Search - Van Morrison :: Live at the Grand Opera House Belfast

Wish I'd Been There

12/25/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is very difficult (if not totally pointless) to choose a 'favorite' Van Morrison cd. The sheer volume of recorded work precludes such a choice. Also, works of art (and much of Morrison's recorded work is art) often defy such catagorization. That being said, I find myself returning again and again to this disc. The instrumental arrangements for the most part are spare yet the vocals very lush creating a sort of low-key ecstasy (if such a thing can be imagined) quite unlike almost any other of Morrison's recordings. The pairing of Van's voice with the synthesizers and trumpet of Mark Isham is inspired. These versions of 'She Gives Me Religion' and 'Vanlose Stairway' are absolutely inspired providing a thrilling emotional resonance rare even for Van. I never tire of this disc and recomend it highly."