Live At McCabes' Guitar Shop [LIVE]

Nancy Wilson (Rock)

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 2, 1999)
• Original Release Date: February 2, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Live
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B00000HZE0
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (51 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #35,969 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Considering her status as a driving force behind the worldwide success of Heart, it's surprising to see the caution with which guitarist-vocalist Nancy Wilson has approached her bow as a solo performer. Most bands spin off solo careers as often as--indeed, perhaps more often than--they change their shirts. But Wilson is old school and Heart has always gotten her best stuff. Just so, Live at McCabes comes off as a loose and low-key showcase for Wilson's new material, as well as a chance to show off her interpretive skills. The 13-song all-acoustic program is highlighted by well-chosen covers such as Paul Simon's "Kathy's Song," Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes," and Joni Mitchell's "A Case of You." Wilson also takes on three Heart classics--"Even It Up," "Angels," and "These Dreams"--while new songs such as the mandolin-driven "Half Moon" and the gorgeous "Everything" stand comfortably alongside her best stuff. "All we need is a campfire," Wilson quips at one point, an appropriate summation of this intimate, unpretentious, classy set. --Daniel Durchholz

People
This charming but lightweight album contains a few forgettable Wilson originals, some recycled Heart tunes and some of Nancy's faves.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An uncovered gem ! , May 5, 2005

By	Joe (Lynchburg, Virginia United States) - See all my reviews

As a music lover and collector...I always search to see what's available by my favorite groups and artists. I've been on a Heart "kick" in the last month...and while looking over their music here...I found Nancy Wilson's "Live At McCabe's Guitar Shop"....and I was thrilled with it after making the purchase. !This is great stuff...I love "unplugged" performances...and this one doesn't disappoint !

Regarding any poor sound quality comments....this is what it is supposed to be...Nancy on acoustic guitar with two backup singers playing in a guitar shop...with a small audience...and it's wonderful ! I feel like I'm sitting right there listening to her...I love the intimate..."stripped down" performance.I've always thought that Nancy was a great guitar player...she has a beautiful voice....is a good song writer....and "Live At McCabe's Guitar Shop" is a real treat ! If you're a Heart fan...or simply appreciate a unique concert...something refreshingly different...buy this now...it's great musical value at an awesome price !

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars unpretentious and wonderful, May 23, 2004

By	Jon Norris (Oregon, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

Ann and Nancy Wilson are so powerful together that one can forget they are each substantial talents in their own right. This CD is a recording of a solo acoustic performance by Nancy (and a couple of friends, Kristen Barry and Astrid Young, singing backup) at a guitar shop in Los Angeles.

While there are Heart tunes like Even It Up and These Dreams, some of the songs are not from the Heart playlist. The high point of the CD for me was her cover of Peter Gabriel's In Your Eyes, one of my favorite songs. She did such a great job, it prompted me to pull out my guitar and finally learn the song myself. (Thank you, Nancy.)

This CD is a great showcase of Nancy's talent, stripped down to the bare essentials - just her voice and guitar (and mandolin). While a tiny bit more folksy than most Heart CDs, this set is a great listen. It is more in the "unplugged" vein of The Road Home concert, and those who appreciate Nancy's muscianship (or are just smitten with her fine self) will enjoy it. It is nice to hear every nuance of her voice and the chemistry between it and her guitar, as well as her interaction with the audience. It would have been very cool to watch. Too bad there is no DVD. I do wish the cover art had more pictures of her, however.

Nancy holds a special place in my heart. She was the first female guitarist I ever saw who fulfilled a longtime desire of mine to see a really firey, intense woman tear up the fretboard. The cut titled Leghead's Lament on this CD reminds me a bit of the old intro to Crazy On You that I saw her play in a concert video. That video of her playing blew me away, and I have been a dedicated fan ever since. I also love the Celtic/Zeppelin-flavored mandolin piece Half Moon. There are no mediocre or bad cuts - everything is well worth a listen. I "Heart"ily recommend it. Good job, Nancy.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a wonderful and intimate performance from one of rock's best, July 23, 2002

By	M. Manzino (Bronxville,, New York United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I bought this CD because I've always been a Heart fan. But I loved Nancy's guitar playing and her voice more than Ann's. Even though Ann has a beautiful and powerful voice, Nancy's is sweeter and more quiet. My guitar teacher is a huge Heart fan, and rated Nancy as one of the best guitar and mandolin players. I love all the tracks Nance has chosen. Especially "Everything" her cover of Joni Mitchell's "A Caswe of YOu". and Peter Gabriel's "In YOur Eyes". I like Nancy's version better than Peter's. THis CD has some funny points, and is a warm intimate performance with a living legend. If I close my eyes, I feel like I'm in McCabe's with Nancy watching this incredible performance. I must have for any Heart or Nancy fan!!