Van playing Astral Weeks cover to cover at Hollywood Bowl

[Lit]

I had essentially sworn off seeing Van any more because of the exorbitant ticket prices (and because I have already seen so many great performances from him over the years), but I might actually consider ponying up the $$ to see him again if he came around here with this show:

http://www.vanmorrison.com/

[Mexi]

I saw this too...very tempting.
The Bowl is my favorite venue in the world

[Lit]

Astral Weeks
Beside You
Sweet Thing
Cyprus Avenue
The Way Young Lovers Do
Madame George
Ballerina
Slim Slow Slider


Think about that. I've seen him perform "Astral Weeks" (the song) and "Sweet Thing" before, and of course I've heard his live version of "Cyprus Avenue" on It's Too Late to Stop Now, but the thought of seeing him peform all the rest live in the same show is absolutely awesome.

[festivalgirl]

We're there for Saturday's show ..... section K2 if anyone's going.

[sharon_loves_fats]

That really would be amazing to see. Enjoy the show Festivalgirl! :)

[mightyradgumbo]

Very Cool, Love Van the Man, despite the hit or miss nature (as discussed ad naseum on the bored before). This would be a keeper for sure~Have fun Chrissa.

[festivalgirl]

Very Cool, Love Van the Man, despite the hit or miss nature (as discussed ad naseum on the bored before). This would be a keeper for sure~Have fun Chrissa.

It's kinda pricey & his hit/miss shows lately was a concern. But hopefully the nature of this show will make it a hit.

[neverleft]

It's kinda pricey & his hit/miss shows lately was a concern. But hopefully the nature of this show will make it a hit.

I'm going to look into tickets for Saturday for Lorrie and I. My only comcern is it could be a cool night. Saw Brian Wilson there this summer- very good show.

[festivalgirl]

I'm going to look into tickets for Saturday for Lorrie and I. My only comcern is it could be a cool night. Saw Brian Wilson there this summer- very good show.

Great. We're getting Santa Ana's again so maybe not. Sweaters & Brandy!!!!

We're in Section K2.

[neverleft]

Great. We're getting Santa Ana's again so maybe not. Sweaters & Brandy!!!!

We're in Section K2.

I'll let ya know when I get tickets. I'll just go there at lunch when I get a chance.

[festivalgirl]

I'll let ya know when I get tickets. I'll just go there at lunch when I get a chance.

Cool.

[ABITAGIRL1]

I had essentially sworn off seeing Van any more because of the exorbitant ticket prices (and because I have already seen so many great performances from him over the years), but I might actually consider ponying up the $$ to see him again if he came around here with this show:

http://www.vanmorrison.com/
Same here. Lit, if you hear of any east coast dates, let me know.
I actually just checked to see if this sold out at the Hollywood Bowl and tickets are available. Fantasizing about flying Stu to SF as a surprise......

[festivalgirl]

Same here. Lit, if you hear of any east coast dates, let me know.
I actually just checked to see if this sold out at the Hollywood Bowl and tickets are available. Fantasizing about flying Stu to SF as a surprise......

The tickets are kinda pricey.

But, sadly enough, here in LA, November is "too cold" for people to sit outside. I'm sure the crowd will be mostly those of us from the East & Midwest.

[Lit]

Same here. Lit, if you hear of any east coast dates, let me know.
I actually just checked to see if this sold out at the Hollywood Bowl and tickets are available. Fantasizing about flying Stu to SF as a surprise......

Not only are the Hollywood Bowl tickets still available, but when I considered it myself and checked for the best available, there were still seats in the third row in front of the stage. Sure the tickets are pricey, but imo for a Van show it makes a huge difference for me to be within the first ten rows--a difference that outweighs the price differential here. But adding in the airfare definitely puts it out of reach for me--especially now that I've started to panic about sending three kids to college while the college savings plans are nosediving. So...I'm moving on from that fantasy and hoping he adds some east coast dates.

[festivalgirl]

Part of the reason for the show is that it is being recorded (I think CD & DVD).

He usually doesn't sell out in LA. ??????? :confused:

[Lit]

Part of the reason for the show is that it is being recorded (I think CD & DVD).

