ALBUM REVIEW – ELIO PACE - " COLD SPRING HARBOUR LIVE "

WORDS DESH KAPUR

ELIO PACE – COLD SPRING HARBOUR LIVE

Out October 17th

ORDER HERE

Billy Joel’s 1971 debut has always been a what-if: a brilliant set of songs buried under botched production. Now, over 50 years later, Elio Pace has pulled off a world-first — a live reimagining of Cold Spring Harbor featuring Joel’s original bandmates Rhys Clark and Don Evans — and finally given the record the justice it’s long deserved.

From the tender “She’s Got a Way” to the cinematic sweep of “Tomorrow Is Today”, Pace and his players treat these songs with reverence and guts. The arrangements are faithful but full-blooded; the restored fade-outs and richer dynamics make the whole thing breathe again. You can feel the joy of reclamation in every note — especially knowing Clark told Pace, “This is really how it could have been.”

Far more than a tribute, Cold Spring Harbor Live feels like a historical correction — part restoration, part resurrection. Pace’s vocals shine with unshowy conviction, and the band’s chemistry makes the songs shimmer with fresh emotional weight.

Currently touring the UK with The Billy Joel Songbook, Pace drops one track from this album each night — and judging by the crowd reactions, audiences know they’re hearing something special.

A long-lost gem finally polished to perfection.

4/5

TRACK LISTING

1. She’s Got a Way

   
   

2. You Can Make Me Free

   
   

3. Everybody Loves You Now

   
   

4. Why Judy Why

   
   

5. Falling of the Rain

   
   

6. Turn Around

   
   

7. You Look So Good to Me

   
   

8. Tomorrow Is Today

   
   

9. Nocturne

   
   

10. Got to Begin Again

Tickets for the 2026 shows are available at eliopace.com/tours

The Billy Joel Songbook 2026 - UK & Ireland Tour Dates

02 Mar Harrogate, Royal Hall

24 Mar Sheffield, City Hall

03 Mar Nottingham, Theatre Royal

26 Mar Belfast, Ulster Hall

06 Mar Hull, City Hall

27 Mar Dublin, 3Olympia Theatre

13 Mar Guildford, G Live

28 Mar Wexford, National Opera House

15 Mar Southampton, Mayflower Theatre

01 Apr Liverpool, Philharmonic Hall

18 Mar London, Palladium

03 Apr Manchester, The Bridgewater Hall

22 Mar Edinburgh, Usher Hall

04 Apr Wolverhampton, Grand Theatre