Edwin McCain - Tinsel & Tap Shoes: Live at the House of Blues (DVD, 2004)

Most people think Edwin McCain is all about wedding songs [and YES, he is also that], but they have yet to experience the diversity in music. He's best known for probably 3 songs, "I'll Be [... your cryin' shoulder]," "Solitude," & "I Could Not Ask For More." In May 2005, McCain performed “I’ll Be” on The Dr. Phil Show, which was voted the “Best Wedding Song” by over one million viewers. ONE MILLION!!! Dr. Phil even said that all of the other song votes added together didn’t equal as many as “I’ll Be” received! So, you can't discount that Edwin is the King of the Love Songs, but there is so much more you need to hear.

Check out this list:
--1991 Nomadic Logic - Independent Release
--1993 Solitude - Independent Release
--1995 Honor Among Thieves - Lava Records
--1997 Misguided Roses - Lava Records
--1999 Messenger - Lava Records
--2001 Far from Over - Lava Records
--2003 The Austin Sessions - ATC Records
--2004 Scream & Whisper - DRT Entertainment
--2006 Lost in America - Vanguard Records
--2008 Nobody’s Fault But Mine - Saguaro Road

All of this is about 95% original music, except for the newest one. It's an amazing album of covers! Southern Soul Classic hits. He covers great hits by Marvin Gaye, Sam & Dave, Otis Redding, The Temptations, Aretha Franklin, etc.

Now, can you imagine an entertainer with that much history, doing a LIVE CD? If you want to be entertained, he's the one to do it. Have you ever been to a concert where 1] the music is BETTER live than recorded? Very unusual! and 2] the lead singer sings each song as though it were his last performance? That's how he performs LIVE. He has so much passion for the music, and he belts them from the tip of his toes. Sometimes he goes down to his knees on those long notes.

So, you are wondering how good the LIVE DVD could be? Put on your seat belt. Before this, I always thought you "HAD TO BE THERE," to really "get it" with Edwin's music. However, I have to say that this DVD is different. I attended the two concerts when this DVD Concert was recorded. It was done at the House of Blues, Myrtle Beach, SC. That's an amazing place, and the crowd there always blows me away with their enthusiasm. Those two nights were just magical. I wondered how in the world they would be able to capture that magic on film.

They did! If you see this Live Concert in your home, you'll be searching the internet to see when Edwin will be performing withing driving distance. And you need to go when he does.

Enjoy the show... It's not only MY favorite, but the favorite treat of my 4-year-old grandchild. After you are hooked, start collecting the CD's. He really does NOT disappoint! And he's returning from a tour in England now to write for his new album to be out in 2009!

A.S.H. Little