He usually doesn't sell out in LA. ??????? :confused:

CD & DVD would be very nice. And much cheaper.

I am a bit surprised at the choice of venue. I understand that the Hollywood Bowl is legendary, and that it will lend a nice name to help sell a CD/DVD. But his US preferences have generally been the SF Bay area (he used to live in San Anselmo) and the Boston area (likely because of the strong Irish community there). And of course he always plays NYC no matter how short his US stints, and has turned in some great performances there too. I guess he's already recorded A Night in San Francisco, so it would have been nice to see him record this on the east coast--especially since Astral Weeks itself was recorded in NYC. (in two days!)

[neverleft]

Part of the reason for the show is that it is being recorded (I think CD & DVD).

He usually doesn't sell out in LA. ??????? :confused:

Hey Chrissa, I got K-3 Roll 16 for me and Lorrie on Saturday. Still some seats available in that Section (hint, hint for Mexi or Chris Joseph) Maybe we can get together and picnic before the show.

[festivalgirl]

CD & DVD would be very nice. And much cheaper.

I am a bit surprised at the choice of venue. I understand that the Hollywood Bowl is legendary, and that it will lend a nice name to help sell a CD/DVD. But his US preferences have generally been the SF Bay area (he used to live in San Anselmo) and the Boston area (likely because of the strong Irish community there). And of course he always plays NYC no matter how short his US stints, and has turned in some great performances there too. I guess he's already recorded A Night in San Francisco, so it would have been nice to see him record this on the east coast--especially since Astral Weeks itself was recorded in NYC. (in two days!)

A few thoughts.

Bill Silva does a lot of booking @ the Bowl so if Morrison is with his management company. it makes sense.

The Bowl is totally wired for recording so it's probably less expensive. If they're doing a DVD, it's definitely less expensive here.

The Bowl is a County Facility. Probably also less expensive to book

[MormonMatthew]

Hey Now Chrissa---Which LA airport is the closest to the Hollywood Bowl? Also, are there nearby hotels (within walking distance)? Finally, are you and Steve going on Friday AND Saturday, or for Sat night only? It would be great to meet up with you kids if I can put this together for a reasonable price tag..... Matthew (who has seen a Van show or two(!) in his time, and has a feeling that these shows will be something truly special.)

[festivalgirl]

Hey Now Chrissa---Which LA airport is the closest to the Hollywood Bowl? Also, are there nearby hotels (within walking distance)? Finally, are you and Steve going on Friday AND Saturday, or for Sat night only? It would be great to meet up with you kids if I can put this together for a reasonable price tag..... Matthew (who has seen a Van show or two(!) in his time, and has a feeling that these shows will be something truly special.)

Cool! We're going on Saturday.

Hollywood is in between LAX & Burbank. Burbank is much smaller & easier to deal with so go with the cheaper one.

There are a few Motels near-by. They are mostly on Sunset Blvd. When you do your search, look for "Hollywood" and "walking distance to Hollywood & Highland" or the "Kodak Theater".

Call or write us at home before you book. We have a small place but you are welcome to our couch.

[MormonMatthew]

Hi Chrissa---I have you and Steves' phone # somewhere, but when you have the time email me. I have found some reasonable flights, and am thinking that this will be too good to miss..... Is there any other music you have lined up that weekend? Let me know what your plans are, Matthew

[MormonMatthew]

Hey Now --- I decided that this was too good to pass up, so I snagged a flight down to LA last night. I found out from Steve and Chrissa that Little Feat is playing the night after Van at the HOB on Sunset, so this is sure to be an amazing 3 day weekend.... I look forward to seeing some Celtic Soul, and some friendly Threadhead smiles!!! See you soon, Matthew

[MormonMatthew]

Just saw that the Friday Nov. 7th show will be webcast free on www.kcrw.com at 7pm Pacific Time.... If anyone knows how to record this, I would love to get a copy, as my "cheap" tickets cost over 90 bucks each after all the fees and add ons.
It seems that Van is really preparing for these gigs, and hopefully, that will be reflected in the performances.
Looking forward to seeing Steve and Chrissa, as well as Robbie (Neverleft) over the weekend, Matthew.

