Elvis Costello at O'Shaughnessy...Well Done!

Elvis Costello at the O'Shaughnessy Auditorium in St. Paul

Elvis Costello weaved quite a tale last night.  This show was very well done.  Costello artfully weaved between new songs and older standards - many of which were played in different tempos or with jazzy twists.

Elvis shared the backstory for a number of tunes - as we learned about his grandfather who played for the White Star Lines before the Depression.  We heard about Costello's father and Costello's own start in the business.

Costello is a first rate guitarist who  seems to float effortlessly between many chords.  He reminds me a bit of a jazz performer who "Never Plays it Straight" - but Costello wanders back to the melody.  Add to this the man's amazing ability to write songs daily - and songs that speak to the heart - and you have a very good show.  Especially when you add that he played for two and a quarter hours.  Well done Mr. Costello.

"Beyond Belief" was there as well "Everyday I Write the Book" but my favorite was when he played "Alison" and sang back and forth with the audience at the end of the song.  What an outstanding evening.

Wow, what a show.  Definitely a top five musical experience.