Elvis Costello to Host Music / Talk Show

There are some cool music programs on TV. Austin City Limits and Behind the Music, just to name a couple. What there hasn't been is a program that talks about music in an in-depth way. Until now.

The Sundance Channel has picked up a new program hosted by music legend Elvis Costello, titled Spectacle. With his deep knowledge of music styles and history, Costello is the right man for the job. The show has been picked up for a season of 13 episodes, including both established and up-and-coming musicians who will perform and talk at length about their craft. According to Costello, he wants to create a different kind of music program. "I didn't want to have someone who was there just to promote a new product . . . and I wasn't there to get them to confess to something scandalous."

After an opening number by Costello, the episodes feature interviews and duets with Costello and the artist, including discussions on the theoretical side of music. The show intends to focus on lesser known yet tremendously influential artists and genres, and a different musical side to the featured musicians.

Like Marian McPartland has done on NPR for years, Spectacle will bring us an inside look at the creative process, and the influences and motivations of some of the world's greatest musicians.

Spectacle premieres this Wednesday night at 9 PM on the Sundance Channel, with guest Sir Elton John.