Concert Review Brighton 29-Jan-07

Van Morrison, Dome Concert Hall, Brighton, Friday, January 29 By Jakki Phillips

Watching Van Morrison is a lottery the audience regularly loses.

Over the years we've seen the grumpy old man storm off stage, play an entire concert with his back to the audience and consistently look like he'd rather be anywhere else in the world.

Judging by the rows of empty seats, some people have given up on his temperamental live shows.

But it was those who kept the faith that cashed in on Friday because after years of gloom - Van was finally in a good mood.

Relaxed in the company of his special guest Chris Farlowe, the great man came alive, indulging in some playful, freestyle scatting with his vocal sparring partner.

Farlowe - not quite as well known as Richard Gere, who duetted with the Irish singer songwriter at The Dome back in the Nineties - is a 60s R'n'B star whose biggest hits include Out of Time, which was number one in 1966, and Handbags and Gladrags, covered by Rod Stewart and Stereophonics and used as the theme tune to The Office.
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A former amateur boxer, Farlowe towered over his musical buddy, his billowing shirt unintentionally attracting much of our attention.

Safe in his friend's shadow, partially hidden by a fortress of monitors at the front of the stage and with his dark suit making him almost invisible, Van was even comfortable enough to speak.

But after only one minute of banter, Van jokingly asked: "Am I talking too much?" before turning to his band and instructing: "Play a chord".

This tour promotes his forthcoming album At The Movies, a collection of hits taken from soundtracks which includes a previously unreleased live version of Moondance which featured in An American Werewolf In London.

We were also treated to some jazzed-up moon dancing plus the timeless brilliance of Brown Eyed Girl and the swinging glory of Precious Time, and fans were in fine voice for a showstopping, singalong version of G-L-O-R-I-A.