09-June-2016
Harrogate International Centre
Harrogate, England
Long time Van fan, James T., sent in this review:
It had been a while since I’d seen Van live. I have learnt over the 27 shows that I’ve seen since 1999, that it’s best not to have any expectations. Harrogate International Centre is by far the most infuriating venue to enter. A strange large spiral ramp led me to the bar area. I looked for the merchandise stall, nowhere to be seen. Back down the spiral staircase! I asked the front of House manager where was the stall . “The merchandise will be on sale after the show – it has been requested that we only sell after the show” – weird I thought! Was I actually in the right place, right town?
The auditorium itself is great – a plain large space with arena style raked seating, sweeping in a large semi-circle. Every seat has a great view and despite the fact that I had a “cheap” seat I was not at all disappointed. I settled down and waited for 8pm.
The band entered to a polite reception shortly followed by “Sir Van Morrison” launching into Celtic Swing. Van was blowing hard on the sax and I thought “this is it – we are in for a good one” Van leaned back, arching his back, forcing the sax to find the groove. Van was swinging the sax from side to side, he seemed quite animated, more animated that I had seen before. “Yes” I thought “we are going to get healed tonight”
Close Enough For Jazz and Centrepiece followed and it was remarkable how strong Vans voice is. It is quite phenomenal and certainly makes me feel immensely proud to be a fan. Van chose a very jazzy opening and I felt that this was not really a great start. It was very low – key and unfortunately it seemed as if it was going to be one of the nights where Van, band and audience were struggling to find the groove.
The night was not without its highlights though and Van certainly wasn’t phoning it in. He was trying in every song but something was not quite gelling. The band couldn’t be faulted, they were there for Van in every moment. A really strong group of musicians led excellently by Paul Moran. I felt sorry for Paul who seems to be getting hard time from Van at the moment. Van spoke to him several times throughout the gig and it seemed that Van was putting him through his paces. During one song Paul sat up and down 5 times to alternate between trumpet, cornet and keyboard. Dana Masters is wonderful and during her solos the audience around me gasped at the power of her singing. Dave Keary and Paul Moore on Guitar and Bass contributed many spirited solo. It was great to see Liam Bradley on drums, he’s fitted in very well.
Highlights for me were Wavelength, Magic Time, By his grace, The Beauty of days gone by, Did ye get healed? and Whenever god shines his light.
It seemed, at times, that Van was really rushing through the songs. In fact during Whenever God Shines his Light after the 1st chorus van launched straight in to the final “da dup, da dups” only to come back again to them later!
Did ye get healed was very welcome but the pinnacle had to be The Beauty of Days gone by. This was wonderful. When Van switches it’s on there is nothing better.
So overall I really enjoyed the night, the concert had its moment but it was definitely J-O-B rather than J-O-Y . A solid 7/10 in my opinion and we all know what a 10/10 is like!
I have to come back to that voice, trying hard to turn the lead into gold. Well, Van found a few nuggets in Harrogate and we have to keep remembering it’s been a very tough week. So I’m going to cut him a break and say a big thankyou to Van, the band and crew– see you further down the road!
-James Tennant
Setlist (John M.)
Celtic Swing
Close Enough For Jazz
Magic Time
By His Grace
Someone Like You
Baby Please Don't Go/Don't Start Crying Now
Here Comes The Night
Wavelength
Sometimes We Cry
Wild Night
Crazy Love
Whenever God
Keep It Simple
Enlightenment
Think Twice Before You Go
Moondance
Real Real Gone
The Beauty of the Days Gone By
Brown Eyed Girl
Did Ye' Get Healed
Gloria
Time ~ 1h 45m
Big Hand For The Band!
Dave Keary (Guitar)
Paul Moore (Bass)
Paul Moran (Keyboards)
Liam Bradley (Drums)
Dana Masters (Vocals)