Review: Ian McNabb book launch in Liverpool

Nov 4 2008 Chester Chronicle

IAN McNABB BOOK LAUNCH/Osqa Piano Bar & Restaurant, Liverpool: 03.11.08

REVIEW/by Grahame Rhodes

LIVERPOOL songwriting legend Ian McNabb was on sparkling form at the official launch for his “Merseybeast” autobiography – can’t be too many events like this that turn into marathon gigs – two sets of favourites spanning The Icicle Works and solo songs, capped with a marathon encore set of covers to delight the friends, family and fans who had stayed on.

McNabb, on this, his birthday as well, was superb from start to finish – with even a hilarious reading from the book thrown in for good measure – that’s when he managed to find his glasses!

In the intimate surroundings of Osqa the evening kicked off with the semi-autobiographical “Fire Inside My Soul”, with the first set highlights maybe being when Ian lay down his acoustic guitar to switch to piano for a lovely “Still Got The Fever”, neatly going into the T-Rex smash “Hot Love” – concluding with a bit of fun at Paul McCartney’s expense on the intro to “Live And Let Die”, before the aching “Little Bit Of Magic”.

After a short break – spent signing books – Ian returned for another set, starting with The Icicle Works “Evangeline”, followed by a dip into “The Gentleman Adventurer” album for the sweet “German Soldier’s Helmet Circa 1943” and the ballad, “Lady By Degrees”. Another live favourite from the “Merseybeast” album, “You Stone My Soul” saw him take to the piano again, with full audience participation!

It was when McNabb returned for a third time that the fun started – covers from all genres starting with a glorious Beatles tune, “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away” and Danny Whitten’s “I Don’t Want To Talk About It” – before he brought up local singer/songwriter Billy Kinsley, formerly of The Merseybeats and Liverpool Express for a romp through “I Saw Her Standing There” and then The Merseybeats big hit “Sorrow” – great stuff indeed!

Other covers included some Pink Floyd, Bill Withers and The Righteous Brothers – with a fine duet on his own “Finally Getting Over You” with friend, Ethan Allen. There may have been more, but when I had to depart for the train, he was still going strong!

“Merseybeast” can be ordered at www.merseyshop.com or telephone 0845 143 0001 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm).