Steve Nieve has been the distinctive keyboard voice beside Elvis Costello for over forty years, evolving from the new wave intensity of The Attractions to the soulful sophistication of The Imposters. A Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Grammy winner his prolific career also includes work with Madness, Sting, and David Bowie, alongside his own ambitious solo compositions. We cover that all and more in our chat with Steve – one not to miss.

To listen / watch:

Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):  

Steve’s busy past couple of years

Steve in action with Elvis Costello & The Imposters

Steve’s musical upbringing

Auditioning to join Elvis Costello

Elvis Costello – Less Than Zero

Memories of early gigs with The Attractions

The Vox Jaguar and the Vox Continental

A discussion on Steve’s favourite Elvis Costello and the Attractions album – This Year’s Model

Steve’s early synths

The evolution of the recording process with Elvis Costello and his band over the years

Elvis Costello and the Attractions – Blood and Chocolate

Elvis Costello and the Attractions – Imperial Bedroom

Working on a cover of Yoko Ono’s ‘ Walking on Thin Ice’ with Allen Toussaint

Elvis Costello & Allen Toussaint – The River in Reverse

Working as band leader and MD in Steve Nieve & The Playboys on The Last Resort with Jonathon Ross 

Steve performing with Paul McCartney on The Last Resort with Jonathon Ross 

Doing 100 shows remotely during the pandemic

Steve Nieve and Kessada – About Love

Working on Absolute Beginners – David Bowie

Steve Nieve and Muriel Teodori – Welcome To The Voice

Sans Plomb movie

ToGetHer album

You Lie Sweetly – Steve Nieve featuring Sting

Steve in action with The Imposters 2022

On the brilliance of Pete Thomas

Collaborations with David Coulter including The Great Australian Songbook

Desert Island Discs: (yet to be released / titled) – Kessada, The Best of Satie – Erik Satie, Goldberg Variations – Uri Caine, Songs in the Key of Life – Stevie Wonder, Rough and Rowdy Ways – Bob Dylan.

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