Access Atlanta > Arts > Our Reviews > Archives > 2007 > April > 29 > Entry
Van Morrison. Chastain Park. Saturday night.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
By Phil Kloer pkloer@ajc.com
As the moon rose over the roof of Chastain Park’s amphitheater Saturday night, Van Morrison gave the sold-out crowd a little hometown homage. He’s been singing “Georgia On My Mind” at previous stops on his on-and-off tour in recent months, including Oxford, England, a couple of weeks ago. So it wasn’t like he was trying to curry favor with the audience. As if - he’s Van Morrison.
He took the old sweet song slow and stately at first, then let his exquisite 10-piece back-up band take a few solo breaks, and then escalated to a full-throated roar to bring it home. He sang “Georgia” like he wanted to swallow it whole, so that no one else could ever sing it; for just a couple of transcendent minutes, it was Van’s song only; not the state’s, not Hoagy’s, not even Ray’s.
A couple transcendent minutes here, a few more there, and pretty soon they add up to an amazing evening. Morrison, a singer who’s seemed disconnected from his live audiences lately according to many reports (even as his connection to the music has stayed strong), seemed to relax about a half-hour into his 90 minute set, his first in Atlanta in many moons.
He started slowly, just saying “Thank you,” for the applause. Then he might mention what the next song was going to be. At one point, he seemed to crack a small joke. For most performers, this is just business. For the frequently sullen Morrison, who’s been known to sing for stretches with his back turned to the audience, it was like inviting everyone onstage for hugs.
But even Van Morrison has his limits. No matter how loose he got, he never unbuttoned either button on his two-button suit coat.
At age 61, Morrison exudes vigor and passion onstage; his voice was as strong as anyone could wish, and he seemed to relish that, playing with his vocals, slurring, scatting, belting, caressing. He tossed off a bouncy “Real, Real Gone” and folded in a few bars of Sam Cooke’s “You Send Me” at the end; re-fashioned “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?” into a jaunty swing number that stripped it of its schmaltz; channeled that Satchmo gravel-voice thing he does on “Bright Side of the Road.”
There were enough hits to please those who only know him from the radio (“Moondance,” “Brown Eyed Girl”) and some bones tossed to those who like to be surprised, like Sonny Boy Williamson’s “Help Me.”
Even the notoriously chatty Chastain audience seemed more attentive than usual. It was a fantabulous night to make music, and to listen to it. Maybe it was the moon.
Permalink | Comments (10) | Categories: Pop Music
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Leah
April 30, 2007 8:18 AM | Link to this
I thought the concert was “okay”…not that Van didn’t sound fantastic, or that his band wasn’t top notch. It was just a little boring I guess. And while I thought his version of “Georgia” was good, it certainly wasn’t anything special. Nobody ever had or ever will do it as well as Ray Charles.
By Laura
April 30, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this
That was clearly one of the very best concerts I’ve ever had the pleasure of attending. Van is an incredible musician with an incredible ensemble. I felt honored to be in the audience. His rendition of “Georgia” gave me chill bumps and brought tears to my eyes. Ray Charles would have been impressed.
By Ashley
April 30, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this
Where were his horns? The show was just not what I had expected. He is a legend - granted, but I was still a little disappointed.
By Ashley
April 30, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this
Where were his horns? The show was just not what I had expected. He is a legend - granted, but I was still a little disappointed.
By Will
April 30, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this
I agree that Van was solid. I loved the show. But I disagree that the crowd was more respectful. Maybe it was just where I was sitting, but the yuppies were out in full force. Standing with their back to the stage, during the performance, so they could be seen and HEARD! We took out of town guests who had never been to Chastain and it was embarrasing. I found myself apologizing to them afterwards. Easily the worst place on the planet to enjoy a great show and performer.
By JP
April 30, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this
I enjoyed the concert, but was disappointed in him starting so early. I was expecting an opening act and for him to play until at least 10:00.
By Lisa
April 30, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this
I had been looking forward to Van Morrison for months. I was extremely dissapointed in the concert. Van and his band sounded amazing, but the energy was lackluster. And I agree that the audience was unattentive and chatty. The three song encore was the best part of the entire show, and I was upset that he stopped at 9.
By Thomas
April 30, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this
The crowds at Chastain always are the worst. I wish they would choke on their Costco food. I used to like going to shows there, but now I would rather wait to see the acts at another venue without the “jimmy buffett” scene.
By joep
April 30, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this
He sounded great and it is a great venue, except for the whole picnic atmosphere.
As a huge fan ( have collected some 40 albums of his) I have waited a long time to see him and I knew his concerts while good, are not epic long like Springsteen and others.
He also known for not playing those old radio hits and was surprised that he did 3 for an encore. It’s too bad that true classics were not played instead of those tunes
By Van's #1 Fan
May 7, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this
I have been to a few other of Van’s shows including Chicago and Orlando most recently - and this was by far the best. He talked to the audience and actually came back for an encore - TWICE! Never have I seen that before. If everyone else would have been as attentive and not so loose lipped it would have been a perfect evening with Van Morrison