[neverleft]

Just saw that the Friday Nov. 7th show will be webcast free on www.kcrw.com at 7pm Pacific Time.... If anyone knows how to record this, I would love to get a copy, as my "cheap" tickets cost over 90 bucks each after all the fees and add ons.
It seems that Van is really preparing for these gigs, and hopefully, that will be reflected in the performances.
Looking forward to seeing Steve and Chrissa, as well as Robbie (Neverleft) over the weekend, Matthew.

Hey Matthew, Looking forward to this too. We'll all have to go early and do a picnic beforehand. I think it's going to be in the low 80's that day, so we should be fine. Mexi should go to this, but I don't know if she is planning it.

[festivalgirl]

We should be there by 6:30. Munchies and stealth rum in section K2!!

[Mexi]

Mexi should go to this, but I don't know if she is planning it.

Rob! You have no idea how bad I wanna go to this.. I would love to share in the munchies, Rum & Van :( But I don't think I should! Unless someone cancels Thankgiving, X-mas, JF & CFF, I'll have to be strong & resist, resist, resist!

This is going to be an incredible night of music, because there is always a little magic in the air at The Bowl! Have a great time...without me, difficult I know! ;) We'll catch up sooner or later!!

[McGregor]

Just saw that the Friday Nov. 7th show will be webcast free on www.kcrw.com at 7pm Pacific Time....

very cool, I've never seen the man perform live, big fan. Thanks for the link!

now if someone will remember to bump this tomorrow so my short-term memory brain does not forget! :)

[sharon_loves_fats]

Just saw that the Friday Nov. 7th show will be webcast free on www.kcrw.com at 7pm Pacific Time.... If anyone knows how to record this, I would love to get a copy, as my "cheap" tickets cost over 90 bucks each after all the fees and add ons.
It seems that Van is really preparing for these gigs, and hopefully, that will be reflected in the performances.
Looking forward to seeing Steve and Chrissa, as well as Robbie (Neverleft) over the weekend, Matthew.

Have a great time y'all. This should really be something special :)

[neverleft]

Rob! You have no idea how bad I wanna go to this.. I would love to share in the munchies, Rum & Van :( But I don't think I should! Unless someone cancels Thankgiving, X-mas, JF & CFF, I'll have to be strong & resist, resist, resist!

This is going to be an incredible night of music, because there is always a little magic in the air at The Bowl! Have a great time...without me, difficult I know! ;) We'll catch up sooner or later!!

No problem Mexi, I know how it is. I'm trying to figure out my whole music and work schedule for the next few weeks right now (and you know music seems to be more important to me). Tonight I got eight bands at The Brown Derby, Sat. Hollywood Bowl with Van the man, Wed. Galactic HOB, Thurs. Mountain and Joe Satriani at the Wiltern. plus it's kind of busy at work. My wife thinks I'm crazy but she lets me roll with it. She'll be at the Hollywood Bowl. All these show should be cool if your up for any of them.

[festivalgirl]

No problem Mexi, I know how it is. I'm trying to figure out my whole music and work schedule for the next few weeks right now (and you know music seems to be more important to me). Tonight I got eight bands at The Brown Derby, Sat. Hollywood Bowl with Van the man, Wed. Galactic HOB, Thurs. Mountain and Joe Satriani at the Wiltern. plus it's kind of busy at work. My wife thinks I'm crazy but she lets me roll with it. She'll be at the Hollywood Bowl. All these show should be cool if your up for any of them.

Little Feat is at HOB on Sunday as well.

[neverleft]

Little Feat is at HOB on Sunday as well.

I know, I wish I could make that one too, but have something else happening that night.

[Jim]

For those of us who can't make it, KCRW, the public radio station in Santa Monica, will be broadcasting a live stream of the show beginning at 8:00 pacific time.

[frangooch]

Somebody please post a review of this show!

[Delta]

Someone who actually attends will have to do the review since we won't be able to listen on-line.

From the KCRW website:
Sorry!

KCRW is sorry to announce that we will not be broadcasting Van Morrison’s concert tonight from the Hollywood Bowl. We worked tirelessly to make it happen, but in the end, piracy concerns on behalf of the artist trumped the technological advances that made it possible in the first place.

