended, impromptu band set with the surprise introduction of Jerry Scheff and James Burton to augment, Nick Lowe and resident players, Austin Delone and Scott Matthews.
After a short interlude set by Charles Brown, the informal group is joined Jerry Garcia, to perform two Hank Williams songs.
May 13th 1989
Duets with Johnny Cash on “The Big Light” and joins Cash, the Carter Family and Nick Lowe for a finale performance of “Will The Circle Be Unbroken” at the Royal Albert Hall.
August 1989
The initial concert appearances following the release of “Spike” are solo acoustic concerts, shared with Nick Lowe.
“The Rude Five”, featuring Pete Thomas, Jerry Scheff, Marc Ribot and pianist, Larry Knetchel begins touring at Pine Knob Music Theater, Michigan on August 8th 1989, playing two nights at both Jones Beach, New York and the Universal Amphitheatre, Los Angeles before closing at the Concord Pavilion, California on September 16th 1989.
1990
The next album of original material is proposed to be the first Attractions album since 1986.
Even though contractual negotiations break down, a plan to record another project with a line-up of musicians featured on recent recordings is nevertheless carried out.
Drummers, Pete Thomas and Jim Keltner, guitarists, James Burton and Marc Ribot and bassist, Jerry Scheff join keyboard player, Larry Knetchel convene at Blue Wave Studios, Barbados for the recording of “Kojak Variety”, produced with Kevin Killen.
Songs recorded in include numbers previously made famous by Screaming Jay Hawkins, James Carr and the Louvin Brothers, as well as compositions by Mose Allison, Ray Davies and Holland/Dozier/Holland.
The album is not released until 1995 due to disagreement with Warner Brothers over the artist’s desire that it simply appear in racks without any fanfare.
Upon completion of the sessions, Costello returns to New York City to record a version of “Weird Nightmare” for the Hal Willner’s album of new interpretations of Charles Mingus compositions, entitled, “Weird Nightmares”.
The session at Astoria Studios in Queens, New York City employ a number of unique instruments designed and constructed by the American microtonal composer, Harry Partch, including the “Harmonic Canon”, “The Cloud Chamber Bowls” and a bass marimba that resembles a railway sleeper.
The percussion section includes, Don Elias, Michael Blair and, the guitarist, Marc Ribot, the horn section includes composer, Henry Threadgill. Guitarist, Bill Frisell completes the ensemble.
February 1990
Mercury Records release, “Boom Chicka Boom” by Johnny Cash that includes, “Hidden Shame”, written especially for the album.
Summer 1990
The writing and recording of songs for “Mighty Like A Rose” produced with Mitchell Froom and Kevin Killen.
Sessions take place at Ocean Way and Sound Factory Studio, Hollywood and Westside Studios, London.
The album features Marc Ribot on guitar, Mitchell Froom, Larry Knetchel and Benmont Tench on keyboards, Jerry Scheff, T-Bone Wolk and Rob Wasserman on bass and Pete Thomas and Jim Keltner on drums.
The record once again features the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and the trumpet of Ross MacManus on “Invasion Hit Parade”.
Two further McCartney/MacManus compositions are included – “So Like Candy” and “Playboy To A Man”, while Cait O’Riordan provides a solo composition, “Broken”.
The string arrangements are by Fiachra Trench.
At this time, R.T.E. and Hummingbird Pictures release a documentary television series about the journey of Irish music, “Bringing It All Back Home” by Philip King and Nuala O’Connor.
The soundtrack includes the Costello composition, “Mischieveous Ghost”, a duet with Mary Coughlan with string sextet orchestration by Fiachra Trench.
1990
The song, “Miracle Man” makes an appearance on the soundtrack of the Francis Ford Coppola motion picture, “The Godfather: Part III”
1990-91
Collaboration with Richard Harvey on the music of, eleven-hour, seven-part television drama series, “G.B.H.” by Alan Bleasdale, broadcast in 1991,
1991
Warner Brothers release “Mighty Like A Rose”.
Despite almost universally hostile critical reaction – much of it in the gentleman’s grooming columns – the album reaches #5 in the U.K. album chart.
The single “The Other Side of Summer” fails to announce another album success in the United States.
Five-month world tour with the Rude Five commences in California in May and concludes in Australia in September.
October 1991
The Chieftains release “The Bells Of Dublin” which includes a performance of the Elvis Costello/Paddy Moloney Christmas song, “The St. Stephen’s Day Murders”
1992
Richard Harvey and Elvis Costello receive a BAFTA award for their musical score for Alan Bleasdale’s drama series, “G.B.H.”
“The Juliet Letters” is written with the Brodsky Quartet during the early part of the year.
Members of the quartet provide both words and music for seventeen songs and three instrumental pieces, most of which are written collaboratively.
The songs, which each take the form of a letter include, a diatribe from an disgruntled aunt against her scheming relations, “I Almost Had a Weakness”, a suicide note, “Dear Sweet Filthy World”, a child’s letter, “Why” and a lover’s dismissive postcard, “Who Do You Think You Are?” both of which are later performed in concert with the Brodsky Quartet by Bjork.
“I Thought I’d Write To Juliet” is based on letter received from a female soldier serving in the First Gulf War, while “Birds Will Still Be Singing” is an epitaph.
July 1st 1992
“The Juliet Letters” is debuted at the Amadeus Center, Maida Vale, London.
August 13th 1992
Second performance of “The Juliet Letters” in the Great Hall at the Dartington Summer Music School in Devon, England.
“Favourite Hour” – written on the day of that performance – is debuted as an encore.
October 11th 1992
A solo concert at the Royal Albert Hall in November is the only other full-length appearance of the year.
Release of T Bone Burnett’s “Criminal Under My Hat” includes the song, “It’s Not Too Late” written with Burnett and Bob Neuwirth.
1993
February-March 1993
“The Juliet Letters” world tour visits ten countries in thirty days, including appearances at the Royal Concert Hall Glasgow, the Folies Bergeres, Paris, a converted chocolate factory in Pisa and the Palau de la Musica Catalana, Barcelona.
The concert at Town Hall, New York City, from which a live E.P. is issued to radio, features encore songs; Tom Waits’ “More Than Rain” and first violinist’s Michael Thomas arrangement of Brian Wilson’s “God Only Knows”
Spring 1993
At the request of musical producer, Hal Willner, “Punishing Kiss” is written for jazz singer, Annie Ross to perform in the Robert Altman motion picture, “Short Cuts”
Twelve songs written in one weekend for pop punk chanteuse, Wendy James, demoed with Pete Thomas at Pathway Studio – the venue for the recording of “My Aim Is True”.
Titles including, “This Is A Test”, “London’s Brilliant”, “Puppet Girl”, “Do You Know What I’m Saying?” and “We Despise You” are recorded for the album, “Now Ain’t The Time For Your Tears”
Pathway Studios is also the venue for the recording of “Kinder Murder” and “20% Amnesia”, with Pete Thomas on drums with the singer playing both guitar and bass.
Other songs recorded at this session include “Poisoned Letter” – latter re-written as both “My Science Fiction Twin” and “All The Rage” and a musical setting of “A Drunken Man’s Praise Of Sobriety” by W.B. Yeats.
Summer 1993
Six songs are written in one day.
These include, “13 Steps Lead Down”, “Clownstrike”, “Sulky Girl” and “Too Soon To Know”.
Sessions for “Brutal Youth” produced with Mitchell Froom at Olympic Studio, London.
Nick Lowe plays bass on “Rocking Horse Road”, “Clownstrike” and “Just About Glad” while the piano-based ballads, “You Tripped At Every Step” and “London’s Brilliant Parade”.
The rock and roll songs, “13 Steps” and “Sulky Girl”, feature the full Attractions line-up for the first time since “Blood And Chocolate”.
1994
The release of “Brutal Youth”, reaching #2 in the U.K. album chart.
The single, “Sulky Girl” reaches #22 in the U.K. Top Thirty, the first such entry since 1984.
April 12th 1994
Duet performance of “They Can’t Take That Away From Me” on “Tony Bennett: MTV Unplugged” recorded at Sony Studios, New York City.
May-December 1994
Elvis Costello and the Attractions tour for the first time since 1986.
The tour opens in Vancouver, British Columbia and plays for two nights at the Universal Amphitheatre, Los Angeles, where the band make a guest appearance on “The Larry Sanders Show”, performing “13 Steps Lead Down”.
In the fictional chat show series, “Elvis Costello” becomes offended and trashes his dressing room when “Larry Sanders Show” staff members are instructed not to speak to him and he believes that they are ignoring him.
European dates include, L’Olympia, Paris, and a headlining appearance at the Glastonbury Festival before playing a three-night stand at the Royal Albert Hall, the Royal Court Theatre, Liverpool and a total of three appearances during the year at the Barrowlands Ballroom, Glasgow.
A tour of Japan is followed by another string U.K dates and the tour closes at The Point Depot, Dublin on December 1st. 1994.
September 1994
Release of the George Martin-produced album “The Glory Of Gershwin”, featuring the mouth organ virtuoso, Larry Adler in collaboration with number of vocalist including, Elton John, Kate Bush, Sinead O’Connor and Sting.
