The “I’ll Be” hitmaker is currently promoting his recent release of music
International acclaimed singer/songwriter Edwin McCain stopped by Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia to play a sold-out show on Saturday night (Mar 22nd).
While McCain is well-known globally after touring the last three decades, he continues to produce new material. He is touring in support of his latest album, Lucky, which contains all new songs. The project marks his first new album in 15 years.
Jason Nix, a songwriter from Nashville, opened the show. Nix clicked with the crowd, telling stories from his career as a songwriter and performer, including a time he played a gig for divorce attorneys. He also sang Lainey Wilson’s “Things a Man Ought to Know,” a song he co-wrote with Wilson that went to No. 1 on the country charts. His 40-minute set was well received and was a great choice by McCain to add to the bill for the Birchmere show, and other shows on the current tour.
McCain, a fabulous songwriter and storyteller spent the evening with his fantastic four-piece band entertaining the crowd. His songs received numerous ovations and thunderous applause from the sold-out crowd throughout the night. Of course, his megahits, “I Could Not Ask for More” and “I’ll Be,” came towards the end.
McCain spoke often to the crowd during the show and talked a lot about ex-girlfriends and his daughter creating humor during down moments, which helped feed the upbeat momentum of the show. One of the funniest moments was when he described being dumped by his supermodel girlfriend. She came crawling back to him when McCain started to have success.
At one point, McCain even described where he is at in his life, comparing a 55-year-old McCain to his previous 25-year-old self, one which he stated he would personally not be friends with. Songwriting causes a lot of introspection and self-work, and it’s clear he’s been on that journey for as long as he’s been in the public eye.
Overall, the evening was a sensational evening of great songs and music. “Adult contemporary,” as McCain is so often labeled, is simply songwriting that doesn’t fit in the typical box. It’s as authentic as any other emotive genre of music, and McCain wields his pen well. The sold-out crowd was highly appreciative of the caliber of show witnessed, and the fantastic display of vocals by McCain throughout the evening.
McCain, who still has numerous stops to go across the US, is scheduled to play the final date of this tour on September 17th, in Woodinville, Washington.
James Todd Miller contributed to this report.
