Van Morrison at Celtic Connections

Van was definitely the man in Glasgow.

It is under an hour since Van Morrison left the stage at Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, leaving his band to jam on for a good 5-10 minutes. He's not one for chit chat between songs, or even allowing time for applause between songs, and he left the stage twice whilst still singing, but Van the Man led his band through an incredible performance tonight.

Van Morrison was playing as part of Celtic Connections 2015 and I have my brother to thank for buying me a ticket for tonight. I was excited yet nervous ahead of the show, not knowing what he would play and also having heard rumours about him being a tad grumpy at times.

I needn't have worried, I'm still under the spell he magically wove tonight. It was a truly majestic performance - vocally and musically. 

Our seats were high, only a few from the back, centre stage and we captured the beautiful Concert Hall acoustics in all their glory. 

Van's band took to the stage all dressed in black - guitar, bass/double bass, drums, piano/organ/keys/trumpet and a backing singer. They launched into an instrumental jazz number and then on strode Van Morrison to jam along on saxophone. They were in sensational form from the off.

Dropping in an Please Don't Go early on, which led into Parchman and Don't Stop was a wise move, the audience seemed spellbound at the vocal delivery and the tightness of the band. Van was on his mouth organ at this point and he also played guitar at times.

Dressed in black, with hat and shades, there was no doubt who was the boss as Van conducted and instructed the band through the performance - letting them to know when to up the pace, bring it down, extend the jam, even change instruments or to bring it to a close.

This led to a stunning run of songs with the band playing beautiful dreamy music at times, allowing Van Morrison to sing his poetic love songs over the top. Moondance was gorgeous, Sometimes We Cry was packed with soul, In The Garden was quite simply breathtaking as the lights dimmed and Van brought the music right down before letting rip with his vocals and the band came crashing back in.

Ending with the beautiful Into the Mystic and Ballerina, Van Morrison walked slowly off the stage whilst still singing to rapturous applause, leaving the band to jam on and take turns in the spotlight before a note was handed to the organ/piano player telling him to bring things to a close.

I've seen many legends grace stages in Glasgow in my 21-years of gig-going but tonight was possibly the best of the lot, certainly the best I have seen in a long, long time. Van Morrison's voice was effortless from the off - gentle when required, soaring and soulful throughout, his backing band were just exceptional - capable of reacting to his needs and producing moments of truly beautiful and dreamy music that you could get lost in.

What a show!

Bobby Womack at the Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow, Celtic Connections

Bobby Womack rolled into Glasgow last night, looking resplendent in a red leather pimp style outfit. Womack was backed by a 13-piece band and despite obvious physical frailties, his voice was strong, true and soulful.

photo courtesy of @davetaylorphoto

The band took to the stage and launched into an instrumental before Bobby was helped on to the stage to a huge ovation.

He had launched into 'Across 110 Street' within minutes, taking a few by surprise with his decision to play such a popular song so early. If anything it caught the sound engineer on the hop as well as to my ears it took a couple of songs until the sound was as it should be, the bassist made several gestures to turn things up.

Other than that the show was outstanding. The 13-piece band consisted of 3 female backing singers, one of whom regularly came to the front to join in with Bobby and she sounded like heaven on earth with an exceptional range. There was guitar, bass, drums, 2 keyboard players and a 4-piece horn section.

photo courtesy of @davetaylorphoto

Highlights? Well the whole show was very memorable and Womack's voice was one of the best I have ever heard. Sadly I doubt that I'll get to see Mr Womack again, but the following were particularly stupendous.

'That's The Way I Feel About Cha' was a slow groove, Womack stretched his vocals and conducted the band along, slowing things down when he wanted, picking up the pace when required.

A cover of Sam Cooke's 'A Change Is Gonna Come' was another slow burner that allowed Womack to let loose when he wanted. This was soul personified.

'Deep River' was gospel style soul, 'It's All Over Now' got the crowd going.

photo courtesy of @davetaylorphoto 

Womack stood for most of the show but did have a seat for a few songs and the backing singers and his right hand man were never far away, making sure he didn't miss the chair and giving him sips of water.

The title track of Womack's latest album 'The Bravest Man In The Universe' was brilliant, I personally would have loved to hear a little more from this album.

The real highlight was the last song the impeccable groove of 'I Can Understand It' that was extended to allow the band and audience to really get in the groove.

There was no encore, Womack was escorted off stage by his two helpers, stopping to wave to the crowd. Despite huge cheers for more, the lights came on and it was time to go home.

Ryan Adams @ Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 26th April 2012

It isn't often you get to witness a genius at work. On Thursday night I got to do just that when I caught Ryan Adams performing at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

Armed with two acoustic guitars and a piano, Adams took us on a 2-hour journey through his entire career. It was spell-binding. The audience lapped it up, sitting in awed silence before responding in rapturous fashion, with several songs receiving standing ovations.

The whole set was one long extended highlight. Adams moved from sitting centre stage playing one of his guitars, to stage right to stand and play his other, moving to piano for some stunning songs including 'New York, New York.' His between song humour ranged from the mickey taking 'here's another miserable song' to complete off-the-wall banter. There was also an 'Ode To A Cat' song sung at the piano that was hilarious.

Starting with 'Oh My Sweet Carolina' from his 'Heartbreaker' album just set the tone as he jumped about his albums, moving swiftly on to 'Ashes and Fire', the title track from his latest album. The range in Adams voice is evident on record, in a live setting it becomes even more apparent how talented he is. It seemed so easy and effortless.

'Winding Wheel' is one of my favourite Adams songs and tonight my love for it seemed to grow stronger with every second. 'Firecracker' was a dream, 'New York, New York' was turned into a piano heartbreaker.

There were some Adams nuts in the audience who applauded his every move, something that Adams took the piss out of at times after some guys applauded him for walking across the stage.

 The swift double hit of 'Lucky Now' and the gorgeous 'Come Pick Me Up' prompted huge applause as Adams left the stage to a standing ovation.

The crowd wouldn't let him go and he sauntered back on to leaf through a huge black folder contaning who-knows-what. I imagine there are some works-in-progress and some long lost gems.

Getting annoyed that he couldn't find what he was looking for he played a song called 'Round and Round', a cover by a band called RATT.

Oh My Sweet Carolina

Ashes and Fire

If I am a Stranger

Dirty Rain

Winding Wheel

The Rescue Blues

Please Do Not Let Me Go

Do I Wait?

Firecracker

Everybody Knows

Sweet Lil' Gal (23rd/1st)

Why Do They Leave?

English Girls Approximately

Chains of Love

16 Days

Mr.Cat >

NY NY

The End

Lucky Now

Come Pick Me Up

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Round & Round