For anyone who’s never caught McCartney live, hearing him sing and play “Blackbird” all by himself is alone enough to make the experience unforgettable. But Paul also has a wonderful band—and you know what its not-at-all-secret weapon is: Abe Laboriel Jr. Although I was an Abe admirer before the show, I admit I was slightly skeptical about how he might handle those many indelible songs of Paul’s, from the Beatles, Wings, and beyond. As the group took the stage and the chiming opening chords of “Eight Days a Week” rang out, I thought, Ooh, early Ringo—that’s a tough one!
