Gaynor traveled to New York City
to bring us this report of
Ian McNabb's show there.
Thanks, Gaynor.

DATE: 3/4/99

FOR A POP COLLISION

....OR How to spend a weekend in New York with very little sleep!

So British bands....no....Liverpool lads, are alive and well and storming New York City. Thanks to the vision and commitment of Ted and Monty Mason--with the twinning of Liverpool and New York for performing music, it's all gathering momentum. Firstly, the New Yorkers came to the Lomax in Liverpool in October '98, now we have returned the honours, and Ted and the Boyz...will return to keep this fantastic connection going. Long may it continue...with Luv from agent 013!!!!!!

Take a brilliant venue in New York, not far from Greenwich Village--Arlene Grocery, run by a Brummie no less!! Hey we stick together! Take a couple of canny Northern lads (OK! So now they live in New York...), the very quiet and retiring Ted and Monty Mason (and this is another fairy story!), who just KNOW how to stage a fab show.

Next...let the lads from Liverpool loose, Kassius UK, a terrific band from Liverpool...like the 90's equivalent of an early Beatles with all the fun and energy that went with that era. Out, with the charismatic Dave Chandler singing and their music very reminiscent of the Velvet Underground. Their first release due out soon, and much success to them.

Follow that with "THE BEST BAND IN THE UNIVERSE...The Blue Mockingbirds", quote from the leader of the band,one Ted Mason and his equally shy, retiring brother Monty!!!!!! along with the guys collectively known as The Blue Mockingbirds. They filled the stage for a storming set. Including the fantastic "I Melt With You" which had everyone rocking and singing. Watch out for their CD release later in the year.

Follow that with an awesome acoustic set by some guy called Ian McNabb...whoever he is! CALM DOWN...Only jesting.. Then let the boys from Boston---The Irresponsibles bring the gig to a storming finish and then say Happy Easter, and time to go into the New York night....

So there he was--Ian McNabb, delivering an acoustic set, slap bang in the middle of an electric/rock gig--and having been changed in the batting order (oops...a little cricketing term slips in!), what a challenge to win the crowd, but you just knew he'd win them over with one fell swoop. When he walked on stage and started whistling "Tulips from Amsterdam"...you knew he was up for it!! The bemused New Yorkers had certainly had their attention well and truly grabbed!!!! Nice one Ian!!

We were then treated to a party political broadcast on behalf of the farmers from the Mid West States, the assembled throng, were not only bemused but well and truly hooked.

"Liverpool Girl" was transformed for the gig to.. "She's a New York girl she likes her chips...." on form as ever then!

"I'm A Genius"-------NO DOUBT!!!

(Ian battled valiantly with a very vocal audience...and won!)

A FAB rendition of "Blackbird"....with Ian sounding more like Paul McCartney than the great one himself!!

Then....I was very happy for the next few minutes when himself played "Out Of Season" OOOO-ER!!

Then....I was very happy again...when Ian played "I Think I'm Going Back" ....one of my fave songs by Dusty Springfield, also covered by one Nils Lofgren..and you just knew he would get a mention...Great version Ian-----I sang along quite happily!!!

THEN

The Big American hit..."Whisper To A Scream (Birds Fly)" and the medley of "Magic Bus" and "I Want Candy." Well the crowd knew a dancing and singing opportunity when they heard it, and the place rocked along with the "Rock God" himself...another quote!!

And then he was gone...until the next time....

So thanks to Owen, what a brilliant venue.
WOOOOO-HOOOOOO..DUDES...Ted and Monty....see you soon!!!
John Millitello.... C U SOON TOO!!

IAN....Ta la!!!! See Ya!!!

Gaynor

This review is copyright © 1999 Gaynor Andrews. All rights reserved. The right of Gaynor Andrews to be identified as author of this work has been asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. Page posted 2 May 1999.