Elvis Costello is heard on the Gershwin ballad, “But Not For Me”
October 30th 1994
Duet appearance on “At Last” with his father, Ross MacManus at a tribute to the band leader, Joe Loss at the Barbican Theatre, London.
1995
The year begins with a tour of Castilla La Mancha region of Spain with the Brodsky Quartet.
Second collaboration with Richard Harvey on the music for Alan Bleasdale’s six-part drama series, “Jake’s Progress”
January 1995
“God Give Me Strength” written with Burt Bacharach by exchange of faxed manuscripts and phone machine messages for the motion picture, “Grace Of My Heart”
March 23rd. 1995
Appearance at St. James Palace with the Brodsky Quartet on the occasion of Paul McCartney receiving a Fellowship of the Royal Academy of Music.
First ever stage performance of a McCartney/MacManus co-composition. The writers duet on “Mistress and Maid” and perform the Lennon/McCartney song, “One After The 109”.
March 24th 1995
Opening solo performance with Bob Dylan at the Zenith, Paris.
Tour continues through three nights in London and one show in Dublin, featuring closing duet with Dylan on “I Shall Be Released”.
May 1st 1995
Solo and guest appearance on “I Shall Be Released” with headliner, Robbie Robertson at giant May Day festival in Rome.
Spring 1995
Premiere performance of “Put Away Forbidden Playthings”, a song for viol consort and countertenor by Fretwork and Michael Chance at the Purcell Room, South Bank Centre.
The song was one of number of newly commissioned viol-based compositions in commemoration of tercentenary of the death of Henry Purcell and in reflection of his viol Fantasias.
Other composer involved in the project included Gavin Bryars, Barry Guy, Tan Dun, Simon Bainbridge and Poul Ruders.
“Put Away Forbidden Playthings” is subsequently recorded with Michael Chance for the Virgin Classics release, “Sit Fast and his since been performed in concert by the countertenor David James (of the Hillard Ensemble) and the soprano, Emma Kirkby.
May 1995
Release of “Kojak Variety” by Warner Brothers
May 16th 1995
Appearance on “Late Night With Dave Letterman”, taped for one week only in London.
Performance of Little Richard’s “Bama Lama Bama Loo” with the Attractions augmented by James Burton and Marc Ribot, while both Little Richard and Chuck Berry sit in with the Paul Shafer house band.
The same line-up plays then plays a show at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire.
June 23rd – July 1st. 1995
Curator of the nine-day, “Meltdown Festival” at the South Bank Centre, London.
Featured artists include, the Rebirth Brass Band, Moondog, John Harle, the Irish choral group, Anuna, The Fairfield Four (their first U.K. performance) and Jeff Buckley (his last U.K. appearance).
A concert by the London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Gunther Schuller features works by Duke Ellington, Erich Korngold and Bernard Herrmann.
It also includes a very brief orchestral overture or “thumbprint” by the curator, appropriately entitled, “The Edge of Ugly”.
June 23rd 1995
The opening concert of Meltdown at Royal Festival Hall features The Jazz Passengers with Deborah Harry.
Elvis Costello performs two songs from the “Jazz Passengers In Love” collection and Roy Nathanson’s arrangement of “Man Out Of Time” and God’s Comic”, as well as Neal Hefti’s “Li’l Darlin’”
June 25th 1995
This Meltdown concert at the Queen Elizabeth Hall begins with solo performances, followed by a sequence of songs with guitarist, Bill Frisell.
The finale features piano accompanied songs with Steve Nieve and appearance of The Fairfield Four on “That Day Is Done” and Van Morrison’s “Full Force Gale”.
Earlier on the same evening, Mary Wiegold performs the Costello composition, “The Trouble With Dreams” with the Composer’s Ensemble in the adjacent Purcell Room.
Elvis Costello sings an arrangement of “Waterloo Sunset” by the director of the Composer’s Ensemble, John Woolrich.
June 28th 1995
Elvis Costello and the Brodsky Quartet perform selections from “The Juliet Letters” and other arrangements including the unrecorded songs by, first violinist, Michael Thomas, “Skeleton” and “The King Of The Unknown Sea” with an Elvis Costello lyric.
In the second half they the Brodskys are augmented by a woodwind and brass ensemble and become the “Punishing Kiss Band” for the performance a series of newly commissioned arrangements of existing Costello songs, including “Having It All” and “Favourite Hour”.
June 30th 1995
The concert at the Queen Elizabeth Hall includes the choral group “Anuna” and an ensemble of Irish traditional musicians lead by Donal Lunny.
Elvis Costello makes a guest appearance to perform, “She Moved Through The Fair”, “The St. Stephen’s Day Murders”, “American Without Tears”, “Any King’s Shilling” and “Tramp The Dirt” down.
July 1st 1995
The first section of two-part concert includes members of the Composer’s Ensemble, the soprano, Patricia Rozario, who performs the John Dowland song, “Flow My Tears”, which also lends its name to the programme.
Jeff Buckley performs his own song, “Grace”, the Morrissey/Marr song, “The Boy With A Thorn In His Side”, Benjamin Britten’s “Corpus Christi Carol” and “When I Am Laid In Earth” from “Dido and Aeneas” by Henry Purcell.
Elvis Costello makes an appearance with the viol consort, Fretwork, with whom he performs, “Put Away Forbidden Playthings” and “Can She Excuse My Wrongs?”, another song by the Elizabethan composer, John Dowland.
In the last part of the concert, Costello is joined by Steve Nieve and Marc Ribot performing, Randy Newman’s “I’ve Been Wrong Before”, “Almost Blue”, the Rodgers and Hart songs, “My Funny Valentine” and “Glad To Be Unhappy” before closing with “Alison” and “I Want To Vanish”.
Highlights from the duo appearance with Bill Frisell is released by Nonesuch Records under the title, “Deep Dead Blue” and includes songs ranging from the Lerner and Lowe composition, “Gigi” to “Poor Napoleon” and “Love Field”.
July 02nd. 1995
Three appearances in one day at the Roskilde Festival, Denmark with the Jazz Passengers with Deborah Harry, the Brodsky Quartet and the Attractions with James Burton and Marc Ribot
August 1995
Five-night stand at the Beacon Theatre, New York City debuting material for an upcoming recording with the Attractions.
The chorus sections of “Complicated Shadows” come from these performances.
Autumn 1995
First recording sessions for “All This Useless Beauty” produced by Geoff Emerick at Ringsend Road Studios, Dublin.
November 1995
“My Dark Life” is produced by Brian Eno at Westside Studios, London and released on the album, “Songs In The Key of X”, songs inspired by the television series, “The X-Files” in 1996.
January 6th. 1996
Concert appearance with Anne Sofie von Otter at the Berwaldhallen, Stockholm.
Solo songs include, “Upon A Veil of Midnight Blue”, arranged by Bill Frisell and “Put Away Forbidden Playthings” (in an orchestral adaptation from viol consort by Costello)
Duet performances include, “Autumn Leaves”, sung in English and French and Cole Porter’s “Every Time We Say Goodbye”
January 1996
Performance of “Fly Me To The Moon” in the final episode of the situation comedy, “Third Rock From The Sun”
February 1996
Recording and mixing of “All This Useless Beauty” completed in Dublin and London.
Album features recording of several songs originally written of other artists both those recorded – “You Bowed Down” by Roger McGuinn and “I Want To Vanish” and the title track for June Tabor and those passed over – “Why Can’t A Man Stand Alone?” for Sam Moore and “Complicated Shadows” for Johnny Cash.
The album also features the McCartney/MacManus co-composition, “Shallow Grave” and a re-working of “Other End Of The Telescope”, written with Aimme Mann.
Other new compositions include, “Poor Fractured Atlas”, “Distorted Angel” and “Little Atoms”.
Spring 1996
The world premiere of “Three Distracted Woman” at the Cité de la Musique, Paris
This sequence of the portrait songs, “Spiteful Dancer”, “Speak Darkly, My Angel” and “April In Orbit” is written for Anne Sofie von Otter and the Brodsky Quartet.
They are subsequently performed in London, Madrid and Bologna but remain unrecorded in this form.
May 1996
Warner Brother Records release “All This Useless Beauty”
A series of club appearance are made with Steve Nieve and recorded for radio broadcst.
A 5-CD collection of E.P. releases are later made under the title, “Costello & Nieve”, featuring the highlights of appearances in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston and New York
June-September 1996
Elvis Costello and the Attractions begin their final tour at the National Stadium, Dublin.
It concludes in Nagoya, Japan on September 15th.
October-November 1996
Concert appearances with the John Harle’s ensemble, presenting the previously recorded songs and music from the Argo recording, “Terror and Magnificence”.
These including Harle’s settings of Shakespeare’s “Come Away Death” and “O Mistress Mine”
The year concludes with a second guest appearance on “The Larry Sanders Show” selling “Hank Kingsley” as car and performing, “Little Atoms”.
1997
The year begins with a short tour of Southern Spain with the Brodsky Quartet.
February 1997
“Monday Night Concerts” television appearance at the Ryman Auditorium, Nashville with, host Ricky Skaggs and George Jones
Duets include, “That’s All It Took” with Skaggs and “Stranger In The House” with George Jones.
