The last time Elvis Costello played the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank New Jersey was in 2021, in a concert which featured his band The Imposters. He returned this past February with Imposters/Attractions keyboardist Steve Nieve, for a concert which focused more on deep album cuts, rarities and a couple reinterpreted versions of his bigger hits.
Songs like She, Less Than Zero, When I was Cruel No. 2, & Alibi were all pretty faithful to their original versions, where I Can't Stand Up For Falling Down was done in a gospel arrangement and Alison was done in a slowed down R & B arrangement. When I Was Cruel No. 2 expanded on the Dancing Queen lyric found on the album version with an extended piano break. Steve Nieve even sang a verse of (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding.
The crowd also sang Happy Birthday to Mr. Nieve who was celebrating his birthday.
It was a great concert with Mr. Costelllo spotlighting how well his voice has aged, and how remarkable a pianist Mr. Nieve is.
Here is the setlist.
Deportee
Home is Anywhere You Hang Your Head
When I Was Cruel No. 2 / Dancing Queen(ABBA cover)
Less Than Zero
Motel Matches
Harpies Bizarre
Shot With His Own Gun
Alibi
American Gangster Time
Shabby Doll
Brilliant Mistake
Dio, Come Ti Amo / Almost Blue
Clubland / Ghostown(The Specials cover/How Insensitive(Antonio Carlos Jobim cover)
(I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea
Happy Birthday To You
The Long Honeymoon
I Still Have That Other Girl
She
Isabelle In Tears
Alison
Come The Meantimes
I Can't Stand Up For Falling Down
(What's So Funny "Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding
