Live at the Bridgewater Hall

     By M.E.N

   

   As the saying from the famous film goes, going to a Van Morrison show is a bit like opening a box of chocolates -
   you never know what you will find! On his second night in Manchester, Van delivered a mixed bag
   ranging from the sublime to the plain ordinary.

   The only thing you know for sure is that the timings board that greets you in the Bridgewater Hall foyer doesn't lie.
   Start at 8.00 pm and finish at 9.30 pm prompt as Van no doubt dashes to that waiting car to disappear into the night.

   Right on cue, Van took to the stage with his excellent 10 piece band to treat us to a jazzy set of old and new.
   The band struggle to fill the cavernous hall with sound, not due to their inability, rather the sound technician's error.
   It was much too quiet for most of the evening.

   Van's newer material from the poor "Keep It Simple" album was disappointing. Even individual solos from the various
   band members, especially the excellent steel guitar of, I think, Sarah Jory can't rescue weak material.
   I can't see songs like "School of Hard Knocks" or "Don't Go To Nightclubs Anymore" staying in future shows.
   Van redeemed himself with a liberal selection from his extensive back catalogue including a lively "Real Real Gone"
   and a jazzy "Bright Side of the Road." I have to say Van's own saxophone playing is an absolute delight especially
   on the show stopping "Moondance" which is a real crowd pleaser.

   Van excelled on the sublime "Tupelo Honey", a personal favourite, well supported by his three excellent backing singers.
   However, I'm not sure about the inclusion of "I Can't Stop Loving You" although this was popular with some members
   of the audience. The tempo picked up with the classic "Brown Eyed Girl" and "Gloria" before the witching
   hour of 9.30 pm and time for Van to dash to that waiting car.

 

   review - courtesy M.E.N