October 4, 2009
I picked up Barry McCabe’s newie at a rather intimate acoustic show Barry (along with great Dutch guitarist Danny Vlaspoel) played at Bull McCabe’s pub in Somerville, MA as part of his and Danny’s recent US tour. Both the CD and recent gigs are both a departure for Barry who is best noted as an electric blues rocker in the vein of Rory Gallagher. The CD itself is a good representation of the acoustic show and contains both studio and live tracks – one of the live one being “Sheilagh” which brought tears to the eyes of at least one girl in Bull McCabe’s. The music is acoustic blues of both the modern and tuned down tradition with soulful vocals and a twist of Irish (Mountains of Mourne is covered) and Barry is joined by guitarist and cousin Pat McManus (Mamas Boys & Celtus). Hope to see Barry back in the States next year for another tour and maybe with the full electric band.
Shite'n'Onions 