27-October-2021
Powerhaus
London, England

Pamela was at both Powerhaus gigs:

Having been on a high for the past few days after attending both Powerhaus gigs I thought I would write some impressions for you. The first thing to say is that Van seemed to really enjoy himself on stage both nights. I have always thought Chris Farlowe brings out the best in Van and that was very obvious this week. 

Night One 

No surprises for the first half in terms of song selection but all very enjoyable. Sometimes We Cry and Magic Time were particular standouts, the former proving an excellent showcase for new vocalist Elle Cato, who has a fantastic voice. She had been very nervous in what was, in effect, her audition to replace Chantelle Duncan and this song helped to settle her. The gig went to a different level with Chris Farlowe's introduction and a very nice rendition of the somewhat rare Transformation. As Chris left the stage, Matt Jeffrey seated next to me in the front row requested The Healing Game. Van seemed a bit worried, saying "I don't know" and Paul Moran told Van that they didn't know it. Van then asked for another request and my husband, Chris, called out for And the Healing Has Begun. Van immediately agreed, popped his electric guitar strap onto his shoulder and, to use Brendan Hynes’ expression, we needed our seatbelts for what ensued! An amazing rendition of Healing, followed by Vanlose and then a magnificent Carrying A Torch, which again allowed Elle to shine in a stunning duet with Van. It was also nice to hear the Trans-Euro train coda to Vanlose with Kilroy getting a few mentions! 

Ain't Gonna Moan was a fine version and then Chris Farlowe reappeared for the Stormy Monday medley. I have never seen Van laugh so much as he did here, especially during Take Your Hand Out of My Pocket (not included in the setlist posted earlier). At times Van was doubled up in laughter and unable to sing! Chris remained on stage for Help Me as Van joked in his intro and then Gloria featured Van once more doubled up in laughter and a lot of improvisation concerning bedsheets and laundry! Van and Chris left the stage together and an incredible band jam ended the gig. A wonderful night, made even better as I saw Van afterwards and told him what an amazing gig it was. He smiled, seeming to be pleased! 

Night Two

This gig managed to top the previous night! It really took off in Parchman when Matt Jeffrey, again sitting next to me, shouted "yeah" at the "all I did was shoot my wife “ line. Van paused and asked "who said that?" Matt replied and Van doubled up in laughter, saying “ no comment”! After that there were several broad smiles from Van and, with the introduction of Chris Farlowe, we again had to fasten our seatbelts. 

Baby Blue was terrific, and when Van invited the audience to sing the chorus we knew something special was happening. It certainly showed how much Van was enjoying himself. 

As Chris Farlowe left the stage, my husband shouted for St Dominic’s Preview. Van immediately agreed, reaching for the acoustic guitar and then switching to electric a few bars in. A transcendent delivery, and he stayed on electric guitar for Healing and Vanlose, both magnificent. Three great songs on guitar - what a treat! Torch was equally stunning. Baby What You Want Me To Do seemed to be a spontaneous choice from Van. Dave Keary was momentarily surprised (possibly by Van mumbling the lesser known title?) and Van had to add additional info, repeating "Jimmy Reed" a couple of times! A great version ensued, with Van gesticulating animatedly. 

It seemed that Van had got carried away and suddenly realised that he was out of time so he went straight into Gloria and made his getaway, leaving the band to do another wonderful jam, including great scatting and some more audience participation from Elle, who was relaxing into her role. 

All in all, two wonderful nights. We are so lucky in London to get the chance to see him reasonably regularly in small venues like Powerhouse and Nell's.

-Pamela K.

Setlist 

Latest Record Project 

Deadbeat Saturday Night 

Double Agent 

Thank God For The Blues 

Up County Down 

Days Like This 

Precious Time 

Sometimes We Cry 

Magic Time 

Baby Please Don’t Go/Parchment Farm/Got My Mojo Working 

I Can Tell 

Cleaning Windows/Be-Bop-A-Lula 

It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue (w/Chris Farlowe) 

Hey Mr. DJ (w/Chris Farlowe)

Saint Dominic’s Preview 

And The Healing Has Begun 

Vanlose Stairway 

Carrying A Torch 

Stormy Monday (w/Chris Farlowe) 

Baby What You Want Me To Do (w/Chris Farlowe) 

Gloria (w/Chris Farlowe)

Big Hand For The Band! 

Dave Keary (Guitar, Banjo, Bouzouki, Backing Vocals) 

Paul Moore (Bass) 

Paul Moran (Keyboards)

Teena Lyle (Percussion) 

Elle Cato (Vocals)

Colin Griffin (Drums)