Sat Nov 23 13:40:00 UTC 2024: ## Elvis Costello and T Bone Burnett Premiere “Coward Brothers” Audio Series and Soundtrack
**NEW YORK, NY** – Music legends Elvis Costello and T Bone Burnett unveil their new collaborative project, “The True Story of the Coward Brothers,” a three-part scripted audio series premiering this week on Audible. The series, directed by Christopher Guest, is accompanied by a 20-track soundtrack album, “The Coward Brothers,” released by New West Records.
The project follows the fictional alter egos of Costello and Burnett, Henry and Howard Coward, in a satirical yet heartfelt tale exploring their long-standing musical partnership. Costello penned the script, drawing inspiration from a concept initially conceived over a decade ago. The pandemic provided the unexpected window of opportunity to finally bring the project to fruition.
The accompanying soundtrack album acts as a musical travelogue, showcasing a range of styles and tones reflecting the Cowards’ decades-long career. It includes demos, studio recordings, and features collaborations with renowned musicians like Dennis Crouch and Colin Linden. The album’s lead single, “Always,” showcases a melody that also appeared on Burnett’s solo album and an upcoming Ringo Starr record.
The Audible series boasts an impressive voice cast including Rhea Seehorn, Stephen Root, and Harry Shearer. Guest’s directorial expertise is praised for ensuring a believable portrayal of the characters, paying close attention to detail and dialect.
The project arrives on the heels of a comprehensive six-CD boxed set, “King of America and Other Realms,” celebrating 40 years of collaborations between Costello and Burnett. This set features a remastered version of their 1986 masterpiece, “King of America,” alongside B-sides, outtakes, and live tracks.
Costello and Burnett spoke to Variety about the genesis of the Coward Brothers, tracing it back to their initial collaboration in the mid-1980s with the single “The People’s Limousine.” They discussed the evolution of their musical partnership, emphasizing the importance of emotional storytelling and instrumental support in their work. They also touched upon their extensive careers, revealing anecdotes and insights into their creative process and collaborations with various artists over the decades. The “Coward Brothers” project is described as a blend of comedy and heartfelt storytelling, offering a unique and entertaining exploration of their musical journey. Both the audio series and soundtrack are available for streaming and purchase.
First Piper 