John spans his lengthy career in stripped-down Portland show

With 34 albums in 33 years, Elton John has a wealth of material to draw from while in concert. He sang songs from throughout his career for his sold-out evening show Sunday at the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland.

In an evening filled with standing ovations, John, both alone with his baby grand and together with percussionist Ray Cooper, offered hits and obscure songs throughout his 2 1/2-hour show.

Those who came expecting Elton John’s Greatest Hits probably went home disappointed. The diminuitive superstar did play a select number of his hits, from the early “Your Song” to the more recent “The One.” But he played an equal number of lesser-known numbers, including “Indian Sunset,” “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters” and “Take Me to Your Pilot.”

John decided on his own to take the stage 15 minutes early.

“He came out of his dressing room at 8:15, and said, `I’m going to start the concert now,’ ” said Roberta Wright, a Civic Center spokesman. “When the artist decides to do that, there’s not much you can do.”

For the first 70 minutes, John showed off the piano-playing skills that make him one of the top pianists in modern pop music, as he offered extended openings and solos.

Just when that mix of singer and piano was starting to get a little old, Cooper took the stage in a burst of timpani during John’s lengthy introduction to “Tonight.”

Cooper’s energetic percussion work added a much-needed visual element to the production, as many in the audience were too far away to get more than a distant glimpse of John without binoculars. (Closed-circuit screens would have been a plus). Whether caressing the vibraphone during “Idle” or pounding on drums and cymbals amid flashing lights during “Indian Sunset,” Cooper was a treat to watch perform, and his sounds added more layers to John’s music.

Despite the splendid music, other elements did detract from the event. John’s early arrival meant that people were still finding their seats for the next half hour. Steady traffic continued in and out throughout the concert, with fans in search of more food and drink.

Also, about one hour in, a hundred fans lined up standing along the boards in front of the stage, which meant those with floor seats had to stand for the next hour and a half.

“His security people wanted that to happen,” Wright said. “I guess he wanted people right down in front of him. We resisted during the afternoon show, but his security people went up and recruited people in the stands for the evening show.”

Still, in spite of such obstacles, fans got their money’s worth, with the concert reflecting the diversity that is Elton John.