14-September-2012
The Olympia, Paris, France

Here's Mike's review
Well Van must like Paris because he stormed into this gig with a fervor. After a light set with Shana and his band Van took the stage at around 8:30. 

Getting the usual Brown Eyed Girl out of the way early to an appreciative full house he began weaving in the recognized favorites with a couple off the new release which he referenced before lighting at the piano. Both Open the Door and Mystic of the East are becoming crowd pleasers judging by audiences reaction and this was their third outing this past week so 3 for 3. I'm waiting to hear Going Down to Monte Carlo live as its my prediction that this could stretch out beautifully in live performance... Before that Only a Dream and Here Comes the Night and Please Don't Go were nicely delivered.

Fever was jazzy then Enlightenment something a bit different. He then announced Game, told a story about its origin then said if it went well there'd be You Know What Their Writing About and if that went we'll they'd begin the workshop and No Plan B and if that went well we'd go off to the Burnin Ground. Well it all went well indeed and for over 15 minutes we explored all those musical territories together.

Then Sir Cliff came back in Whenever Sir Cliff Shines His Light...and after Moondance Van returns to the piano for a lovely Haunts of Ancient Peace that didn't end... Just stunning.

In the Garden was up next and he said it was recorded here in Paris? Ballerina up next followed by Help Me which he tore into then brought down to a hush and finally Gloria which has now turned into a long band jam giving Van a chance to return to Belfast whilst they each take a solo and have the crowd rocking for a finale that leaves us all in awe of this exceptional group of musicians.

And by the way the band thought this gig tonight in Paris was one of the best three they'd ever performed together.

I'd have to say that this week we heard two of the finest in East Belfast-- very nicely honed for the hometown and here in Paris--- where the leaves come falling down and Angelou still may reside.
-Michael S.

Setlist
Brown Eyed Girl
Only a Dream
Baby Please Don't Go
Here Comes the Night
Early in the Morning/Going Down Geneva
Open the Door (To Your Heart)
Mystic of the East
Fever
Enlightenment
All In Th Game/No Plan B/Burning Ground
Whenever God Shines His light
Moondance
Haunts of Ancient Peace
In the Garden
Ballerina
Help Me
Gloria

Big Hand for The Band!
Chris White (Saxophone)
Alistair White (Trombone)
Dave Keary (Guitar)
Paul Moore (Bass)
Paul Moran (Keyboards)
Jeff Lardner (Drums)
Rod Quinn (Percussion)
Special Guest - Shana Morrison (Backing Vocals)