Elvis Costello has built an illustrious career around not being a conformist. He has dipped his fingers into so many musical genres and collaborated with such a wide range of music legends that it is hard to know which Elvis will show up during his annual summer stop at Wolf Trap. Will it be angry, loud, rocker Elvis (2002)? Romantic Elvis (2004)? Country and bluegrass-infused Elvis (2005)? It is precisely that uncertainty that makes the anticipation of an Elvis Costello concert so much sweeter. However, not all Elvises are equal.

Last night’s concert was, quite simply, the best Elvis Costello and the Imposters concert this region has seen in several years. In a 34-song, two hour and forty-five minute set, Costello and legendary New Orleans songwriter Allen Toussaint put together a diverse mix of pieces from their new album, The River in Reverse, as well as from their extensive catalogues of work spanning four decades of prolific songwriting. Sure, there were the requisite Elvis Costello hits – rocking versions of “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding” (which kicked off the set), “High Fidelity,” and “Pump It Up”; new arrangements of “Watching the Detectives” and “Clubland”; and a sweet rendition of “Alison” featuring an almost orchestral-sounding horn opening and seamlessly segueing into “Tracks of My Tears.” But Costello also picked lesser known tracks off albums ranging from 1980’s Get Happy!! to 2004’s The Delivery Man.