Celtic Soul with the Arco String Quartet-Ulster Hall, Belfast - A celebration of the music of Van Morrison, 2nd March 2019

Brendan Hynes sends in hi thoughts on Van Tribute Band, Celtic Soul
This show represented the most ambitious show performed to date by top Van Morrison tribute band Celtic Soul and it was great to see the famed Ulster Hall packed for this celebration of the wonderful music of Van Morrison. The audience came from far and wide and it was probably one of the biggest gatherings of dedicated Van fans at one concert since the infamous Van shows on Cyprus Avenue in 2015.

The addition of strings (compliments of the Arco String Quartet) added a further dimension to the magical musical tour through Van’s wonderful back catalogue and they were particularly prominent on the four Astral Weeks songs performed namely Cyprus Avenue, The Way Young Lovers Do, Ballerina and Beside You (which also featured some beautiful guitar playing by Ray McEvoy). Caravan and Queen of the Slipstream also featured the string quartet prominently and to great effect. Other particular highlights for me on a night of many were The Healing Game, Philosophers Stone and Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child (a great arrangement) but really there was no respite as the band delved deeply into Van’s outstanding collection of work.

Lead singer Clarke Wilson (who also plays fine saxophone) was very pleased to be on stage at the Ulster Hall for such a big show as he issued the words “Hello Belfast” on a number of occasions during it to considerable acclaim. Rumours that he was whisked away in a limousine at the end of the show have yet to be confirmed. Clarke was ably assisted by the aforementioned Ray on electric and acoustic guitar, Marcus McAuley(acoustic guitar),Rik Gay (drums),Keith Ward(piano and keyboards),Gerry McClurg (trumpet) , Mark Crockard (electric and double bass) and of course on this special night by the Arco String Quartet.

For anyone who has even a passing interest in the music of Van Morrison then a Celtic Soul concert will certainly not disappoint and the music is played with a reverence and competence totally befitting its quality.
-Brendan Hynes