February-November 1997
The year continues with a series of guest appearances on television and stage with the Jazz Passengers, Ron Sexsmith, the Fairfield Four and culminating with series of shows at the Free Jazz Festival in Brazil with Mingus Big Band.
Writing sessions take place throughout the year advancing the songwriting collaboration with Burt Bacharach, following the release of their Grammy-nominated song, “God Give Me Strength”.
1998
February 1998
Concert tour of regional Italian opera houses and concert halls with Steve Nieve.
April 8th. 1998
First orchestral performance of “God Give Me Strength” during the “One Amazing Night” TNT television special with Burt Bacharach.
Other performers include, Dionne Warwick, Luther Vandross, Chrissie Hynde and Sheryl Crow.
April 23rd 1998
Elvis Costello produces and appears as guest vocalist on the Costello/O’Riordan song written for No Doubt to perform in the “Rugrats – The Movie”
May 1998
The song, “Bright Blue Times” written and recorded for the Channel 4 drama presentation, “Soft Sand, Blue Sea”, written by Stephen Butchard, directed by Pip Broughton and produced by Alan Bleasdale
June 1998
Recording of “Painted From Memory” with Burt Bacharach, recorded by Kevin Killen at Ocean Way Studios, Hollywood.
Ensemble features Jim Keltner, bassist, Greg Cohen and Steve Nieve on second keyboards, guitarist, Dean Parks and Burt Bacharach’s vocalists, Lisa Taylor, Donna Taylor and Sue-Ann Carwell.
Orchestral arrangements are by Burt Bacharach, except for the title song, which was arranged by Johnny Mandel.
September 1998
Release of “Painted From Memory”, followed closely by the issue of “The Sweetest Punch” an album of largely instrumental arrangements of the new Bacharach/Costello songs by Bill Frisell.
The ensemble on that record includes, Frisell, Don Byron, Ron Miles, Billy Drews, Brian Blade and Viktor Krauss.
Cassandra Wilson contributes a vocal rendition of “Painted From Memory” and duets with Costello on “I Still Have That Other Girl”, who also sings a second version of “Toldeo”.
September 16th 1998
Release of the Michael Winterbottom directed movie, “I Want You”, starring Rachel Weisz, that makes repeated use of the Elvis Costello song from “Blood And Chocolate”
October 13th. 1998
Series of concerts with Burt Bacharach opens at Radio City Music Hall, New York City and concludes at the Royal Festival Hall, London.
Repertoire includes the “Painted From Memory” songs as well as Costello’s renditions of the Bacharach and David compositions, “Make It Easy On Yourself”, “Anyone Who Had A Heart”, “I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself” and “My Little Red Book”
Several of these songs are also featured on a “Sessions At West 54th St.” television special, while the BBC air television profile about the collaboration of the two songwriters entitled, “Because It’s A Lonely World”.
1999
January 5th 1999
Second appearance with Swedish Radio Symphony and Steve Nieve at Berwaldhallen, Stockholm.
Songs performed include, “I Still Have That Other Girl” and “What’s Her Name Today?” from “Painted From Memory”.
January 24th. 1999
Appearance with Steve Nieve at the Sweetwaters Festival in New Zealand ends in chaos and recrimination after it is revealed that the festival has been the victim of fraud is effectively without funds.
February 1999
Burt Bacharach and Elvis Costello win the Grammy Award for ”Pop Collaboration with Vocals” with “I Still Have That Other Girl”
January-July
Concert dates with Steve Nieve in Australia, Japan, Europe, U.K. and U.S. continue to feature the repertoire from “Painted From Memory” and rearrangements of songs from the catalogue, such as “Shot With His Own Gun” and Steve Nieve’s transcription of “Temptation”.
Appearances include four nights in Sydney, three concerts in Tokyo and a concert at the Royal Albert Hall, as well shows in Milan, Barcelona, Stockholm and Berlin.
April 10th 1999
Appearance at the “Concert For Linda” – organized by Linda McCartney’s friends, Chrissie Hynde and Carla Lane, hosted by Eddie Izzard and featuring, The Pretenders with Johnny Marr, Sinead O’Connor, George Michael and Neil Finn.
Performance of “Warm And Beautiful” with the Brodsky Quartet and harmony vocal with Paul McCartney on “Lonesome Town” and “All My Loving”, in his first appearance since Linda’s passing.
May 1999
Release of “She”, the Charles Aznavour/Herbert Kretzmer composition recorded for the opening and closing titles of the romantic comedy, “Notting Hill”, starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant.
The single reached #19 on the U.K. singles chart – the first Top Twenty chart appearance since the 1980s and was a significant radio hit in a number of countries throughout the world, including many that had been oblivious to previous releases.
Despite its utter contrast to the rest of the recorded repertoire, the song continues to have popularity at weddings and other special occasions.
June 11th 1999
Release of the Mike Myers comedy, “The Spy Who Shagged Me”, including a scene in which Burt Bacharach and Elvis Costello perform, “I’ll Never Fall In Love Again” during a dance routine and clinch between “Austin Powers” (Mike Myers) and Felicity Shagwell (Heather Graham).
June 1999
Festival appearances at the “Fleadh” in San Francisco and Chicago, where Costello joins Van Morrison for “Jackie Wilson Said” and “Gloria”.
Costello and Nieve make an impromptu headlining appearance at Boston “Fleadh” when Morrison is indisposed and also perform when the festival is staged on Randall’s Island, New York City, where Costello sings harmony on “Drunken Angel” with Lucinda Williams and her band.
July 25th 1999
Elvis Costello and Steve Nieve follow, Willie Nelson and the Brian Setzer Orchestra and are announced by original festival M.C., Wavy Gravy to the stage of Woodstock III.
They depart the hostile scene listening on the radio to performances by Jewel, Korn and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers that are attended by scenes of drunken mayhem, arson and assault.
July 26th 1999
Guest appearance with Bob Dylan at “Tramps” club in New York City, performing “I Shall Be Released”.
October 1999
The Irish choral group, Anuna release the album “Deep Deed Blue”, including the Costello/Frisell song arranged by composer and director, Michael McGlynn.
September-December 1999
A further series of concert dates with Steve Nieve opens at the Warfield Theatre, San Francisco on September 30th, visiting Louisville, the Beacon Theatre, New York City for two nights, the Ryman Auditorium, Nashville and the Tabernacle, Atlanta, Georgia.
U.K. dates take in Symphony Hall, Birmingham, the Regent Theatre, Ipswich, the Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow and a concert at the Royal Festival Hall, London at which the Brodsky Quartet makes a guest appearance.
1999
Cameo appearance in the comedy movie, “200 Cigarettes”, a movie set on New Year’s Eve.
The cast which includes, Paul Rudd, Martha Plimpton, Janeane Garofalo, Dave Chappelle, Christina Ricci, Kate Hudson, Ben and Casey Affleck and Courtney Love.
December 14th 1999
Release of “The Sopranos – Music From The HBO Original Series” includes, “High Fidelity”, which is heard at the close of one episode of the drama.
“The Sopranos” producers later feature, “Complicated Shadows” in another episode.
2000
May 5th-6th 2000
Vocal appearance in the “Fire At Keaton’s Bar and Grill” by Roy Nathanson at St. Ann’s Warehouse, Brooklyn.
Other vocalists include Deborah Harry, Richard Butler and Nancy King.
A further performance takes place at the Royal Festival Hall, London on November 14th 2000.
May 13th 2000
Performance of the U2 song, “Please” with Donal Lunny and “Heart Shaped Bruise” with Emmylou Harris at the Island Arts From Ireland at the Kennedy Center, Washington D.C.
June 9th 2000
Role of “Drunkman” in a workshop performance of the opera, “Welcome To The Voice” by Steve Nieve and Muriel Teodori.
Other performers include, Ron Sexsmith, John Flansburgh (of They Might Be Giants), saxophonist, Ned Rothenburg and the Brodsky Quartet.
June 29th 2000
Michael Thomas and the Composer’s Ensemble present an evening of adaptations and arrangement of Elvis Costello songs and other music at the Almeida Theatre, London concluding with an encore vocal performance of “Favourite Hour”
June 30th 2000
Nordoff-Robbins Tribute concert to Burt Bacharach and Hal David at the Royal Albert Hall. Other performers include, Dionne Warwick, Petula Clark, Sacha Distel, Paul Carrack and Kenny Lynch.
Summer 2000
Composition of “Il Sogno”, an orchestra score based on “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, commissioned by Mauro Bignozetti of the Reggio Emilia-based dance company, “Aterballeto”.
Decca Records release “Punishing Kiss” by the German cabaret chanteuse, Ute Lemper.
The album takes its title from the Costello/O’Riordan composition originally written for the Robert Altman motion picture, “Short Cuts”.
The collection also includes the debut recording of the Steve Nieve/Elvis Costello song, “Passionate Fight” and “Couldn’t You Keep That To Yourself”, a song originally intended for Madonna.
Autumn 2000
Recording of “For The Stars” with Anne Sofie von Otter at Atlantic Studios, Stockholm – a studio famously used previously by both ABBA and Bill Evans.
