VAN MORRISON IN CHICAGO 9/29/09

VAN MORRISON IN CHICAGO 9/29/09:

It's been a few years since I've seen Van, but the recent reviews led me to hop on a plane from Ohio and head to the Windy City, and let me tell you, it was worth every penny I paid!!!
Always loved "Astral Weeks", but it's not my personal favorite (that goes to the more obscure "Poetic Champions Compose") so actually liked the first set of the show even better than the AW section (which was terrific).
Just a stunning set list, starting with Northern Muse (Solid Ground). Highlights were Fair Play, In The Garden, and an unbelievable Little Village where Van found that transcendence we true fans are always hoping for. In fact, I thought he was there (or at least pushing that envelope) several times during the night..... notably his shout of "Mercy!" during Slim Slow Slider and an incredible Ballerina that just seemed to build and build, much like Madame George at the end of the set.
Even casual fans should have been thrilled with the inclusion of Brown Eyed Girl, Gloria and Have I Told You Lately in the set. Last time I heard him do Have I Told You Lately, he was doing his "Vegas" version, which frankly pissed me off, but not last night! This was a true to original form version with another terrific vocal performance from Van.
On top of that we got to see Van at the piano, play both rhythm and lead guitar licks, blow the sax, and wail a bit on the harmonica during Mystic Eyes/Gloria!!!

What more can I say, except if he's anywhere near you with this stellar group of musicians he's assembled....GO TO THE SHOW!!!! It doesn't get much better than this!

Van Morrison set list Tuesday at Chicago Theatre:
1 Northern Muse (Solid Ground)
2 Brown Eyed Girl
3 Fair Play
4 Foreign Window
5 The Mystery
6 Little Village
7 Have I Told You Lately
8 In the Garden

Astral Weeks album
9 Astral Weeks
10 Beside You
11 Slim Slow Slider
12 Sweet Thing
13 Cypress Avenue
14 The Way Young Lovers Do
15 Ballerina
16 Madame George

17 Mystic Eyes/Gloria