Elvis Costello Music Series Hits Small Screen

In conjunction with its production and broadcast partners, FremantleMedia Enterprises has announced a first look line-up for the eagerly anticipated Spectacle: Elvis Costello with...
The first four episodes of filming complete, this extraordinary new talk/music series already boasts an eclectic and impressive international guest list including Sir Elton John, (pictured greeting Elvis Costello) Tony Bennett, Lou Reed, artist-director Julian Schnabel and even ex-President Bill Clinton.
The series will air on the Sundance Channel in the US, CTV in Canada, and Channel 4 in the UK, and is produced by Rocket Pictures, Prospero Pictures, SpyBox Pictures and Reinvention Entertainment.
FME, with exclusive international distribution rights, will launch Spectacle worldwide at MIPCOM in October.
Fusing the best of talk and music television, the first episode invites spectators to enjoy an intimate conversation between host Elvis Costello and Sir Elton John (who is also one of Spectacle's executive producers) before they make music history by performing together for the first time on television.
The full 13 x 1 hour series will premiere later this year.
Spectacle host Elvis Costello said: "I'm hoping that future shows continue to embody the great joy, passion and celebration of music we've had thus far mixed with rare poignant and powerful moments. It's early to say too much about Spectacle other than it has been a wonderful and surprising experience."
Additional musical special guests include Davey Faragher, Pete Thomas and Steve Nieve of The Imposters; guitarist James Burton, who played with Elvis Presley; legendary producer, pianist, writer, arranger and singer Allen Toussaint; three-time Grammy Award winning jazz bassist Charlie Haden; jazz guitarist and composer Pat Metheny, who has collected 17 Grammy Awards; jazz pianist Bill Charlap; Larry Campbell and Tony Garnier of Bob Dylan's touring band; keyboard player Kevin Hearn; and violinist/vocalist Jenny Scheinman.
"You very rarely get to hear what a great musician has to say. You're on and off in five minutes," said Sir Elton John.
"This is an intelligent show hosted by an extremely intelligent man-with intelligent artists as guests... and to get this on tape is important. It's very hard to do something like this... give Elvis 10 out of 10 for balls."
FME Chief Executive Officer, David Ellender commented: "We are watching this series unfold and it is everything we could have hoped for and more.
"We are delighted to be partners on this amazing project and to be the exclusive international distributors of Spectacle: Elvis Costello with... and are excited to witness the first series grow and develop.
"FME's move into the music field is organic, yet deliberate. It is absolutely our intention to invest in and build upon our relationships in this genre."
(BMcC)