KCRW has great faith in our listeners and online community and we see a future full of exciting opportunities. Stay tuned for more events to come.

We are sorry for the disappointment and inconvenience this cancellation may have caused.

Listen To The Lion Films will be recording the second half of Van Morrison’s concert for the upcoming DVD release "Astral Weeks Live At The Hollywood Bowl." Visit vanmorrison.com for more info.

[nolanole]

"What a pisser!"

[Lit]

Ouch. Feeling very painful having missed this:


http://blogs.laweekly.com/play/live-in-la/van-morrisons-astral-weeks-at-1/

As if Astral Weeks in its entirety wasn't enough, "Listen to the Lion" encore. Wow. Sounds like he conjured vintage Van for a few nights. Looking forward to reviews from THs in attendance.

[frangooch]

Ouch. Feeling very painful having missed this:


http://blogs.laweekly.com/play/live-in-la/van-morrisons-astral-weeks-at-1/

As if Astral Weeks in its entirety wasn't enough, "Listen to the Lion" encore. Wow. Sounds like he conjured vintage Van for a few nights. Looking forward to reviews from THs in attendance.

Lester Bangs. Wow.

[Mexi]

Still waiting for a report on this! :)

[neverleft]

Still waiting for a report on this! :)

OK, The TH attendance were my wife (Lorrie) and I, MormanMattew, Festivalgirl and Festivalboy. Seeing this show was just amazing. The Bowl is by far one of the most unique venues in the world to put on a show of this kind. The night was warm with stars and the moon very clear overhead.
Van the Man voice was purer and stronger then I’ve ever heard him before. I’ve seen him at Jazz Fest I think two times in the past.
Astral Weeks was an album that a roommate of mine in college played over and over again. Even thou I liked it, I was just getting to a point to where I was thinking of jumping out a window if I heard it one more time. So, I really hadn’t heard the album since the mid seventies. For me it was great Reminiscing through all those songs. Lorrie enjoyed it too. That being said, Van Morrison and the band performing Astral Weeks just couldn’t have been better. Someday soon it will be on DVD, check it out.
Also, Matthew, Chrissa, Steve and I went out last night to the House of Blues-Sunset to see Little Feat. We rocked out to Little
Feat in a show that was just about as good as their show at Instruments a Comin at Tipitina’s. If anyone of you caught that show at Jazz Fest last year. We all went out after the show to a small bar down on Sunset and pounded down many a drink with lots of laughs till 2am. I think right now we are all just a little hung-over today. But, we are all enjoying our day off.

[festivalgirl]

OK, The TH attendance were my wife (Lorrie) and I, MormanMattew, Festivalgirl and Festivalboy. Seeing this show was just amazing. The Bowl is by far one of the most unique venues in the world to put on a show of this kind. The night was warm with stars and the moon very clear overhead.
Van the Man voice was purer and stronger then I’ve ever heard him before. I’ve seen him at Jazz Fest I think two times in the past.
Astral Weeks was an album that a roommate of mine in college played over and over again. Even thou I liked it, I was just getting to a point to where I was thinking of jumping out a window if I heard it one more time. So, I really hadn’t heard the album since the mid seventies. For me it was great Reminiscing through all those songs. Lorrie enjoyed it too. That being said, Van Morrison and the band performing Astral Weeks just couldn’t have been better. Someday soon it will be on DVD, check it out.
Also, Matthew, Chrissa, Steve and I went out last night to the House of Blues-Sunset to see Little Feat. We rocked out to Little
Feat in a show that was just about as good as their show at Instruments a Comin at Tipitina’s. If anyone of you caught that show at Jazz Fest last year. We all went out after the show to a small bar down on Sunset and pounded down many a drink with lots of laughs till 2am. I think right now we are all just a little hung-over today. But, we are all enjoying our day off.

Thanx, Robbie. You got it just right!

As good as Saturday was, Matthew said he thought Friday was better. I can't even imagine that. (I'm sure we'll hear from him - he's on his way home right now) The people sitting next to us drove down from Berkeley just for the show. They said other than Brown Eyed Girl & Gloria, they had never heard Van do these songs live - they were quite pleased. They are a great couple. Wouldn't be surprised if we have future Threadheads. ;)

Van is notorious for bad L.A. shows - he redeemed himself.

