Philadelphia Concert Review 05-Aug-06

Wachovia Spectrum, Philadelphia. Van came on stage around 515p. Show was pretty good, a lot of the older "hits" which pleased the majority of the crowd. Van was in very good mood throughout show and did some marvelous singing. He still has the pipes!

Setlist:
All Work and No Play
Playhouse
Crazy Love
Back on Top
St. James Infirmary
Real Real Gone
There Stands the Glass
Jackie Wilson Said
Moondance
I Can't Stop Loving You
Stop Drinking Wine
Cleaning Windows
Sometimes We Cry
Precious Time
All in the Game
Precious Time
Help Me
Wild Night
Gloria
Brown Eyed Girl

Van still the man, but better with fans
By Keith Harris
For The Inquirer
Advance word suggested that Van Morrison's first Philadelphia show in 16 years would be a full-blown homage to country music, much like his new album, Pay the Devil. And indeed, both pedal-steel guitarist and fiddler were allotted plenty of solo space at the Spectrum on Saturday. Then again, so was the trombonist.
A stout man in a dark suit and hat, Morrison huddled with 11 other musicians center stage during a late afternoon performance that got under way a little after 5 and wrapped up before 7. His heart obviously belonged to oldies like the New Orleans funeral march "St. James Infirmary," yet he didn't slight fan favorites like "Moondance." And he did haul out some country classics, including "There Stands the Glass" (which he recorded for Devil) and "I Can't Stop Loving You" (which he didn't).
The latter was a particularly telling choice, best known as a tune with which Ray Charles demonstrated the similarities between country and R&B back in 1962. When it comes to seamlessly blending so many musical styles, black and white, Morrison is surely Charles' most direct spiritual heir.
Having found a unique voice early in his career, he's been free to experiment for 40 years, to learn tricks from Charles or Muddy Waters or Sam Cooke without sounding like a copycat. In fact, while Morrison now sings "Crazy Love" in a gruff bark rather than a creamy falsetto, his phrasing and emotional range have only expanded.
And Morrison's become a warmer stage presence as well. Though he sometimes shouted abrupt instructions to the band, his legendary orneriness was not in evidence. Leading with two obscure, bluesy shuffles, closing with crowd-pleasers "Gloria" and "Brown-Eyed Girl," Morrison seemed justifiably satisfied. He's found a way to give the people what they want while doing just as he pleases.

Van Morrison & Charlie Gracie get together here WHEN Van Morrison found himself with some free time Friday afternoon, he called pal Charlie Gracie, hoping the local rocker was performing that night.
But Gracie wasn't, so Morrison asked if he would play with him Saturday at the Spectrum, but Gracie told the singer he had his own gigs Saturday and Sunday at Westy's in North Wildwood.
"Aw s---," replied Morrison, who then invited Gracie and family to hang out with him at the Four Seasons.
Gracie; his wife, Joan; daughter Angela; and son Charlie Jr. and his wife, Kim, spent time with Morrison, sharing drinks and memories.
Gracie opened for Morrison several years ago on the West Coast.
The guys plan to catch up when Gracie plays the UK next month.