Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay
Sun 18 Nov
words: ELEANOR MCKEON
★★★★☆
Renowned for his unpredictability and cantankerous disposition, there was slight trepidation that Van Morrison was not going to be on top form on Sunday at Wales Millennium Centre, a venue so perfectly designed for musical excellence. However, fears were soon quashed upon Morrison’s entrance. He emerged playing the sax soulfully to join the already extensive band – encompassing brass, strings, percussion and piano – in a delightful intro to the show.
The music ensued with It Was Only A Dream in which the Northern-Irish musician provided confirmation that he has still got ‘it’ – ‘it’ being the unique, superbly clear and warm vocals together with a magnificent blend of jazz, blues and soul. Morrison, who released his 36th album this year, Born To Sing: No Plan B, has flitted between folk, gospel, blues and country in his long career, but it is apparent that soul and jazz have remained the sheer core of his music.
Clad in his standard black hat, shades and suit get-up, Van The Man exhibits his musical finesse as he takes on the role of composer to his faultless band – every flawless solo was accompanied by a risibly nervous glance to their boss to see if it was up to scratch.
The crowd erupted upon hearing the intro to Brown Eyed Girl, and Sinatra-esque Moondance was also met with ovation as it eventually came to a euphoric close in what can only be described as a musical explosion. Babe Please Don’t Go and Jackie Wilson Said presented further harmonious skill and both highlighted the illimitable strengths of the band’s brass element.
There was minimal crowd interaction, however, this was to be expected if you are accustomed to Morrison’s aloof character. An encore is a near impossibility as the absolute second the music ended the lights come on as if to say “don’t even think about it”. Despite this, Morrison displayed his unparalleled talents as composer, singer and performer at his Cardiff show to confirm that he is in actual fact The Man.
