The Journal

Issue date: 10/12/06 Section: LifeStyle

Media Credit: Mariano Ulibarri Lead guitarist for Edwin McCain, Larry Chaney, left, plays along with the band for its opening song Oct. 7. McCain, right, entertained a crowd of about 200 on the Music Quad in honor of Homecoming 2006. McCain is most famous for his song "I'll Be."

Media Credit: Mariano Ulibarri Freshman Ian Fisher opens for Edwin McCain on the Music Quad Oct. 7. Fisher played several classic songs, including a few from legendary folk singer Bob Dylan to equally legendary pop princess Britney Spears. The crowd was highly receptive to Fisher's rendition of Spears' "...Baby One More Time," singing the infamous line "Hit me baby one more time" with him.

Male sensitivity was front and center Oct. 7 when Edwin McCain, singer of '90s hits "I'll Be" and "I Could Not Ask for More," performed on campus as part of homecoming week at Webster University.

Approximately 200 people attended the concert on the Music Quad, located between the Thompson Music Building and the Loretto-Hilton Center. A mix of students, both past and present, made up the crowd.

Freshmen international students Grace and Laura Gutierrez, political science and business administration majors, respectively, were not familiar with any of McCain's work before the concert.

"This is the first time hearing him," Grace Gutierrez said. Both Grace and Laura agreed McCain was really good.

Senior David Minnihan, a media communications major, said he knew of McCain, particularly his song "I'll Be." Minnihan said he didn't know McCain was going to be in concert at Webster.

"We kind of stumbled onto it," Minnihan said of himself and his friends. "But I like this concert."

Performing barefoot, McCain played songs from his various albums, most notably songs from his latest work, "Lost in America," released spring 2006. Between songs, McCain sometimes told a joke or explained how he came to write a particular song. He kept the mood light and had people singing along or tapping their feet.

"I enjoyed myself today. It was a nice afternoon," McCain said in a meet-and-greet session after the show. Students who won a raffle at September Spectacular and some alumni were able to sit with McCain in the music annex and ask him questions.

McCain said he and his band used to play at Duke University in Durham, N.C., every year, but hadn't played there for a while.

"I don't play colleges very often," McCain said. "This is the first college we've played at in a while."

McCain gave an account of how he started in the business. Beginning with his church choir and having bands in high school back home in North Carolina, McCain had a bluegrass upbringing.

He said one of his favorite bands as a child was Earth, Wind and Fire. After getting kicked out of the University of South Carolina for streaking, McCain hopped around from one friend's couch to another, trying to make a career in music.

His success came around the same time as Hootie and the Blowfish and Dave Matthews, fellow southerners. McCain said when one band or artist from a certain region becomes popular, other bands from that area usually become successful as well.

"Dave Matthews was first and then Hootie and then me," McCain said. "We got lucky. We coat tailed our way in."

McCain said he drew inspiration for "I'll Be" in a bar. He wrote the song on a bunch of napkins after overhearing a conversation.

"The bar was called He's Not Here and this old guy was hitting on this girl, really trying hard," McCain said. "She said she hated her job and he said 'Oh, baby, I'll be your crying shoulder.'"

McCain praised Ian Fisher, his opening act.

"I heard him," McCain said. "He's good. He's very good."

For more about McCain's music and tour information, log onto www.edwin.com.

Britney Spears never sounded so good

Freshman Ian Fisher, an international studies major, was the opening act for Edwin McCain. Fisher said when he played First Fridays, people seemed to like it. Afterward, his RA Benny Roberts asked him if he would be interested in opening for McCain.

"I had heard his songs," Fisher said. "I said sure."

Fisher said he doesn't make a big deal about any show.

"I don't get too worked up for shows," Fisher said. "It's exciting to have people listen to you whether you are opening or not."

Fisher played a variety of music, including some of his own songs. He performed songs from Bob Dylan, Cat Stevens and others. Perhaps the biggest response he received was when he played a slow-jam version of Britney Spears' "…Baby One More Time." Speaking tongue-in-cheek, Fisher called Spears a great lyricist and said he hoped people would sing along. The audience responded and gave him a huge round of applause after the song.

Fisher started playing about six years ago, starting on the drums, moving to bass guitar and finally guitar. He cites Rufus Wainwright and Joni Mitchell as some of his favorite artists, but said he listens to a wide range of music. Fisher has recorded some of his own music and has CDs for sale. He said he hopes to continue recording.

"I'm looking for audio majors to record with," Fisher said.

Fisher plays at wineries and coffee houses in and near his hometown of Ste. Genevieve, but said he would like to expand his gigs.

"I would like to play more around St. Louis," he said.


To download Fisher's music or check his schedule, visit http://web.mac.com/ianfisher13. People may also download original songs by Fisher at the site.

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