An Evening with VAN MORRISON at Lutther Burbank in Santa Rosa-Still Got It!

Van Morrison is a true legend with a music career having spanned seven decades. Now pushing 80, you wouldn't know it from his, rich vibrato singing voice that still richly reverberates one's senses. Needing no formal introduction. Morrison come on stage at 8PM sharp to his 8 person band and a warm welcome from a packed house. Not only has he retained his strong, unique fog horn sounding voice, he blends genres of blues, jazz, country and soul into a hybrid art form. His talents on the sax, harmonica and guitar remain omnipotent. Dressed in a boxy-grey suit, grey fedora and shades, he walked out on stage and began playing. His sunglasses intermittently flashed a green neon light giving him an alien aesthetic. Of course his playing and arranging makes you wonder if he isn't some tripe of extra terrestrial with supernatural abilities causing incessant swaying and shaking from spectators. There was only one brief moment of banter after his first number on stage performing "Days Likes This." He said he had performed this song for the president...of the United Sheet Metal Workers. The unexpected final number was a long rendition of "Gloria." He left the stage after two singing two choruses leaving his band and vocalist to shine in their solos. The musicians in the band were all exceptional and proficient on multiple instruments. The horn players brought in trombone, clarinet and flute. The gifted pianist also played the electric organ and the bass guitar doubled on bass. It was unforeseen and deeply disappointing that he did not return to the stage for an encore or an acknowledgement to Santa Rosa fans for turning out despite a standing ovation that only ended when house lights were turned on. Regardless, the nearly two hours of his non-stop singing and playing went without a pause. The audience was provided with an exceptional concert that was above and beyond a mystic experience. It was a performance where the music and the talent were pure, powerful and rewarding. He's never been an artist who repeats himself or relies on set arrangements or mostly fan favorites (albeit "Moon Dance"). Morrison dazzled with his brilliant rendition of other artist's  compositions including "You are My Sunshine." and "Cold, Cold Heart." His mastery for arranging has cultivated unique renditions that reveal a surprising and soothing sound solely his own. The program was a musical, mixed bag that also included spiritual songs which referred to "higher grounds," "going down to the river" and "being lifted up." Morrison's own religious journey explored various theologies and religious practices. His exploration lead him to align himself as being more spiritual than affiliated with any formal religion. He shared his philosophy in his poetic lyrics, "There are only two things from the start. What you believe. What's from the heart." The evening with Van Morrison was a celestial event with his impenetrable vocals and preternatural musical gifts. Ting-a-ling-a-ling