Photos by Andy Argyrakis

A decade-and-a-half passed since singer/songwriter Edwin McCain recorded a batch of entirely new tunes, but he’s remained a road warrior, despite flying a bit under the radar until returning to amphitheaters alongside college buddies Hootie & The Blowfish last summer.

Between now and then, he finally released the album “Lucky” and got back to headlining, including the crowded North Shore Center For Performing Arts Center in Skokie where a slice of the present and significant chunk of the multi-platinum past were on display.

The regularly witty, sometimes self-deprecating McCain was joined by longtime guitarist Larry Chaney and saxophone/keyboard player Craig Shields, who spent 90 or so minutes on both rockers and ballads.

As far as the recent collection was concerned, “Lucky All the Time” leaned towards the country direction, thanks in part to being co-written by Old Dominion, while “Kool Miles” swung around a jazzy, sax-accented swagger and “When It Does” tapped into McCain’s talents as a top-shelf troubadour.

Out of the 1990s, his signature take on Diane Warren’s “I Could Not Ask For More” appeared startlingly early its all charming glory, leaping off the screen of “Message In Bottle” and into the living room-like setting, complete with vibey light swirls courtesy of the venue’s brand new rig.

Dedicated fans also seemed pleased to hear a few favorites from McCain’s independent years, such as “Walk With You” and “I Want It All,” which unsurprisingly matched the quality of his Atlantic Records era.

Speaking of that period and Hootie as well, “Solitude” featured Darius Rucker on the recorded radio version, though McCain and the band had no problem magnetically holding down the main portions on their own.

The even more eternal “I’ll Be” had nearly every phone raised as McCain confidently crooned the modern day romantic standard, building towards the rootsy groove of “Gramercy Park Hotel” and leaving the North Shore Center thoroughly gratified over getting to reconnect with such an accomplished yet enjoyable artist.

For additional information on Edwin McCain, visit Edwin.com.

Upcoming concerts at the North Shore Center For The Performing Arts include Britbeat (Mar. 1); Music Of The Baroque (Mar. 2); Rita Rudner (Mar. 8); Beethoven Lives Upstairs (Mar. 16); Jazzreach (Mar. 18); Gesher Theater: “Don’t Look Back” (Mar. 22); Steven Page (Mar. 27); Marc Maron (Mar. 28); Peabo Bryson (Mar. 29); Robert Cray Band (Apr. 1); Aaron Diehl Trio (Apr. 4); Music Of The Baroque (Apr. 6); Steve Trash (Apr. 9); Golden State Youth Orchestra & Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra (Apr. 12); Nargiz (Apr. 19); The Smithereens (Apr. 25); Glenview Concert Band 40th Anniversary (Apr. 27); “Stop Making Sense” & Jerry Harrison (May 1); Rahzel & Roots Disciples (May 2); The Arcadian Wild (May 3); Taylor Shine: The Laser Spectacular (May 11); Glenn Miller Orchestra (May 20); “Piaf! The Show” (Jun. 9) and Benise (Jul. 25). For additional details, visit NorthShoreCenter.org.

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