Customer Reviews

Live at Mccabe's Guitar Shop

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Excellent acoustic versions of many of Freedy's best & a couple of covers, with trademark humor of his live sets between songs

Fans of Freedy Johnston such as me will revel in this delightful, intimate live performance. I have seen Freedy perform five times over the past twelve years in such varied venues as larger music halls (where he was accompanied by a full back-up band) to small coffeehouses (where he was either unaccompanied or worked with another guitarist.) I have preferred the latter more intimate performances, and that is just what you get with "Live at McCabe's Guitar Shop".

The disc is heavy on songs Freedy was recording for his soon-to-be released CD at the time "Blue Days Black Nights" (including a lovely rendition of "Radio For Heartache", which ultimately was left off the "Blue Days..." CD due to technical studio issues and later released on "Right Between The Promises".) Freedy is in fine form throughout the perfomance captured here; his voice and guitar/banjo playing are dead on, the sound quality is top-notch and his relaxed banter in between songs make the listener feel as if he/she is actually in attendance at the show.

Every song here is a keeper, with my current personal favorites being the aforementioned "Radio...", "Evie's Tears" and frequent Freedy concert cover "Wichita Lineman". Perhaps the finest attribute of this CD is its versatility - in addition to being essential for all Freedy Johnston fans, it is also a great place to start for anyone unfamiliar with the music of a truly underrated songwriter and performer.

My fave Freedy disc of them all. Just him, guitar, and a few tunes with his buddy. Great soundboard recording.

I received this a few weeks ago, and play it almost daily. Wichita Lineman in particular is extra tasty.