03-May-09 Berkeley Concert Review

Pat & Mary's Review:

The ever punctual Van didn’t walk onstage until 7:40 PM , which was a good thing as most people were still coming into the theatre and locating their seats. The weather was great and the threat of rain was over for the evening. There were plenty of empty seats, and it was surprising that Van didn’t sell out in the Bay Area as he usually does.

Van came out, sat down at the piano, and played “Northern Muse.” The band was tight and Van’s voice was in great shape. He progressed through his set directing the musicians and singing his songs. Van and the band pulled the audience in and gave them a little bit more with each tune. One song that stands out was “Caravan,” and it was the string section that made it special. Whoever thought strings on this song would be a great accompaniment is a genius. Van had the crescendo and decrescendo going throughout the evening. The hoots and the hollers of the audience during the really quiet parts of the songs were a bit irritating, as you wanted to hear where Van was taking the music. Overall, the first set was outstanding and the band had it going throughout the entire set.

After a brief 15 minute intermission, the Astral Weeks set was announced. Van had changed into a black leather jacket, picked up the guitar and sang his heart out for the rest of the evening. He seemed to enjoy the Astral Weeks songs. He had not spoken a word to the audience all night, and right before “Madam George” he started telling a story about the meaning of the song. He went on to explain that the young protagonist was given something to ingest, unaware that it contained opium. He was very animated during this part, and even hit himself on the side of the head. Unlike his normal ramblings and mumblings, the audience could actually understand what he was saying. He closed out the evening with “Listen to the Lion,” “Mystic Eyes,” and “Gloria.” At this point, you could see the taillights of the limo backing up to the left side of the stage for Van. He walked offstage singing while the band played out to a loud applause. A big hand for Van and the band!

Setlist:
Northern Muse(Solid Ground)
Troubadours
Stoned Me
I Can't Stop Loving You
Moondance
Help Me
Queen of the Slipstream
Caravan
It's All In The Game
And the Healing Has Begun
Common One
Astral Weeks
Beside You
Slim Slow Slider
Sweet Thing
The Way Young Lovers Do
Cypus Avenue
Ballerina
Madame George
Listen To The Lion
Mystic Eyes/Gloria