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BAIRD, HOMEMADE SIN, IAN McNABB
Mean Fiddler, London 14 October 2005

A decent sized crowd to see former Icicle Works turned solo singer/songwriter Ian McNabb who was one first. A varied set, using acoustic and electric guitar along with a piano for the heartfelt ‘Human Heart’.

McNabb has a great voice that is easily suited to slower acoustic led numbers and more up-tempo rockers. The crowd joined in many times and McNabb was happy to let them carry on singing for lengthy parts of songs. The Icicle Works’ big hit the glorious ‘Love Is A Wonderful Colour’ was played as well which certainly put a smile on my face! Great set by a very talented singer/songwriter. He is well worth catching live and on album.

I last saw Dan Baird back in 1985 at the Victoria Hall, Hanley as part of the Georgia Satellites. It was my second ever gig (Monsters of Rock early that year was my first ever live concert!) and I was deafened but loved every minute of the gig.

Now Dan Baird is blazing a solo trail and building up a healthy following in the UK on the back of regular touring. The set contained songs I didn’t know as I’ve not followed his work since the Georgia Satellites but is tightly played, good time rock ‘n’ roll mixed with some country tinged moments (but we’re talking Americana style country not Dolly Parton style!).

A very tight band and amazing to listen to the massive sound drummer Mauro Magellan makes from such a small kit! There were also some Georgia Satellites tunes including ‘Keep Your Hands To Yourself’ and ‘Shelia’ and a rousing set closer in the cover ‘Like A Rolling Stone’ where Ian McNabb joined the band.

Sadly the poxy curfew meant an early finish at 10.30 and sadly no time for ‘Battleship Chains’ either, but still a great night and both artists are well worth seeing next time they play near you.

Review: Jason Ritchie