The project, which has been a number of years in preparation, I originally planned as a record production.
The album is finally billed as “Anne Sofie von Otter Meets Elvis Costello” after several joint vocal performances are recorded.
The repertoire includes arrangements of songs by Brian Wilson, Tom Waits, Kate McGarrigle, Ron Sexsmith, Paul McCartney.
In addition to re-arrangements of the Ruben Blades/Elvis Costello song, “Shamed Into Love” and the Costello composition, “I Want To Vanish”.
Two new songs are written for the album; “No Wonder” and “For The Stars”
The ensemble includes, pianists, Steve Nieve and Mats Schubert, percussionists, Magnus Persson and Michael Blair, guitarists, Johan Lindstom and Billy Bremner, saxophonist, Bebe Risenfors and cellist Svante Henryson – for whose music Costello provides the lyric on “Green Song”.
Lyrics are also written for two Flesch Quartett compositions, now re-titled, “Rope” and “Just A Curio”.
Benny Andersson makes a guest appearance, playing accordion and provides the piano on the ABBA song, “Like An Angel Passing Through My Room”.
The sessions are filmed by a documentary crew for an edition of the “South Bank Show”.
31st. October 2000
World premiere of “Il Sogno” by Aterballeto with the Orchestra of the Teatro Communale, Bologna, Italy.
Subsequent performances given in Reggio Emilia, Paris, France, other Italian, German and Russian cities and a solitary engagement in Orange Country, California.
2001
February 2001
“For The Stars” released by Deutsche Grammophon.
Annie Sofie von Otter, Elvis Costello and the Sons of Sweden perform selection from the album at the Hofburg Palace, Vienna.
April 25th-26th 2001
Performances of the songs, “Henry Lee”, “The Butcher Boy” and a newly composed sequel to the Appalachian song, “Omie Wise”, entitled, “What Lewis Did Last” at Hal Willner’s “Harry Smith Project” at Royce Hall, UCLA, California.
The collaborative ensemble includes, Kate and Anna McGarrigle, Eliza Carthy, Bill Frisell and Don Byron.
Other performers appearing in the nearly five hour concert include, Steve Earle, David Johanson, Marianne Faithful, Percy Heath, David Thomas, Eric Mingus, The Folksmen, Van Dyke Parks, the Richard Greene Quartet, Garth and Maude Hudson, Petra Haden, Beck and Philip Glass.
May 11th 2001
Performs “Mr. Spaceman”, “You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere”, “Drug Store Truck Driving Man”, “Hickory Wind” and “So You Want To Be A Rock And Roll Star” with Roger McGuinn at Vicar St. Dublin.
June 4th 2001
Carnegie Hall debut with Spinal Tap, performing, “Gimme Some Money”.
June 8th 2001
Sings “Drunken Angel” with Lucinda Williams and her band at the Count Basie Theatre, Red Bank, New Jersey.
June 13th 2001
Second Carnegie Hall appearance as non-performing M.C. of “Down From The Mountain” concert featuring the music from the motion picture, “O Brother Where Art Thou?”
June 21st-22nd and 24th 2001
Performances of Roy Nathanson’s, “Fire At Keaton’s Bar and Grill” in Manchester, London and Rotterdam.
June 24th 2001
Performs Robert Wyatt’s “O Caroline” and “Shipbuilding” as a salute to this year’s “Meltdown” curator at the Royal Festival Hall with a band lead by trombonist and composer, Annie Whitehead.
They have not worked together since Annie Whitehead lead the “Royal Guard Horns”, on the recording session for the, “Party Party” – the Elvis Costello title song of a 1982 U.K. movie release.
June 26th 2001
The first presentation of a set of songs with Steve Nieve, employing prepared drum loops with amplified guitar and keyboards at a Meltdown concert at the Royal Festival Hall.
Song include, “My Dark Life”, “When I Was Cruel No.2”, “The Bridge I Burned” and “Hurry Down Doomsday (The Bugs Are Taking Over” at Robert Wyatt’s “Meltdown” at the Royal Festival Hall, London
The Brodsky Quartet make a cameo appearance during which they perform, Paul Cassidy’s arrangement of “Rocking Horse Road”
The Imposters – Steve Nieve, Pete Thomas and bassist, Davey Faragher – make their first appearance as a rock and roll band during the encore of the concert.
July 15th 2001
Elvis Costello and the Imposters open for Bob Dylan at Nowlan Park, Kilkenny, Ireland.
Summer 2001
The recording of “When I Was Cruel” produced with Ciaran Cahill, Leo Pearson and Kieran Lynch at Ringsend Road Studios, Dublin.
The album is begun employing only a cheap Roland sampler and beatbox plus a distorted Danelectro guitar and a $45 Sears amplifier but is later expanded to feature the members of the Imposters.
The song which gives the album its title, “When I Was Cruel No.2” features a prominent sample from “Un bacio è troppo poco” by the Italian singing star, Mina.
20th September 2001
Horn and vibraphone overdub sessions for “When I Was Cruel” in New York City with Roy Nathanson, Ku-Umba Frank Lacy, Jay Rodriguez.
Vibraphonist, Bill Ware has to retrieve his instrument from a venue inside the downtown vehicle exclusion zone imposed after the 9/11 attacks and drag it ten blocks in order to make the date.
22nd September 2001
Rehearsals in New York City with Charles Mingus Orchestra include the first performance of a newly written lyrics for the Mingus compositions, “Self Portrait In Three Colours”, “Don’t Be Afraid The Clown’s Afraid Too”, “Jellyroll” and “Hora Decubitus”, in addition to the previously recorded, “Invisible Lady” and the Mingus’ own lyric for “Weird Nightmare”.
September 27th and 28th 2001
Concert at Royce Hall, UCLA with the Charles Mingus Orchestra debuts the new lyrics for Mingus tunes together with instrumental compositions and several orchestrated Costello songs.
December 2001
Recording of first ever episode of CMT “Crossroads” with Lucinda Willaims.
Songs performed together include, the Jagger/Richards song, “Wild Horses” and Williams’ “Changed The Locks”
November 7th 2001
Concert performance with the Charles Mingus Orchestra at the Beacon Theatre, New York City.
December 8th 2001
Joins Bruce Springsteen, Patti Scialfa, the Max Weinberg 7 and other guests for the finale of Christmas show in Asbury Park.
Songs performed include, “Alison” and “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town”.
2002
January 2002
“A Concert For A Landmine Free World” tour with Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle, John Prine and Nancy Griffith travels from Belfast to Oslo.
March 29th 2002
Performance of “(Tear Off Your Own Head It’s A) Doll Revolution” with the Liverpool group, Amsterdam and vocalist, Steven Kennedy on the BBC show, “Friday Night with Jonathan Ross”
April 2002
Release of “When I Was Cruel” on Island Records and makes a Top Twenty entry in both the U.S. and U.K. charts.
Following consultation with conductor and composer, Michael Tilson Thomas and subsequent revisions to the score, “Il Sogno” is recorded at Abbey Road Studios, London.
The London Symphony Orchestra is joined by featured players, Peter Erskine on drums and saxophonist, John Harle and conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas.
June 2002
The Imposters first world tour commences in Portland, Oregon and continues through the U.S., U.K., Europe, Australia and Japan, returning to the U.S. and concluding in November 2002 in Chicago.
October 2002
Release of “Cruel Smile”, compendium of re-mixes of numbers from “When I Was Cruel”, including “Revolution Doll”, the song, “When I Was Cruel No. 1, several live performances and two renditions of the Charlie Chaplin composition, “Smile”, recorded for a Japanese drama series.
October 14th 2002
Elvis Costello and the Imposters open for the Rolling Stones at the Gund Arena in Cleveland.
Composition of the piano ballads, “When Did I Stop Dreaming”, “Someone Took The Words Away”, “Too Blue”, “You Turned To Me”, “North”, “You Left Me In The Dark”, “Out Of Eden” and “Now I Am Thankful” in hotel rooms and backstage areas.
November 2002
Solo recording of several new piano-accompanied songs at Nola Studios, New York City.
Appearance as a cartoon character in an edition of “The Simpsons” entitled, “How I Spent My Strummer Vacation”
“Either Side Of The Same Town” co-written with Jerry Ragavoy for the R&B singer, Howard Tate.
2003
February 23rd 2003
Performs the U2 song “Kite” at the Music Cares salute to Bono in New York City.
February 23rd 2003
Members of the band including Bruce Springsteen, Dave Grohl, Little Steven Van Zandt, Tony Kanal and Pete Thomas performing “London Calling” in tribute to the late, Joe Strummer, at the Grammy Awards at Madison Square Garden.
March 16th. 2003
Elvis Costello and the Attractions inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame by Sir Elton John at the Waldorf Astoria, New York City.
April 9th 2003
Performance of “Crazy” with Diana Krall and Willie Nelson at Willie’s 70th Birthday Celebration at the Beacon Theatre, New York City
April 2003
Broadcast of cameo appearance as “Ben”, the irritating folk singer, in the situation comedy, “Fraiser”.
May 2003
Recording sessions for “North” produced with Kevin Killen at Avatar Studios, New York City.
The studio ensemble includes Steve Nieve on piano, drummer, Peter Erskine and the double bass of Mike Formanek.
Elvis Costello plays the piano on the songs, “Let Me Tell You About Her”, “Too Blue”, “I’m In The Mood Again” and “Impatience”.
The recording also features the singer’s own string, brass and woodwind orchestrations and guest appearances from Lew Soloff on Flugel Horn and the alto saxophonist, Lee Konitz.
May 2003
Appearance on the NPR radio show, “Piano Jazz with Marian McPartland” featuring conversation and performance of “At Last”, “You Don’t Know What Love Is”, “My Funny Valentine”, “The Very Thought Of You” and “I’m In The Mood Again”
A CD release of the radio show appearance is made by Concord Records in 2005.
Release of “North” by Deutsche Grammophon. The album enters the Billboard Traditional Jazz Charts at #1 and remains there for five weeks.
May 20th 2003
ASCAP Founder’s Award presented to Elvis Costello by Burt Bacharach with video greetings by Tom Waits and Paul McCartney.
Ceremony concludes with a unique performance of “The Judgment” by Solomon Burke.
June-December 2003
Concerts with Steve Nieve throughout the U.S., Europe and Japan presenting the songs from “North” and other repertoire.
June 27th 2003
The release of the Neil Labute motion picture, “The Shape Of Things”, starring Paul Rudd, Rachel Weisz and Gretchen Mol features a soundtrack of Elvis Costello songs, including, “Lover’s Walk” from “Trust
October 2003
Release of “Heart Trouble” by Wanda Jackson includes a duet of the Buck Owens’ hit, “Crying Time”
2004
January 2004
Academy Award Nomination for the song, “The Scarlet Tide”, written with T Bone Burnett and performed by Alison Krauss in the motion picture, “Cold Mountain”.
February 6th 2004
Performs “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” on the ukulele at the Music Cares salute to Sting in Los Angeles.
February-March 2004
Concerts with Steve Nieve, performing songs from “North”.
The Brodsky Quartet join shows in Nashville, New York and Boston.
February 29th 2004
Appearance as part of the ensemble for Alison Krauss’ performance of “The Scarlet Tide” at the 76th Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre, Hollywood.
April 2004
Sessions with the Imposters for “The Delivery Man”, produced with Dennis Herring at Sweet Tea Studios, Oxford Mississippi and a single day of recording in a former radio studio in Clarksdale, Mississippi, which yields, “The Clarksdale Sessions” release.
Lucinda Williams makes a guest appearance on “There’s A Story In Your Voice” and Emmylou Harris duets on a ukulele- accompanied version of “The Scarlet Tide”, recorded in Nashville.
April 27th 2004
Verve Records release “The Girl In The Other Room” by Diana Krall.
The album enters the Billboard 200 at #4 and remains at #1 for a number of weeks on the Billboard Traditional Jazz Charts
The album includes the songs, “The Girl In The Other Room”, “I’m Coming Through”, “Narrow Daylight”, “Abandoned Masquerade”, “I’ve Changed My Address” and “Departure Day” which each contain a lyrical contribution from her husband.
The record also includes a rendition of “Almost Blue”. A further Krall/Costello co-written song, “Fake Tin Star” is recorded during the album sessions and later released as a “B-Side”.
May 2004
Guest vocalist at the “Century of Song” festival in Bochum, Germany.
The concert features a repertoire arranged by festival director, Bill Frisell for his own guitar and an ensemble including trumpeter, Ron Miles, violinist, Jenny Scheinman, bassist, Viktor Krauss and drummer, Matt Wilson.
Songs include, the Costello/Frisell co-composition, “Deep Dead Blue”, “Weird Nightmare” and “Dust”.
July 2004
North Sea Jazz Festival appearance with the Metropole Orkest performing a re-orchestrated book of arrangements for the unique big band with string section, conducted by Vince Mendoza.
The repertoire is reprised during a three-night stand at Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center, New York City together with the first performance of “The Delivery Man” songs with the Imposters and a suite from “Il Sogno” performed by the Brooklyn Philharmonic, conducted by Brad Lubman.
September 2004
Simultaneous release of “The Delivery Man” on Lost Highway and “Il Sogno” on Deutsche Grammophon
Return engagement with the Imposters and guest vocalist, Emmylou Harris at the Hi-Tone Café, Memphis, Tennessee filmed for the DVD release “Live In Memphis”.
October 2004
Guest appearance on the popular situation comedy, “Two and Half Men” with other guest players, Sean Penn and Harry Dean Stanton.
October-December 2004
Concerts with the Imposters, presenting the songs from “The Delivery Man” in the U.K., U.S., Australia and Japan.
October 22th 2004
Show at the Viper Room, Sunset Strip, Hollywood for “Bringing Ohio Back” features a guest appearance by Lucinda Williams on “There’s Story In Your Voice”.
2005
January-July 2005|
The Imposters continue to tour in Europe, the U.K and U.S.
For three dates in April, the band mutated into the “Pick-Ups”, as David Hildalgo form Los Lobos deputizes on guitar for an absent, Steve Nieve.
The set includes the Los Lobos songs, “A Matter Of Time” and Mas Y Mas” and the Grateful Dead number, “Bertha”.
May 1st 2005
At the Beale Street Music Festival in Memphis, the Imposters are joined by both Hildalgo and, former Howlin’ Wolf guitarist, Hubert Sumlin.
July 2nd. 2005
The Brodsky Quartet and Zimbabwean guitarist, Rise Kagona join the Imposters for a concert at Kenwood House, London.
July 7th-8th and 10th
The tour concludes with appearances at the Montreaux and Istanbul Jazz Festivals and the Cornbury Music Festival in Oxfordshire.
July 14th 2005
First duet performance of “Jailhouse Tears” – learned from a demo without rehearsal – during the encore of Lucinda Williams show at the Beacon Theatre, New York City.
July 17th-31st. 2005
Emmylou Harris and multi-instrumentalist, Larry Campbell join the Imposters for a short run of U.S. dates, performing songs from both artists repertoires.
The concert include such duets as “Love Hurts”, “Sin City”, Bob Dylan’s “When I Paint My Masterpiece” and the Stanley Brothers’, “Gathering Flowers For The Master’s Bouquet”
August 7th 2005
Elvis Costello and the Imposters with Larry Campbell perform at the Newport Folk Festival.
Gillian Welch and David Rawlings take the stage for songs including, “Mystery Train” and “Must You Throw Dirt In My Face”.
September 7th 2005
Toronto Film Festival premiere of Adam Goldberg’s movie, “I Love Your Work” in which Elvis Costello makes a cameo appearance.
September 17th- 24th 2005
A week of benefit events takes place in New York City in response to the catastrophes that befell New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.
September 17th 2005
First performance of “Freedom For The Stallion” with composer and pianist, Allen Toussaint at the “Higher Ground” benefit organized by Wynton Marsalis at Rose Hall, New York City.
September 20th 2005
Performance of “On Your Way Down and “Yes We Can” with Allen Toussaint and “The Monkey” with Dave Bartholomew and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band at the “The Big Apple For The Big Easy” benefit at Madison Square Gardens
Later that night also appearing with the Jazz Passengers, performing “Fire Suite” from “Fire At Keaton’s Bar and Grill” during a benefit performance at the Angel Orensanz Foundation.
September 24th 2005
First performance of the newly composed song, “The River in Reverse” at the “Parting of The Waters” benefit organised at part of the New Yorker Festival.
October 8th 2005
World Premiere of “The Secret Songs”, a semi-staged sequence of numbers about the life and loves of Hans Christian Andersen, his inspiration by and infatuation with, the singer, Jenny Lind and her tour of 1850, promoted by the showman, P.T. Barnum.
The incomplete opera, commissioned and presented by the Royal Danish Opera is performed by a chamber ensemble consisting of pianist, Steve Nieve, multi-instrumentalist, Bebe Risenfors, vibraphonist, Bent Larsen and cellist, Amit Sen.
Part of Jenny Lind is sung by Swedish soprano, Gisela Stille.
The roles of Andersen and Barnum are portrayed by the composer.
Three performances are given, two in Copenhagen at the Royal Danish Opera House and one in Aarhus.
October 2005
The Imposters make their South American debut with concerts in Brazil and Argentina
Halloween 2005
“Brilliant Mistake – The Songs of Elvis Costello”, benefit concert for the AIDS organization, “Friends Indeed” in which Broadway singers interpret songs from the catalogue.
Notable performance include, “I Don’t Want To Go Chelsea” by Justin Bond of Kiki & Herb and then, “Cabaret” star, Molly Ringwald performing, “I Want To Vanish”.
November 2005
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Tribute to Sam Cooke at the State Theatre, Cleveland, Ohio.
Songs performed included, “That’s Where It’s At”, “Get Yourself Another Fool” and a duet with Otis Clay on “Bring It On Home To Me”.
Other performers include, Peter Wolf, The Manhattans, William Bell, Cissy Houston, Solomon Burke and Aretha Franklin.
November 27th. 2005
Recording of “The River In Reverse” begun at Sunset Sound Studios, Hollywood, featuring songs from the Allen Toussaint catalogue and newly written co-compostions.
