Since Elvis Costello's debut album, "My Aim Is True," was released in 1977, his musical eclecticism and fiercely literate lyrics have earned him recognition as one of the most innovative and influential songwriters since Bob Dylan. While his songs have been recorded by music legends such as Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, and Chet Baker, he is best known for his own performances with The Attractions (with whom he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003) and The Imposters. His new album, National Ransom, was released November 2. On the evening of November 2, Elvis Costello gave a private concert for five hundred lucky fans in celebration of his new album's release that day. Within the ornate and awe-inspiring Celeste Bartos Forum in The New York Public Library's world-famous Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, Costello along with The Sugarcanes and Pete Thomas on drums performed new songs from National Ransom as well as hits spanning his three-decades-and-counting career.