Set List:
“Wavelength”
“Saint Dominic’s Preview”
“Caravan”
“Heavy Connection”
“Here Comes the Night”
“And the Healing Has Begun”
“Summertime in England”
“Brown-Eyed Girl”
“Gloria” (incorporating “Who Do You Love”)

Astral Weeks:
“Astral Weeks”
“Beside You”
“Slim Slow Slider”
“Sweet Thing”
“The Way Young Lovers Do”
“Cyprus Avenue”
“Ballerina”
“Madame George”

Encore:
“Listen to the Lion”

Steve & I have been celebrating since Election Night so we're in recovery mode today - plain tuckered out! Ellis Marsalis Quintet & McCoy Tyner on Sunday. I'll think we'll be ready!!

[Lit]

Thanx, Robbie. You got it just right!

As good as Saturday was, Matthew said he thought Friday was better. I can't even imagine that. (I'm sure we'll hear from him - he's on his way home right now) The people sitting next to us drove down from Berkeley just for the show. They said other than Brown Eyed Girl & Gloria, they had never heard Van do these songs live - they were quite pleased. They are a great couple. Wouldn't be surprised if we have future Threadheads. ;)

Van is notorious for bad L.A. shows - he redeemed himself.

Set List:
“Wavelength”
“Saint Dominic’s Preview”
“Caravan”
“Heavy Connection”
“Here Comes the Night”
“And the Healing Has Begun”
“Summertime in England”
“Brown-Eyed Girl”
“Gloria” (incorporating “Who Do You Love”)

Astral Weeks:
“Astral Weeks”
“Beside You”
“Slim Slow Slider”
“Sweet Thing”
“The Way Young Lovers Do”
“Cyprus Avenue”
“Ballerina”
“Madame George”

Encore:
“Listen to the Lion”

Steve & I have been celebrating since Election Night so we're in recovery mode today - plain tuckered out! Ellis Marsalis Quintet & McCoy Tyner on Sunday. I'll think we'll be ready!!

Summertime In England! Very nice add. Would have loved to see that.

[festivalgirl]

Summertime In England! Very nice add. Would have loved to see that.

I'm sure the DVD will be out soon. The lighting was odd for us at the show but will be very nice on video.

[MormonMatthew]

Hey Now Everybody, just a quick note about a wonderful weekend of music and friendship in Los Angeles..... It was one of the most fulfilling trips I have enjoyed for ages, in thanks to the stunning musical showcases delivered by Van, who was in top form, performing some of his most passionate, heartfelt material at the historic Hollywood Bowl, followed by a rip-roaring boogie show by Little Feat, at the House of Blues (in Little Feats' set there were several New Orleans references, including a few verses of "Guilded Splinters")...... Truly an amazing weekend, one that I will remember fondly for years to come!!!

As stellar as the music was, I want to let you all know that it was even surpassed by the quality of the company I enjoyed; namely Steve and Chrissa (Festivalgirl) and Robbie (Neverleft). Steve and Chrissa opened up thier home and there wide group of Los Angeles friends to me, who all treated me like one of thier own. They were the perfect hosts, and I only hope that some time, in some way I can repay thier hospitality and kindness!!! It was also awesome hanging out with Neverleft at Little Feat, who I met 10 or 12 years ago in Seattle, at a Neville Brothers show, long before I discovered the magic of this message board and the beautiful friendships it has helped create.

I hope everyone is well, and thanks again to my L.A. krewe for everything!!!! As Van said,---- "We are all on this train".....

See you soon, Matthew

[neverleft]

Hey Now Everybody, just a quick note about a wonderful weekend of music and friendship in Los Angeles..... It was one of the most fulfilling trips I have enjoyed for ages, in thanks to the stunning musical showcases delivered by Van, who was in top form, performing some of his most passionate, heartfelt material at the historic Hollywood Bowl, followed by a rip-roaring boogie show by Little Feat, at the House of Blues (in Little Feats' set there were several New Orleans references, including a few verses of "Guilded Splinters")...... Truly an amazing weekend, one that I will remember fondly for years to come!!!