The ensemble includes the Imposters, augmented by Anthony “A.B.” Brown on guitar and the Crescent City Horns; Joe “Foxx” Smith on trumpet, Amadee Castanell on tenor saxophone, Brian “Breeze” Cayolle on baritone saxophone and Big Sam Williams on trombone.
December 2005
Piety Street Studios, the first studio to re-open after Hurricane Katrina hosts the continuing sessions for “The River In Reverse”, while the city is still under curfew.
2006
January 2006
Four-date Sydney Festival appearance includes a concert with the Brodsky Quartet featuring numbers from “The Juliet Letters” and other repertoire.
Soprano, Antoinette Halloran sings, “How Deep Is The Red” and the duet, “He Has Forgotten Me Completely” from “The Secret Songs”.
The concert with Steve Nieve at the State Theatre features songs from 1976 to 2006.
Two concerts at the Sydney Opera House with the Sydney Symphony, conducted by Alan Broadbent, feature a programme that includes the “Il Sogno Suite” and a second half of songs with piano and orchestra.
February 2006
“My Flame Burns Blue” released by Deutsche Grammophon.
The recording reaches #2 in the Billboard Traditional Jazz Chart.
This live album recorded in 2004 at the North Sea Jazz Festival with Metropole Orkest takes its title from a Costello lyric for Billy Strayhorn’s “Blood Count”, which is performed in an orchestral arrangement by conductor Vince Mendoza.
Other titles included at Dave Bartholomew’s, “That’s How You Got Killed Before, “Upon A Veil Of Midnight Blue” – originally written for blue balladeer, Charles Brown and arranged by Bill Frisell, the Charles Mingus compositions, “Hora Decubitus” and “Speak Darkly, My Angel”, adapted from of the song sequence, “Three Distracted Woman, written for Annie Sofie von Otter and the Brodsky Quartet.
February 11th 2006
Guest appearance with Levon Helm and Allen Toussaint at the Midnight Ramble in Woodstock.
Songs performed, “The River In Reverse”, Sonny Boy Williamson’s, “Help Me”, and the Chuck Willis number, “I Don’t Want To Hang Up My Rock And Roll Shoes”.
February 17th, 2006
Grand Ole Opry debut on WSM as a guest of Emmylou Harris, in a line-up that also features the harmonies of Gillian Welch, Dave Rawlings, multi-instrumentalist, Fats Kaplan and bassist, Viktor Krauss.
Among the songs performed is “Must You Throw Dirt In My Face”, written by Bill Anderson and recorded by the Louvin Brothers. Other guests of that week’s show include, Bill Anderson, Charlie Louvin, Little Jimmmy Dickens and
Diana Krall, performing with both, Vince Gill and the Riders In The Sky.
February 20th 2006
Allen Toussaint and Elvis Costello perform the songs from the upcoming album, “The River In Reverse” at Joe’s Pub, New York City.
They are joined by Ollabelle and Larry Campbell for encore performances of “The Scarlet Tide” and “Yes We Can Can”.
February 25th 2006
Performs “Hidden Charms” with Hubert Sumlin with an ensemble lead by guitarist, Jimmy Vivino and including, drummer, Levon Helm, at a tribute to Howlin’ Wolf in New York City.
St. Patrick’s Day 2006
Guest appearance with The Chieftains at Carnegie Hall performing, the anthem written with Paddy Moloney for television documentary series “Long Journey Home”
March-April 2006
Series of orchestral concerts presenting the “Il Sogno Suite” followed in the second half by a series of songs with piano and orchestra.
Alan Broadbent conducts, the San Francisco, Austin, Houston, Chicago and Baltimore Symphony Orchestras.
There is also an appearance with the Honolulu Symphony Pops Orchestra.
Further concert in May 2006 to include an appearance with the Boston Pops Orchestra and concerts with the Brooklyn Philharmonic and the Atlanta Symphony.
Steve Nieve is featured on piano and provides two orchestrations to the programme that also includes arrangements by Vince Mendoza, Sy Richardson and Elvis
Costello.
April 29th 2006
Guest appearance during Allen Toussaint’s homecoming set at New Orleans JazzFest. The songs performed include the Toussaint compositions, “Freedom For the Stallion” and “Nearer To You”.
May 19th 2006
Recording of “Decades – Live” for VH-1 in Atlantic City featuring the Imposters with guest appearance by Death Cab For Cutie and Billie Joe Armstrong from Green Day.
The highlight of the concert is a performance of “I Want You” by Fiona Apple.
June 14th 2006
Performance of “Don’t Make Me Over” in salute to Dionne Warwick at Songwriter’s Hall of Fame ceremony at the Sheraton Hotel, New York City.
June 2006
“The River In Reverse” released by Verve Records.
The record reaches #2 in the Billboard Traditional Jazz Charts.
Following a series of piano and vocal appearances in clubs and on television and radio in the U.S., Europe and Japan, Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint embark on a 25-date U.S. tour with the Imposters, Anthony “A.B.” Brown and the Crescent City Horns.
September 2007
Second appearance of the NPR radio programme, “Piano Jazz with Marian McPartland” recorded live at the Tanglewood Jazz Festival.
The programme includes the premiere performance of a lyric written for the Marian McPartland composition, “Threnody”.
September 7th 2006
Third appearance with the Metropole Orkest, conducted by Alan Broadbent in Amsterdam.
September 19th 2006
Performance in tribute to Emmylou Harris at Schermerhorn Symphony Center, Nashville. The house band includes Buddy Miller and Sam Bush.
Songs include, “Sweet Dreams”, “Mystery Train” with Gillian Welch and David Rawlings and “Love Hurts” with Patty Griffin.
September 26th 2006
Guest appearance with Tony Bennett at the Theatre at Madison Square Gardens.
This is a reprise of the recently recorded, “Are You Having Any Fun?” for Bennett’s multiple award winning album, “Duets – An American Classic”.
October 2006
Three appearances are made over the weekend of the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco.
The Imposters rhythm section appears with guests, Austin Delone on keyboards, Bill Kirchen on guitar under the banner, The Hammer Of The Honky Tonk Gods.
Emmylou Harris, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings also make guest appearances.
Songs performed include, “Mystery Train, “The Scarlet Tide”, “Love Hurts” and the Hunter/Garcia song, “Loser”.
Later that night, “American Gangster Time” is learned on- stage and performed at the Great American Music Hall by T Bone Burnett’s ensemble; Jim Keltner, Dennis Crouch, Keefus Ciancia and Marc Ribot.
“Don’t Lie To Me” is performed during T Bone Burnett’s set at HSBG, the following day.
Coward Brothers then make their first stage appearance in twenty years, augmented by Dennis Crouch on bass, Mike Compton on mandolin and Stuart Duncan on violin with a special guest appearance by Emmylou Coward
October 11th 2006
Elvis Costello and the Imposters open for the Rolling Stones at Soldier Field, Chicago in close to sub-zero temperatures.
October-November 2006
Two appearances made with Rosanne Cash.
The first is at her concert at Zankel Hall in New York City, performing “Our Little Angel” and her father’s song, “Big River”.
The second is a rendition of “The Butcher Boy” on “The Late Show with David Letterman”, marking the release of the “Harry Smith Project”.
November 11th 2006
Performance of “Hey Bulldog” and “Back In The U.S.S.R.” with the Fab Faux at “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Cure Parkinson’s” benefit founded by Michael J. Fox.
December 5th 2006
The release of “Hot As A Pistol, Keen As A Blade” a DVD of the Montreal Jazz Festival appearance by Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint with the Imposters and the Crescent City Horns
2006
Cameo appearance in the Will Farrell comedy, “Talladega Nights”, in a scene with Farrell, Sacha Baron Cohen and Mos Def
2007
April 13th 2007
Concert at the Rubin Museum Of Art with Rosanne Cash on the theme of numbers.
Songs performed include, “One”, “One’s Two Many and A Hundred’s Not Enough”, “Not A Second Time”, “Three Steps Down”, “45”, “44 Stories”, “Seven Year Ache”, “Six O’Clock” “99 and 1/2 Won’t Do”, “Two Steps From The Blues”, “New York Mining Disaster 1941”, “Less Than Zero”, “36-22-36” and “76 Trombones”
April 27th 2007
Solo appearance at Merle Fest, Wilkesboro, North Carolina is augmented first by Larry Campbell on guitar, violin and vocals and concludes with a impromptu finale line-up consisting of Sam Bush on mandolin, Jerry Douglas on dobro, Jim Lauderdale on vocals and Byron House on bass.
May 2007
Elvis Costello and the Imposters play a U.S. club tour, opening at the House of Blues in West Hollywood and closing at the Electric Factory in Philadelphia.
Allen Toussaint makes a guest appearance during the show at the 9.30 Club in Washington D.C.
July 2007
Opening at the New Picket, Liverpool, Elvis Costello, Allen Toussaint, and the Imposters with A.B. Brown and the Crescent City Horns play European festivals from Athens to San Sebastian in Spain.
Cameo appearance in Tom DiCillo’s independent movie, “Delirious”, in a scene with Steve Buscemi.
August 2007
“Rabbit Ears” release a CD of the children’s story, “Tom Thumb”, narrated by John Cleese with an original chamber music score by Elvis Costello.
