Even It Up (Live 1999)

The song "Even It Up (Live 1999)" from Nancy Wilson's album Live at McCabe's Guitar Shop captures the raw, acoustic energy of her performance at the intimate Santa Monica venue in March 1996. Recorded during a period when Wilson was exploring solo work amidst a hiatus from her band Heart, this rendition strips the original high-energy rock anthem—first released by Heart in 1980—down to its emotional core. In a 1999 interview with Deseret News, Wilson described the McCabe's performance as "nakedly human and fun," reflecting her return to the coffeehouse folk roots of her early career. The live version, featuring just Wilson on acoustic guitar with backing vocalists Kristen Barry and Astrid Young, emphasizes her vocal clarity and intricate guitar work, giving fans a fresh take on a Heart classic. The song’s inclusion on the album was a nod to her Heart fanbase, as noted in a Washington Post review, which praised how Heart songs like "Even It Up" benefited from the "fresh and uncomplicated settings" of the acoustic format.

Another layer of trivia comes from Wilson’s own reflections on the song’s origins. In a 2017 interview with VintageRock.com, she mentioned that she contributed significantly to the lyrics of "Even It Up," alongside her sister Ann Wilson and Seattle songwriter Sue Ennis, for Heart’s early albums. The track, originally a call for balance in love and life, carries a personal resonance for Wilson, which shines through in the 1999 live performance’s introspective delivery. Fans on Amazon reviews of the album have noted the intimate vibe of the McCabe’s recording, with one describing Wilson’s giggles after songs as adding a "mischievous" charm that draws listeners in, making the live "Even It Up" feel like a shared moment in a small, cozy venue. The performance was part of two shows recorded on March 31, as detailed on Discogs, highlighting the spontaneous, unpolished magic of the event.

Nancy Wilson’s journey in music began in Bellevue, Washington, where she was born on March 16, 1954. Her passion for music ignited at a young age, sparked by a pivotal moment on February 9, 1964, when she and her older sister Ann watched The Beatles perform on The Ed Sullivan Show. As Wilson recalled in a Wikipedia entry, this event was a "lightning bolt" that inspired both sisters to pursue rock music, leading them to mimic the band with air guitar performances in their living room. By 1966, the sisters attended a Beatles concert at the Seattle Center Coliseum, further fueling their ambitions. Wilson’s first guitar, a small acoustic bought by her parents, was a stepping stone, though she soon gravitated to Ann’s Kent acoustic for its better tuning. Their first music group, The Viewpoints, formed with friends and performed at local events like a 1967 folk festival on Vashon Island, which Wilson jokingly called a "professional gig" despite the lack of pay. By her college years, Nancy joined Ann in Heart, initially called The Army, which evolved into a pioneering hard rock band fronted by women, achieving fame with hits like "Crazy on You" and "Barracuda."

Today, fans can connect with Nancy Wilson through her official website with Heart, where updates on her music and tours are shared. Her presence on social media includes Facebook, where she posts about performances and personal milestones, and Instagram, showcasing behind-the-scenes moments and guitar-driven content. On X, Wilson engages with fans, often sharing thoughts on music and current projects. For dedicated supporters, fan communities thrive on platforms like the Heartmongers Facebook Group, where enthusiasts discuss the Wilson sisters’ legacy, share concert memories, and celebrate albums like Live at McCabe’s. Another fan hub, Heart’s Official Fan Club, offers exclusive content and updates, fostering a tight-knit community of "Zoo Freaks" who vibe with Wilson’s enduring artistry.