Only one:
I have many favourite artists: Waits, Coltrane, Monk, Simone, Velvets, Zappa etc but I have to admit that the single most rewarding live recording album I listen to over and over, week in week out, is the double CD Van Morrison: A night In San Francisco. It satisfies on so many levels.
The original meaning of R'n'B, Rhythm and Blues is exemplified here. A double album concert including the wonderful artists Georgie Fame, Jimmie Witherspoon, Brian Kennedy, Ronnie Johnson, and a guest appearance from John Lee Hooker. Van is on top form employing the full range of his phrasings and vocal abilities; gutteral drawls, incantations, harmonic drones etc. (Even as an athiest I can overlook the tracks referencing the Lord, the spirit and all of that stuff.) The pure, joyous sounds and harmonies (especially through my old Grado SR60s) is sublime. I find many live CDs over-produced, often unbalanced. I find the mixing here is just right in terms of spatial dynamics, under-/over-tones, backing vocals etc.
I would cite standout tracks as: I forgot that love existed; Vanlose Stairway; Ain't that lovin' you baby; Tupelo Honey; I'll Take care of you/It's a man's world; and In the Garden / You send me. Simply sublime stuff. Great musicianship, arrangements, the works. Oh to have been there... Were any of you?
If you're in a relationship or not there are songs on here for you whatever your place in life; you just need to be open to the pure beauty of the music, the melodies and harmonies; no preconceptions . Certain tracks simply destroy me if I'm in a certain mood. My girlfriend wonders (I'm sure) why I become more emotional and affectionate than usual. She's an absolute angel at the best of times and when I've had a dose of this music I want to give her everything, and more.
What a voice the man has. And he doesn't play the media circus like so many celebs with less than an iota of his talent. Delivers the goods year in, year out. No media BS, as he might say. Indeed, he is "˜Van the Man'. I hope some of you will listen to this, start to finish, in solitude, with an open mind, even if it ain't your thang.
I have many favourite artists: Waits, Coltrane, Monk, Simone, Velvets, Zappa etc but I have to admit that the single most rewarding live recording album I listen to over and over, week in week out, is the double CD Van Morrison: A night In San Francisco. It satisfies on so many levels.
The original meaning of R'n'B, Rhythm and Blues is exemplified here. A double album concert including the wonderful artists Georgie Fame, Jimmie Witherspoon, Brian Kennedy, Ronnie Johnson, and a guest appearance from John Lee Hooker. Van is on top form employing the full range of his phrasings and vocal abilities; gutteral drawls, incantations, harmonic drones etc. (Even as an athiest I can overlook the tracks referencing the Lord, the spirit and all of that stuff.) The pure, joyous sounds and harmonies (especially through my old Grado SR60s) is sublime. I find many live CDs over-produced, often unbalanced. I find the mixing here is just right in terms of spatial dynamics, under-/over-tones, backing vocals etc.
I would cite standout tracks as: I forgot that love existed; Vanlose Stairway; Ain't that lovin' you baby; Tupelo Honey; I'll Take care of you/It's a man's world; and In the Garden / You send me. Simply sublime stuff. Great musicianship, arrangements, the works. Oh to have been there... Were any of you?
If you're in a relationship or not there are songs on here for you whatever your place in life; you just need to be open to the pure beauty of the music, the melodies and harmonies; no preconceptions . Certain tracks simply destroy me if I'm in a certain mood. My girlfriend wonders (I'm sure) why I become more emotional and affectionate than usual. She's an absolute angel at the best of times and when I've had a dose of this music I want to give her everything, and more.
What a voice the man has. And he doesn't play the media circus like so many celebs with less than an iota of his talent. Delivers the goods year in, year out. No media BS, as he might say. Indeed, he is "˜Van the Man'. I hope some of you will listen to this, start to finish, in solitude, with an open mind, even if it ain't your thang.
