A Review of Ian McNabb's Show At Ronnie Scott's,
Birmingham on Wednesday 27 MAY 1998

I went on Wednesday 27th. For a midweek show the crowd was OK--a little bit quiet (or as Ian put it: "Thanks for coming, you're a very ... er ... special audience")!!

The music was great, as always. For a Jazz club there was still a lot of loud rock guitar--ending with Ian throwing the guitar to the floor and kicking it around the stage. A lot of older songs were played, as were some of the newer ones.

As far as I can remember (which isn't a lot) the show included:

First Set: "A Guy Like Me," " Potency," " These Are the Days," "Out of Season," " Hollow Horse," "When it All Comes Down," " Camaraderie," "Stone my Soul."

Second Set: "Still Got The Fever," "Evangeline," "Liverpool Girl," "You Only Get What You Deserve," "Fire Inside My Soul," "I'm A Genius," "Who Do You Love," "Magic Bus," "Child Inside A Father."

There were also loads of bits where Ian revealed an unexpected side as a stand-up comedian--including a brilliant imitation of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.

By the way, the Ian McNabb method for playing like Keith Richards was as follows:

1. Remove the bottom string from your guitar. It isn't really needed.
2. Retune two of the other strings (G and E I think).
3. Play each chord as if the guitar were on fire, pulling your hand away very quickly.
4. After each chord look round as if someone is calling you from off stage.
5. Shake your leg like you have some loose coins you are trying to jiggle free.