1h30m; "not great, but not a stinker either. Clocked in with the band on stage at 90 minutes exactly, Van a few minutes less. Forgetable local opening act (one guy and his guitar did 4 numbers). Main event started at 8:28pm. Van was in dark hat, clear glasses, grey suit and a good mood. Instrumentally we got a lot of harmonica from Van, a bit of sax, and guitar only once (Fame) and that rather lackluster. It was "a workmanlike" performance - he was doing his job and doing it well as judged by the audience reaction - applause, singing along, cheers, etc. Nothing special here tonight - no Game and workshop tonight, no St James, no Little Village, etc. etc. Into The Mystic was very nice - we got a lot repeated "foghorns" and Martin obliged each time with the sax. Martin was quite busy on this one going back and forth between the sax and the clarinet. Ned starts off Vanlose with a guitar intro and it was passable. Ned even got a verse to sing and did OK. David Hayes had some great bass on this. The crowd was very pleased with it all. Ned immediately got another guitar intro to do for Fame. Van picked up the acoustic but really only played about with it, Ned carried the guitar on this. Nice harp intro to In The Afternoon/Ancient Highway. Jackie Wilson Said was greeted with cheers - near the end Van says "just the horns" and we do get just Matt and Martin. Van says "that was Jackie Wilson, now for Sam Cooke" and he starts Bring it on Home to Me. Very nice bit with just voices - band and audience together. Muleskinner Blues is a solo showcase - even Bobby gets some on the drums. Precious Time includes some nice scatting. After Baby Blue Van walks off stage, comes back on for Help Me, off again, and back for BEG and GLORIA. The finale numbers were obviously very welcomed by the audience - some folks around me were really swaying, pumping their arms, singing along, whatever. So, Van does his job - nice selection of numbers, no problems, no grumpyness, but certainly no magic, no extra spark, no gems in the setlist. That is what I was expecting, so I have no complaints. I will listen to this one again if I get the chance. |