Two For The Show Radio Broadcast Toronto 2006

Description

Few musical collaborations have transcended generations, genres, and traditions as naturally as the one uniting Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint. Costello had already established himself as one of the most inventive and cultured British songwriters, while Toussaint was revered as an essential figure in the New Orleans music scene — a genius pianist, producer, arranger, and composer. Their paths crossed in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, during a benefit concert held in New York in 2005. This meeting immediately sparked a creative connection, giving birth to a collaboration that celebrated the resilience and musical heritage of New Orleans. The fruit of this union was *The River in Reverse* (2006), a critically acclaimed album that blended Costello's songwriting with Toussaint's unique musical vision, marking the beginning of a remarkable partnership. The first performance featured in this collection was recorded on May 2, 2006, for the Canadian radio show *Definitely Not The Opera*, at the Spoke Club in Toronto, Ontario. Captured just before the release of *The River in Reverse*, this intimate show showcases Costello and Toussaint in a stripped-down setting, allowing the strength of their songs and the warmth of their musical rapport to shine through. Between acoustic arrangements and spontaneous exchanges, the performance offers a revealing glimpse into a collaboration that was just beginning. By the time of the second recording, made during the North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam on July 15, 2007, the partnership had evolved into a fully realized stage experience. Accompanied by the Allen Toussaint Band, the Crescent City Horns, and Steve Nieve — a long-time collaborator of Costello — the duo delivered a vibrant and expansive performance, drawing from the rich musical traditions of New Orleans while exploring Costello's eclectic repertoire. The expanded lineup adds more power and richness to the arrangements, with both musicians seeming to take immense pleasure in sharing this moment. Taken together, these two recordings testify to one of the most inspired collaborations in the careers of these two artists, illustrating both its intimate beginnings and its triumphant blossoming on the international stage. For fans of either artist, this collection serves as a lasting testament to a partnership that united two extraordinary talents to create music of timeless depth, warmth, and appeal.