The writing and production actually took place in late 1980s and early 90s but delayed until this date by contractual problems with the production company.
September 2007
Orchestral concerts in Philadelphia, Nashville and Cary, North Carolina, conclude with a two-night engagement with the Minnesota Orchestra in Minneapolis.
September 19th 2007
Unannounced opening, solo appearance during a two-night stand at the Ryman Auditorium, commences a 30-date run as the middle act on “The Bob Dylan Show”.
The encore of the show at the St. Louis Fox Theatre sees an acoustic duet performance of Dylan’s “Tears of Rage”.
Opening act, Amos Lee and Costello join Dylan and his band for “I Shall Be Released” on the closing night of this run at the Chicago Theatre in October.
November 8th 2007
Elvis Costello and three members of Clover – guitarist, John McFee, keyboardist, Sean Hopper and bassist, Johnny Ciambotti with Pete Thomas playing drums – perform “My Aim Is True” on-stage for the first time, thirty year after the recording of the album.
The two-sets at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco are a benefit event for the Richard Delone Special Housing Project, in support of those with the rare and challenging, genetic disorder, Prader Willi Syndrome.
Due to the brevity of running time, songs from “My Aim Is True” are augmented by outtakes from the sessions, such as “Stranger In The House”, solo acoustic songs from the same period, including, “Poison Moon” and the Clover songs, “Mr. Moon” and “Love Is Gone”, on which they are joined by Austin Delone on second keyboard and guitarist, Bill Kirchen.
November 2007
Cameo appearance in the independent movie release, “I Love Your Work”, directed by Adam Goldberg
December 31st 2007
The Imposters play a New Year’s Eve engagement at the House of Blues in Atlantic City.
2008
January 16th 2008
Recording guest vocal appearance on “Carpetbaggers” for Jenny Lewis’ “Acid Tongue” album leads to the recording of new songs, “Go Away” and “Drum and Bone” in Van Nuys, California.
The Imposters’ Davey Faragher and Pete Thomas and The Like’s Tennessee Thomas augment Jenny Lewis’ ensemble.
February 7th-14th 2008
Session at which “Momofuku” is produced with Jason Lader
The album features the Imposters augmented by “Farmer” Dave Scher on pedal and lap-steel, Johnathan Rice and Jonathan Wilson, on guitars and The Like’s Tennessee Thomas playing a second drum-kit alongside her father, Pete.
David Hildalgo contributes guitar to “Flutter and Wow” and viola to “My Three Sons”.
The “Vocal Supergroup” of Jenny Lewis, Johnathan Rice, Farmer Dave, Davey Faragher and Jonathan Wilson is heard on “No Hiding Place”, “Turpentine”, “Drum and Bone” and “Stella Hurt”.
Jenny Lewis sings close harmony on “Go Away”.
Album contains two co-compositions, “Song With Rose”, written with Rosanne Cash and “Pardon Me Madam, My Name Is Eve”, written from a title by Loretta Lynn.
Recording of “Jailhouse Tears” for the Lucinda Williams album, “Little Honey” at Village Recorders, Los Angeles.
March 28th 2008
World Premiere of “NIGHTSPOT” – a ballet by Twyla Tharp for the Miami City Ballet with an Elvis Costello score which calls for a nine-piece amplified Latin dance band, on-stage behind the dancers and a 32-piece chamber orchestra in the pit.
Performances of the work subsequently take place in other Florida cities and in October 2008 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles.
April 5th 2008
Elvis Costello, Rosanne Cash and Kristofferson record, “April 5th”, a song to which they each contribute a verse.
The recording produced by John Leventhal at New York Noise Studio.
March 31st- April 2nd 2008
Three days of sessions for “Secret, Profane and Sugarcane” produced by T Bone Burnett at Sound Emporium, Nashville feature, Jerry Douglas on dobro, Stuart Duncan, on violin, Mike Compton on mandolin, Dennis Crouch on double bass and Jeff Taylor, on accordion and low whistle.
Jim Lauderdale sings close harmony throughout and is joined by Emmylou Harris on “The Crooked Line”, co-written with T Bone Burnett, who also contributes the electric guitar.
Four titles are adapted from “The Secret Songs”; “She Handed Me A Mirror”, “How Deep Is The Red?”, “She Was No Good” and “Red Cotton”.
The album features, “I Felt The Chill Before The Winter Came”, co-written with Loretta Lynn and “Sulphur To Sugarcane”, also written with T Bone Burnett and closes with, “Changing Partners”, a song associated with Patti Page and Bing Crosby.
April 8th 2008
Elvis Costello makes his debut as host of “Spectacle”, an interview and performance programme to be aired by Sundance Channel, in the U.S. and CTV in Canada.
Sir Elton John – who is also one of the executive producers, along with his partner David Furnish – is the first guest.
The initial four episodes are taped at Studio 8H, the home of “Saturday Night Live”, just thirty-one years after the host was told he would never work on American television again.
The next three guests are President Bill Clinton, Tony Bennett and Lou Reed with Julian Schnabel.
Each episode opens with the host’s performance of a song by or pertinent to the guest.
Elton John’s “Border Song” is performed as duet with Allen Toussaint, in a band that also features the Imposters’ rhythm section and James Burton on lead guitar.
Host and guest close the show with a rendition of the David Ackles song, “Down River”
The show with President Clinton opens with an Elvis Presley song – in reference to his Secret Service nickname – with James Burton’s guitar leading, “Mystery Train”
Jazz bassist, Charlie Haden and guitarist, Pat Metheny – himself, a generous last minute replacement for the pianist, Hank Jones – perform “Is This America?” as a finale.
Elvis Costello subsequently takes the lead vocal on a version of Hank Williams’ “You Win Again”, recorded by Charlie Haden with Pat Metheny and John Leventhal for his record, “Rambling Boy”.
Tony Bennett is accompanied on during his appearance by the pianist, Bill Charlap but also calls Diana Krall from the audience, for a completely impromptu rendition of “I’ve Got The World On String”.
The host announces Lou Reed’s appearance with a Cajun-styled re-working of the Velvet Underground number, Femme Fatale, leading band including Steve Nieve on accordion, Jenny Scheinman on violin, Larry Campbell on fiddle and Tony Garnier on double bass.
The finale features duet renditions of “Perfect Day” and “Set The Twilight Reeling”.
April 22nd. 2008
“Momofuku” released exclusively on vinyl and for digital download by Lost Highway.
Elvis Costello and the Imposters are joined by Johnathan Rice, Jonathan Wilson at the New Daisy, Memphis and the Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, where they debut the songs from “Momofuku”.
May 1st 2008
Elvis Costello and the Imposters the first of sixteen dates as the opening act on the farewell tour by The Police.
May 6th 2008
“Momofuku” released on CD and Elvis Costello and the Imposters play their own headlining show in Knoxville, Tennessee.
The following night they are joined on-stage in Louisville, Kentucky by local musician, Brigid Kaelin, playing accordion on several numbers and musical saw on “Mr. Feathers”.
May 28th 2008
Having played the second of two nights at the Hollywood Bowl in support of The Police, Elvis Costello and the Imposters celebrate with a free midnight show at El Rey and are once again augmented by Johnathan Rice, Jonathan Wilson and “Farmer” Dave Scher.
June 2008
Elvis Costello and Steve Nieve play two concerts with orchestra, the first with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and the second with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
The Imposters also make their debut in Poland.
July 3rd. July
Elvis Costello is given an Honorary Doctorate of Music by Liverpool University and addresses the graduating students at the Philharmonic Hall.
July-August 2008
Final leg of tour with The Police concludes on August 5th at Jones Beach, N.Y. with the blonde trio invading the stage during “Peace, Love and Understanding” and indulging in some comic pranks, while dressed as the singer in 1978.
August 6th 2008
The Police make their final television appearance on “Spectacle” at the Apollo Theatre, Harlem.
Andy Summers, Stewart Copeland and Sting are interviewed individually, only coming together for a brief, “Yes/No” round of questioning.
The show concludes with The Police joining the Imposters for a performance of “Watching The Detectives” mutating into “Walking On The Moon” and concluding with versions of “Sunshine Of Your Love” and “Purple Haze”.
Later that same evening, a second edition of “Spectacle” is taped with Smokey Robinson.
Elvis Costello and the Imposters – with guest guitarist, Anthony “A.B. Brown – preface the appearance by performing with three less-known Smokey Robinson songs, “From Head To Toe”, “The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game” and “No More Tear-Stained Make-Up”.
The interview includes a brief illustration of “Track of My Tears” by Smokey Robinson and Steve Nieve
The finale number is a duet on “You Really Got A Hold On Me”
September 8th-16th 2008
Further episode of “Spectacle” are recorded at the Apollo Theatre, Harlem.
Guests include, Rufus Wainwright, Kate McGarrigle, Renee Flemming, She & Him, Jakob Dylan and Jenny Lewis.
Featured players and singers include, the Imposters rhythm section, Laura Cantrell, Tennessee Thomas and John Leventhal and Bill Frisell with whom the host performs, “If I Only Had A Brain”
A “Guitar Pull” episode features, John Mellencamp, Norah Jones, Kris Kristofferson and Rosanne Cash.
