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Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello “North”
(Deutsche Grammophon)
Review by Matt Robinson
 Even
before he gets married, the other Elvis has appeared to have mellowed a
great deal. Not that that’s a bad thing, however. Shrouding his devotion
in gauzy poetry, Costello demonstrates the gentle power that has always
been there. Recorded with a fidelity to the music that matches his own,
Costello presents a set of piano-based ballads that showcase the
songwriting skills that have helped him endure a wide array of
reinventions. Though he has the support of pianist Steve Nieve,
saxophonist Lee Konitz, old friends the Brodsky Quartet, and a 28-piece
string ensemble, the arrangements and sentiments are all Costello. From
the engage-ing melodies of “Still”, and “Let Me Tell You About Her” to the
equally romantic “Can You Be True?” and “When It Sings,” Costello takes
his pianistic loves to his heart and opens it up for all to hear and
share.
- Matthew S. Robinson
c. 2004, M. S. Robinson, ARR
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