Computer Age

Van Morrison
Palacio de Congresos. Madrid.
Sunday January 15 2006.

Van Morrison has returned to acting in the city bringing a portfolio focused on its excellent record last year with some of what will be his new material, of imminent publication. Despite the unfortunate cost of tickets, concert singer recorded a nearly full total. The public came to be a mix of ages with a tendency to strip between 30 and 50 years, which is natural, given the age of the singer, why not fall in quantity and level of production under study and its staging in vivo. Like other classical artists who have also posted good records in 2005, Neil Young, Paul Mcartey or John Cale brings a set of songs rather than dignified and appealing to be heard live, without having to dip into the need for success past, as was, in short a concert being focused on Magic time and well balanced as regards the inclusion of items of previous discs.
The show was opened by an instrumental introduction of the band, formed a core of guitar (musical director), bass, piano and drums, in addition to the winds and a vibrant and eclectic percussionist. The start and gave a key to the concert in terms of internal functioning of the training, as is appropriate, since the choice of the instrumental opening was successful (a rythm'n 'blues very classic in which the soloist will be different give brief speeches at the show solo seeking warm the atmosphere), just failed in this, as to what hesitant or fearful of leaving, it really did not seem to be loose enough to achieve the desired effect. It certainly felt a high level of musicians, but noted the lack of enormous strength and a decision to address these features, and even at times could seem a kind of pupils in a music school offering a recital for parents and friends. Lacked warmth and character needed. It is a kind of introduction in such classic artists, not as bold as a James Brown can do even today, but with the same function, which is due to leave to see what is going to offer below , while the musicians must show their expressive resources and why the figure of the carry, which was not easy to imagine the timidity with which it began. A simple exercise that was quickly forgotten after the advent of the singer.
The concert began, as usual on this tour, with Keep mediocrity at bay, the last record, a Chicago blues style, in which Morrison plays the harmonica and acts as an excellent entry. A true exercise in style with rhythm and punch, making it clear where he is a good part of their roots. The style of music played is completely focused on the sound of the singer's latest productions, which is almost like putting a real stronghold of the fort and rhythm'n 'blues classic, as interpreted by jazz musicians do. Although not without a touch another classic like Moondance (especially acclaimed), the concert went happily by the interpretation of most songs from her latest album, which sounded really neat and emotional throughout the session. The basic structure of the items turned out to be almost identical presentation of the theme sung, round as a single band jazz, the theme and final round. The soloists made clear its worth highlighting the saxophone, which was the largest made to vibrate with their audience, leaving a glimpse of leading bitumen in veins, driving both the tenor and baritone as the responsibility of creating more instrumental hot moments at night, and trumpeter, who also played flute in the Celtic New Year. The pianist showed his training and tastes in a speech that more soul jazz. In turn, the size of Morrison as instruments is more than clear when it was his saxophone section joining the winds, especially when interpreting the songs jump style Louis Jordan. We commented above on the introduction of revealing what was confirmed during the bolus. Surely there should be some sort of intimidation among the musicians who hired Van Morrison, as almost never just start tonight and play at will, except perhaps the saxophone. It seems that the singer's personality completely dominates the band, which is logical, but appears to be excessive in practice. Everything was too loose and poorly studied, very consistent with the expectations that a venue such as the Palace of Congresses can awaken. It is black music, but sometimes too tamed. All very good, too often. It should make a difference between the songs on the disc and its representation in vivo. This was done, but throwing a hand structure based on the same rounds that were not closed gaps in the unexpected. Anyway, this is the result of the will of the chief, whose performance was indeed exquisite and emotional all the time. Open your mouth and no more to say. So if, without ever addressing the public or hello or thank you or to another (90 minutes of the clock), which also does not matter much, but certainly not conducive to relaxation and enjoyment of the more respectable. There was a calculated one in which Morrison played Sonny Boy (Help me), as it has done for over 30 years and that sounded excellent. And final point.
As could the public enjoy the recital. There was the typical lack of familiarity with the new code and over-eager to justify the payment of entry, without rhyme or reason applauding at every opportunity, and only after each sounded especially when some old classic. There was so much noise about the new compositions, which no doubt already on her best legacy. This is more than normal.
Despite all this, a great concert of someone who certainly could not go if you do not give a scenario, at least, I offered that night.