You can never be sure quite what to expect from a Van Morrison performance. His quest for perfection occasionally results in a reluctance to acknowledge the audience . This was not the case in Cardiff.
Opening with a freeform version of Moondance, the ‘70s classic set the standard for all that was to come.
Morrison’s band orchestrates his work with complete understanding and a nod or flick of the hand from the master can change direction of any song.
An hour into his set he introduced an old friend to the stage - 60s legend, PJ Proby. In a great twist they rendered their own version of Whatever Happened to PJ Proby/ With a back catalogue spanning 50 years, the concert was clear confirmation of his genius. He doesn’t perform, he owns every song, and with overtones of soul, jazz, gospel and rock, he is impossible to categorise.
Morrison shares an affinity with his band, they complement each other by instinct, and any evening in their company ends with a setlist crumpled on the floor, overtaken by their passion. Last night was no exception, and as he finally left, after a full two hours, with the haunting, Into the Mystic, we still felt bereft and wanting more.
One to remember.
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