27-Mar-08 Manchester Concert Review

Manchester Evening News:
PERHAPS somewhere, lurking underneath that glowering fedora or hidden behind those dark glasses, there is a secret side to Van Morrison. A hidden inner chirpiness or happy-go-lucky bonhomie that he disguises to the world with those moody stares and gruff barks.

Then again, perhaps not. No chance of a smile sneaking onto his lips at this outing, that’s for sure, as he glares out across the crowded Bridgwater Hall, face half in shadow.

Funny then, that a man so notorious across the music industry for his grumpiness should be producing such increasingly feel-good musical offerings. Uplifting, even, in the case of the Irish legend’s newest work Keep It Simple, which proves something of a revelation live.

Certainly, he appears at his happiest when performing numbers from this latest album, with recent radio hit That’s Entrainment positively hopping and skipping along. Proving that while his face might not be smiling, his music certainly can.

Bathed in the warm glow of a summery stage light, surrounded by the cocoon of his excellent live band, he brings a lazy, jazzy, feel to his new songs that just seems to wash over you.

It’s in those moments, lost in his new work, that the real “best of” Van Morrison shines through, funnily enough. Rather than through his old hits which are performed somewhat straight and to the point.

Blessings

Perhaps we should count our blessings that he performed some of his greatest hits at all – and there were a decent enough number here – given his reported lack of enthusiasm for wheeling out back catalogue material.

And, however quickly he likes to whiz through them, there’s no arguing with the fact that they remain great songs. With Have I Told You Lately getting a slightly more upbeat treatment here than usual, while Bright Side of the Road receives a twangy
country-style twist.

Enough material from the good old days to keep the crowds happy, or – in this case – positively ecstatic. And, to prove his new work has touches of that old brilliance. Although, still, nothing comes close to topping the sexy sax solo of Moondance,
given a gratefully-received airing here.

Proving, ultimately, that however happy the new music makes Van, his fans still prefer the golden oldies with classic 1960s rock number Gloria providing a refreshingly rousing end to the night. Sending the crowds dancing out in the street.

Let’s hope Van the Man got as much of a kick out of it as we did.

Van Morrison plays the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester again tonight. £30 - £45. Call 0161 907 9000.
-Helen Tither

Chris sent in this review:

Last night was my 3rd time of seeing Van live in Manchester. The Bridgewater Hall is the perfect venue as it offers crystal clear sound and it's pretty much impossible to find a bad seat. In recent interviews Van has stated that too many people are obsessed with the past, and whilst he did deliver a few classics for the casual fans, most of the show was based around the 00's output, particularly the new album 'Keep it Simple'.

The new songs are actually more suited to the live experience, a certain freshness is invoked that is lacking in the by the book delivery of Brown Eyed Girl and Gloria. The band is the best I've seen (bear in mind I've only been going for the last two years) and with Van strumming his ukulele, they were really jamming last night. The best song however was not one of the new ones but the double whammy of 'Tupelo Honey' leading into 'Why must I always Explain', it's no coincidence that this was the only song where Van picked up his guitar, I wish he would play it more. Van finished before his encore of Gloria with 'Behind the Ritual' which was a little disappointing due to the absence of his 'blah blah blah's' and he didn't really seem to get into it, but on the whole it was another great night with the master.
-Chris

Setlist:
This Love of Mine
Magic Time
Have I Told You Lately
School of Hard Knocks
Keep It Simple
That's Entrainment
End of Land
Song of Home
Bright Side of the Road
Moondance
Stranded
Tupelo Honey>Why Must I Always Explain
Lover Come Back
Soul
Real Real Gone
Precious Time
Help Me
Brown Eyed Girl
Behind the Ritual
Gloria

Big Hand For The Band!
John Platania, Mick Green, Sarah Jory, Paul Moore, Neal Wilkinson, Bobby Ruggiero, Paul Moran, Crawford Bell, Karen Hamill