“C.C.K.” perform “April 5th” in public for the first time.
Sir Elton John appears as guest host interviewing Diana Krall.
Herbie Hancock performs with drummer, Karriem Riggins and Christian.
The host joins this line-up for a finale rendition of the Joni Mitchell composition, “Edith and The Kingpin”
The final show recorded features James Taylor. The host and guest duet on the Everly Brothers’ hit, “Crying In The Rain” and an impromptu version of the Flanders and Swann number, “The Hippopotamus Song”
September 27th 2008
Sings with Los Lobos and performs, “Love Has No Pride” with Bonnie Raitt, David Crosby and Graham Nash during a SEVA benefit at the Oakland Paramount.
October 2nd 2008
Joined in opening solo set by Caroline Delone, on vocal harmony and her father, Austin Delone, on accordion for “The Crooked Line” at the Richard Delone Housing Fund Prader Willi benefit show.
Joins the ensemble “Guitar, Bass and Drums” – Ry Cooder, Nick Lowe and Jim Keltner – for a rendition of the Louvin Brothers’ “My Baby’s Gone” in encore of their set.
October 5th 2008
The High Whines and Spirits – featuring the Imposters rhythm section, Austin Delone on keyboards, Bill Kirchen on guitar, Fats Kaplan on pedal-steel and fiddle and Jim Lauderdale on vocals – perform at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco.
November 6th 2008
Impromptu duet rendition of “Don’t Fence Me In” with Former Secretary of State, Madeline Albright, on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien”
Launch party of Season One of “Spectacle” at the Edison Ballroom.
Vocal appearance with Jenny Lewis and her band performing, “Carpetbaggers” and “Go Away”
November 20th 2008
Appearance in the role of, ”The Chief Of Police” in the opera, “Welcome to the Voice” by Steve Nieve and Muriel Teodori.
Five performances of the production – which stars Sting and Sylvia Schwartz – are given at the Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris.
December 3rd 2008
“Spectacle” makes its broadcast debut on the Sundance Channel.
2009
January-February 2009
Season One of “Spectacle” continues on the Sundance Channel.
April 18th 2009
Guest appearance on the NPR radio programme, “Prairie Home Companion” at Town Hall, New York City, taking two roles in comic sketches, “Lives Of The Cowboys” and “Guy Noir”.
Among the songs performed are, “Sulphur To Sugarcane”, “Down Among The Wines And Spirits” and “The Crooked Line”
April 2009
Short U.K. tour with the Brodsky Quartet, reprising songs from “The Juliet Letters” together with new arrangements of “Shipbuilding”, “My Three Sons” and “Bedlam”
May 2nd 2009
“The Popular Trend” – a unique line-up of Pete Thomas, Davey Faragher, guitarist, John McFee and legendary producer and pianist, Jim Dickenson – performs at the Memphis in May Festival.
In addition, Costello makes three other guest appearances, performing “Killin’ Floor” with Hubert Sumlin, “I Got Loaded” with Los Lobos and “Love Has No Pride” and “I Thank You” with Bonnie Raitt.
May 2009
Two guest vocal appearances during Allen Toussaint’s, Bright Mississippi”, five-night stand at the Village Vanguard, performing “Ascension Day” and “Nearer to You”.
June 2009
The release of “Secret, Profane & Sugarcane” by Concord Records/Hear Music.
The album enters the Billboard Charts at #13, the first such entry since 1980.
The Sugarcanes open a short run of dates at the Count Basie Theater, Red Bank, New Jersey, which takes in the Ryman Auditorium, Nashville before closing at the Telluride Festival.
July 2009
Elvis Costello and the Imposters play a series of North American festivals including the Winnepeg Folk Festival during which they are joined on-stage by the Lovell Sisters.
August 8th-9th 2009
Elvis Costello and the Imposters join The Specials and numerous other acts on the bill of the Sonic Music Festival in Tokyo and Osaka
August 15th. 2009
Costello and Steve Nieve perform with the Salt Lake City Symphony, conducted by Alan Broadbent, in Park City, Utah.
August 17th 2009
The Sugarcanes second tour commences at the Mountain Winery, Saratoga, CA and closes at Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa, Oklahoma on the September 3rd.
September 5th 2009
Elvis Costello and the Imposters perform at Jazz Aspen Snowmass Festival.
September 8th 2009
Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Jermaine Jackson at the G.Q. Awards, Royal Opera House, London.
September 15th
First show of Season Two of “Spectacle” recorded at the Masonic Temple, Toronto with Bono and the Edge.
Songs performed in “Mysterious Way” and the guests accompanied by Imposters for “Stuck In A Moment” and “Pump It Up/Get On Your Boots”
September 21st-25th
Five episodes of “Spectacle” are rehearsed and recorded in five days at the Apollo Theater, Harlem.
These include another “Guitar Pull” featuring, Ron Sexsmith, Sheryl Crow, Neko Case and Jesse Winchester.
Songs performed include, Neko Case’s, “Prison Girls”, Sheryl Crows, “Leaving Las Vegas”, Ron Sexsmith’s rendition of Bob Dylan’s, “Ring Them Bells” and a duet on “Everyday I Write The Book”.
Jesse Winchester sings his new ballad, “Sham-A-Ling Dong Ding” and the entire ensemble performs his song, “Payday”.
The season continues with a songwriter’s circle, featuring, John Prine, Lyle Lovett and Ray Lamontagne, who come together at the end to perform, Townes Van Zant’s “Loretta”.
A unique rock and roll band is assembled, featuring Richard Thompson, Allen Toussaint, Nick Lowe and Levon Helm.
Songs performed include, Thompson’s “Shootout The Lights”, Allen Toussaint’s “A Certain Girl” and Nick Lowe’s solo rendition of “The Beast In Me”.
Levon Helm is under doctor’s orders to remain on vocal rest from recent strain, so Elvis Costello takes the lead vocal on the Hunter/Garcia song, “Tennessee Jed”.
Ray Lamontagne returns to the Apollo stage for a second night to take the first verse of an ensemble rendition of the Robbie Robertson song, “The Weight”.
The week concludes with a nearly four-hour taping with Bruce Springsteen.
Songs performed include, Costello and the Imposters’ introductory, “She’s The One” and Springsteen’s solo renditions of “Galveston Bay”, “American Skin” and “The River”.
Costello performs Patti Sciala’s “Black Ladder” and host and guest duet on the Sam and Dave song, “I Can’t Stand Up For Falling Down” and an impromptu acoustic version of Roy Orbison’s “Pretty Woman”.
Bruce Springsteen is joined by Nils Lofren and Roy Bittan for an acoustic performance of “Wild Billy’s Circus Story” and they augment the The Imposters for closing renditions of “Seeds”, “The Rising” and “Radio Silence/Radio Nowhere/Radio Radio”.
October 2009
Singapore debut at the Sun Festival is followed by a run of solo shows in Australia, including two concerts in both Melbourne and Sydney.
November 02nd 2009
Mary-Louise Parker interviews Elvis Costello for the last recorded show for Season Two of “Spectacle” at the Masonic Temple, Toronto
Songs performed with the Imposters include, “I Don’t Want To Go To Chelsea” and “So Like Candy” plus solo renditions of “Town Cryer” and Bob Dylan’s, “I Threw It All Away”.
November 07th 2009
Encore guest vocal appearance on Jackie Wilson’s “Higher and Higher” with Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band at Madison Square Gardens
November 20th 2009
Performance of the original arrangement of “High Fidelity” with The Roots on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon”
November 21st 2009
Guest vocal and guitar appearance with the Gregg Allman Band one “One Way Out” at “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Cure Parkinson’s” held at the Waldorf Astoria, New York City.
December 9th 2009
Season Two of “Spectacle” makes its broadcast debut on the Sundance Channel.
January 8th and 15th 2010
Broadcast of two-part interview reviewing her thirty years hosting the NPR radio show, “Piano Jazz with Marian McPartland”.
Performances include, “Our Love Is Here To Stay” with Marian Partland and “Dancing On The Ceiling” and “P.S. I Love You” with Pete Malinverni at the piano and the new, guitar-accompanied song, “You Hung The Moon”.
January 29th 2010
Solo acoustic performance of “Losing End” at the Music Cares salute to Neil Young.
Other performers include, Wilco, Leon Russell and Elton John and Crosby, Stills and Nash.
February 4th 2010
Prairie Home Companion radio broadcast and nationwide cinema simulcast from the Fitzgerald Theater, St. Paul, Minnesota.
Appearances in “Lives Of The Cowboys” and “Guy Noir” sketches.
Songs performed are, “Pay It Back”, “Poisoned Rose”, “That’s How You Got Killed Before” and a new composition, “Jimmie Standing In The Rain”.
February 18th-19th 2010
The Hal Willner “Neil Young Project” plays for two nights at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver during the Cultural Olympiad.
Performers include Lou Reed, Teddy Thompson, Emily Haines and the Broken Social Scene.
Elvis Costello performs the ballad, “Love In Mind” before returning to the stage in the second half to lead the house band through, “Cowgirl In The Sand” and duetting with Joan As A Policewoman (Joan Wasser) on “Cinnamon Girl”