As stellar as the music was, I want to let you all know that it was even surpassed by the quality of the company I enjoyed; namely Steve and Chrissa (Festivalgirl) and Robbie (Neverleft). Steve and Chrissa opened up thier home and there wide group of Los Angeles friends to me, who all treated me like one of thier own. They were the perfect hosts, and I only hope that some time, in some way I can repay thier hospitality and kindness!!! It was also awesome hanging out with Neverleft at Little Feat, who I met 10 or 12 years ago in Seattle, at a Neville Brothers show, long before I discovered the magic of this message board and the beautiful friendships it has helped create.

I hope everyone is well, and thanks again to my L.A. krewe for everything!!!! As Van said,---- "We are all on this train".....

See you soon, Matthew
Hey Matthew, Yea it was a cool time. That's what I dig about all Threadhead people. We all know how to have a goodtime when some music is about. You, Chrissa and Steve are always fun to hang with, and yea! with Van and Little Feat to boot it couldn't have been better.
I'm going to Galactic Tonight at HOB then Joe Satriani with Mountain the next night. Looking forward to both those shows. May have to pace myself.

[Lit]

Hey Now Everybody, just a quick note about a wonderful weekend of music and friendship in Los Angeles..... It was one of the most fulfilling trips I have enjoyed for ages, in thanks to the stunning musical showcases delivered by Van, who was in top form, performing some of his most passionate, heartfelt material at the historic Hollywood Bowl, followed by a rip-roaring boogie show by Little Feat, at the House of Blues (in Little Feats' set there were several New Orleans references, including a few verses of "Guilded Splinters")...... Truly an amazing weekend, one that I will remember fondly for years to come!!!

As stellar as the music was, I want to let you all know that it was even surpassed by the quality of the company I enjoyed; namely Steve and Chrissa (Festivalgirl) and Robbie (Neverleft). Steve and Chrissa opened up thier home and there wide group of Los Angeles friends to me, who all treated me like one of thier own. They were the perfect hosts, and I only hope that some time, in some way I can repay thier hospitality and kindness!!! It was also awesome hanging out with Neverleft at Little Feat, who I met 10 or 12 years ago in Seattle, at a Neville Brothers show, long before I discovered the magic of this message board and the beautiful friendships it has helped create.

I hope everyone is well, and thanks again to my L.A. krewe for everything!!!! As Van said,---- "We are all on this train".....

See you soon, Matthew

Hey now Matthew. I'm glad you had such a great time and that Van truly delivered on the promise of these shows. I had the sense that this would be a rare instance in recent years in which his shows lived up to the billing and expense. Sounds like they were more than worth the effort and cost. I am a long-time Van junkie and I just couldn't pull this trip off, so I have had to live vicariously through those who did. I find myself starving for more detail about the shows. The Van fan website is defunct and I could only find two articles, and they were only about Friday's show. It appears that you appreciate many of the same things about Van as I do, so, if you have the chance at some point, I would really appreciate it if you could post some further comments with some more details. I'm looking for things like descriptions of his roars during "Listen to the Lion" (and which version was better, Friday or Saturday); his delivery during "Summertime in England"; the high notes of "Ballerina"; his outfit (still doing the Truman Capote thing?). Ok, you get the idea. Any further insights appreciated. Thanks.

[festivalgirl]

Hey Matthew, Yea it was a cool time. That's what I dig about all Threadhead people. We all know how to have a goodtime when some music is about. You, Chrissa and Steve are always fun to hang with, and yea! with Van and Little Feat to boot it couldn't have been better.
I'm going to Galactic Tonight at HOB then Joe Satriani with Mountain the next night. Looking forward to both those shows. May have to pace myself.

Robbie -

Satriani is only a few blocks from our place. Let us know if you want to grab a drink before the show.

[MormonMatthew]

Lit, I feel if we ever meet up in person, we are in for a marathon conversation about all the amazing peaks and valleys that Van Morrisons' artistic career has weathered over the past 40+ years.... I was going to give a more detailed review of the two shows this weekend, but I recognise that not everyone shares my sense of wonder for his music.

