Dingwalls certainly looks very cosy for Ian McNabb’s return to the venue, with the dancefloor populated by tables with cloths and candles. The intention may be to disguise the fact that the crowd is a little sparse, certainly in comparison to previous occasions when Ian has played here with a band and the place has been rammed. No matter – it’s the non-attendees loss.
Tonight, armed with just his rich baritone and an acoustic guitar, Ian takes us on a tour of his not inconsiderable back catalogue. With a full beard and wearing glasses he has a slightly professorial bearing, which sort of suits him.
We get Hollow Horse, Great Dreams Of Heaven, and That’s Why I Believe before Ian says a word to the audience, and that’s just to thank Tracie Hunter who had previously entertained us with her bluesy torch songs. Ian has looked decidedly angry so far and has attacked his songs with a venom that Pete Townshend in his prime would’ve been proud of.
Ian loosens up after a glass of pinot grigio and before Little Girl Lost finally admits to enjoying himself! We get little in the way of new material tonight, with only two songs from the current album Little Episodes. The first song is High On A Hill which would appear to be an attack on Dave, George and their banker pals. We also get the title song of the album, which is a McNabb classic in waiting.
Those of us lucky enough to be in attendance get a masterclass in the art of the songwriter. It’s a pity there aren’t more of us here. Ian McNabb is criminally ignored these days. Give the guy your support. He deserves it and his music will enrich your life.
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