Elvis Costello and T Bone Burnett Revive The Coward Brothers in New Series and Soundtrack Release

Elvis Costello and T Bone Burnett are rekindling their collaborative efforts nearly four decades after their initial work together, with the release of a new scripted series and an accompanying soundtrack album. The duo’s project, «The True Story of the Coward Brothers,» is set to debut on Audible alongside a 20-track New West soundtrack album titled «The Coward Brothers.» Directed by Christopher Guest and written by Costello, the series delves into the fictional world of Henry and Howard Coward, as portrayed by the musicians themselves.

The release comes shortly after an expansive boxed set, «King of America and Other Realms,» which showcases the history of collaborations between Costello and Burnett over the past forty years. This six-CD set features a remastered version of Costello’s 1986 classic «King of America,» among other unreleased tracks and live performances produced by Burnett.

In a comprehensive discussion with Variety, Costello and Burnett reflected on their long-standing partnership that began in the mid-1980s. The duo discussed the influence they have had on the genre known as Americana and how their European-influenced take on it has been widely influential. «We were creating a kind of European-inflected Americana, and that has been wildy influential,» Costello noted.

The upcoming Audible series will be available for streaming, and the album, «The Coward Brothers,» can be purchased or streamed via digital platforms. This collaboration and soundtrack are only part of a broader release spree for Costello, who has also announced a North American tour alongside keyboardist Steve Nieve, a longstanding collaborator since the days of The Attractions.

Speaking of «The Coward Brothers,» Costello reminisced about the project’s origins, which date back 10-15 years or more. Burnett added, «I’ve come unstuck in time completely,» highlighting the project’s unpredictable journey to its current format. Costello further detailed the creative process during the pandemic, which allowed them to revisit the project with fresh eyes and adapt it into the witty script that now forms the series.

The new show features a talented voice cast including Rhea Seehorn and Edward Hibbard, adding further depth to the characters initially imagined by Costello and Burnett. Costello praised their performances, indicating that they bring a legitimate sense of authority and humor to their roles.

The soundtrack aims to showcase a range of music, not just comedic numbers. Costello mentioned that the music recorded spans the Coward Brothers’ fictional 40-year career, creating an anthology of their supposed musical evolution.

As the project launches, fans can look forward to enjoying the intersections of humorous narrative with skilled musicianship that has defined both Costello and Burnett’s artistic journeys over the years. «The Coward Brothers» soundtrack is available now on New West Records.