I think that you and I are in general agreement that the last several years have not seen Van in peak live performance form (although there have been some amazing nights sprinkled among some of the more pedestrian outings), due to a mixture of factors---so so backing band, extremely expensive tickets, and the 90 min. concert time limit constraints are the most obvious---and I have not been nearly as anxious to spend the time and money needed to commit to go see Van live as I once was in years past. Living in Salt Lake, it is a considerable distance and expence to get to where he typically plays on his infrequent visits to the U.S. Every time I have seen Van live, it has included a flight, hotel, etc. etc., so when he "phones in" another lackluster show, it is dissapointing to say the least.......

When I heard about the Hollywood Bowl shows last weekend, I certainly was interested in attending, but family health concerns have kept me from traveling too much as of late, not to mention the pricey concert tickets and flights. After consideration, however, I decided that these gigs would be a sort of a final turning point for me, as far as Vans' live shows go. If they were the same "going through the motions" performances I felt i've seen over the last few years, I was going to resign myself to enjoying Van's music thru live recordings of great shows from years past, or the occasional music festival set. (The last couple of times I have seen Van live has been at Jazzfest and Austin City Limits Festival, where of course there were many, many other great bands to enjoy). I figured if he could not/would not deliver the kind of inspired, impassioned, and soul stirring music (that I had been so entranced by when I first started seeing him live) while playing the songs of his masterwork "Astral Weeks" those glory days were likely gone forever, and I would accept that Van had moved in a direction that I no longer cared to follow......

I can say with certainty that after last weekends simply stunning L.A. performances, I once again look forward to many more timeless nights of trancendant music with Van Morrison. Matthew

(PS. as soon as I get copies of the shows I will be sure and get you copies)

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

Nice review Mormon Mattew. Thanks for posting!

[Lit]

I'll be at Fest from first Friday through Wednesday 'tween this year Matthew, and I look forward to a marathon Van chat if you're around. Thanks.

[kyfester]

I was at this show and it was incredible. Check out the review at culturemaven.com. I saw Van at JazzFest when he mailed it in at an evening concert, and when he was great at the Fairgrounds. The Hollywood Bowl was Van as we've always wanted him to be. The best.

[Lit]

I was at this show and it was incredible. Check out the review at culturemaven.com. I saw Van at JazzFest when he mailed it in at an evening concert, and when he was great at the Fairgrounds. The Hollywood Bowl was Van as we've always wanted him to be. The best.

Thanks, that's a great review from culturemaven. I'm happy to say that I've experienced Van when he's been that good. "Transcendent" is the perfect word. I'd add "transporting." Knowing he can reach that place (and take us there) kept me coming back to his shows for years and years, mostly catching only glimpses of the transcendent Van. While I'm very happy to hear that he's still got it in him, in a sense I'm also a bit disappointed to know he's had it the whole time and shared it so infrequently in recent years. I understand that he can't conjure the spirit all the time, but time's a wastin', and I hope to get to experience this type of performance from him at least one more time in my life. In the meantime, I'll be counting the days until the DVD of this show is released.

I've now read three somewhat similar and glowing reviews of Friday's show, but I've yet to see one of Saturday's. Please let me know if you know of any; I'm curious to see if he equaled that performance on consecutive nights, which would be even more amazing. Thanks again.

[frangooch]

This interview might reveal a bit of why he only reaches occasional trancendence: http://www.laweekly.com/2008-11-06/music/van-morrison-and-astal-weeks-la-weekly-snags-a-rare-one-on-one-interview-with-the-elusive-singer/

[nola_funk]

i would love to hear van do astral weeks live but would rather here moondance.
to me, moondance is something EVERYONE should own. tupelo honey would be my second favorite morrison album.
this past summer, i would go out and work in the yard 4 or 5 times a week. i went for a month with only astral weeks in my cd player jamming in the yard working.

[nola_funk]

oh and btw, van morrison and aretha franklin are the 2 bands at the top of my list that i would like to see at jazz fest in '09.
morrison a couple of years ago was great. (anybody got a copy?)(this is one show i REALLY wish JF would release)