08-Nov-08 Los Angeles Concert Review

L.A. Weekly: The second night of Van Morrison's revisit of his classic 1968 album Astral Weeks was a bit looser, a bit less immediate and, well, not as great as the first night. Don't get me wrong: the audience was more excitable on Saturday, standing to dance for "Brown Eyed Girl," shouting along the spelling of G - L - O - R - Ay-ay-ay-ay-ay-I - A" and pretty much acting like this were a Saturday night Van Morrison show at the Hollywood Bowl. But Morrison seemed less present, less enthusiastic, less targeted. On Friday, he and his band didn't miss a goddamned note. On Saturday, they missed a few.

But BFD is what I say. It was only by being able to measure one show alongside the other that I'm able to make that lame-o judgment. It was still a treat, still lush, organic and filled with beauty. I just didn't float the way that I did Friday night.

The stars came out, for sure: spotted in the crowd was Angelica Huston looking totally MILFy, Will Ferrell, Orlando Bloom, Jenna Fischer, Julia Roberts, and, I'm 85 percent sure, Harvey Weinstein. I say 85 percent because I stood next to this man who I'm pretty sure was Weinstein in front of the ivy wall during the show. He was dancing and smiling and singing along (which Is why that 15 percent doubt is there). He saw my backstage pass and said, "You got another one of those?" I politely said, No, and his response -- hence the 85 percent certainty -- was: "It's all right. I've been back there like a hundred times." It was a funny answer, delivered to impress. I was.
-Randall Roberts


Chris's Review:
Van was in terrific form Saturday. Some surprises and highlights for me:

- I haven't heard Caravan live in years. In the middle he says, "Aren't there supposed to be strings here?" Then they get it together and play the string break. Great to hear one of my all time favorite songs return.

- In honor of Richie Buckley's return, Van skips the whole first part of Summertime and launches right into an extended call and response with Richie. Fun and surprising.

- An extended and beautiful All in the Game workshop.

- He really seemed to be into the Astral Weeks portion. As was mentioned about the first night, no sign of Richard Davis. However, David Hayes really carried the ball. The bass pulse is so important to this music and Hayes sounded gorgeous.

- Van moves on to something new (and old) again. Recreating Astral Weeks after 37 years turns out to be a stroke of genius. I loved it all, but especially a drawn out, playful Ballerina.

I'm sure others will add a set list and their own highlights. Not much filler in these shows, except arguably BEG and Gloria. I did hear one couple on the way out saying it was a "mediocre" concert because he "didn't even play 2 of his most famous songs." I'm guessing maybe Moondance and Domino. Who knows?
- Chris

Setlist:
1st set:
Wavelength
St. Dominic's Preview
Caravan
It's All In The Game / You Know What They're Writing About
Here Comes The Night
And The Healing Has Begun
Summertime In England
Brown Eyed Girl
Gloria

2nd set:
Astral Weeks
Beside You
Slim Slow Slider
Sweet Thing
The Way Young Lovers Do
Cyprus Avenue
Ballerina
Madame George
Listen To The Lion (Encore)

Big Hand For The Band(s)!
Tony Fitzgibbon
Bobby Ruggiero
Sarah Jory
Jay Berliner
Paul Moran
Roger Kellaway
Liam Bradley
Richie Buckley
Bianca Thornton
David Hayes
John Platania
Terry Adams
Nancy Ellis
Rick Schlosser