The Emerald Theatre, Victoria Embankment, London 01/09/26
By Paul Davies
As a remarkably storied solo artist, Van Morrison is also an extraordinary bandleader. There are innumerable musicians and vocalists, who are masters of their craft, that have passed through and contributed to the abundant artistic eras of Van’s oeuvre. It is also well known that Morrison is a demanding employer who puts himself and his band under the constant stress test chasing perfection in live performance.
Walk into any record shop, or peruse online, and Morrison’s considerable recorded output will concentrate anybody’s curiosity and continuously engage with its timeless nature.
So, this trove of recorded treasures must have given this alumni band of former Van players immense pause for thought when panning Van’s gold standard catalogue for songs to perform. This is clearly reflected in the extensive and pleasurable two sets comprising tonight’s show. There’s soul, r’n’b, mystic, folk, jazz and romantic ballads that cover all compass points of Morrison’s repertoire.
Led by the trim and irrepressible bandleader and former Van band saxophonist, Leo Green, there is no higher endorsement than this from the man himself: “These songs are meant to be sung and heard, and I am really happy that Leo is carrying the torch.”
Leo introduced each performer with a brief bio of their period and recordings with Van before Moondance lit the torch to start tonight’s set of old flame songs.
This was quickly followed by Bright Side Of The Road, Jackie Wilson Said, Into The Mystic, And It Stoned Me and Crazy Love with lead singers, Wayne Fernandez, Jo Harman, Hayley Sanderson and Jess Greenfield revealing their rich blend of distinctive vocals. The renowned rhythm section of bassist Steve Pearce, drummer Geoff Dunn and guitarist Matt White locked in step from the up-tempo Full Force Gale and Real Real Gone to the opposite musical spectrum on ballads Have I told You Lately and Someone Like You. Not forgetting the magical ivory duo of Jim Watson, on Hammond Organ, and pianist Robin Aspland adding their graceful swing throughout this twenty-six-song set.
Leo isn’t alone in the horn department as Matt Holland, on trumpet and flugelhorn, backed up his in demand reputation, with each player tonight, by taking shout outs to imitate Chet Baker and Miles Davis with style.
The music of Van the Man comes naturally to these erstwhile band members all of whom have jazz nuanced session reps in their musical arsenal. Given their moments in the spotlight, they all shoot from the hip showcasing their inimitable talents that initially caught Morrison’s attentive ear.
Having seen Van Morrison on numerous occasions, witnessing this exhilarating show in this intimate but very comfortable surroundings: sofas, armchairs and padded chairs, of this bijou venue, felt like a natural musical family gathering of Van aficionados.
This homage of superbly performed music will certainly make a bad day much better and not fail to accentuate the positives of good days like these. The further good news is that the Van Morrison Alumni Band has an extensive residency at The Emerald Theatre and is certainly a very worthy attraction for devoted fans, casual day trippers and short- and long-term vacationers to London. Overall, the setlist errs on the uplifting and soulful nature of Van’s music, finishing with Brown Eyed Girl and Gloria, and is musical medicine for those who prefer their entertainment on the bright side of the road rather than the dark end of the street.
List of performers:
Leo Green (Sax / Host)
Matt Holland (Trumpet)
Robin Aspland (Piano)
Geoff Dunn (Drums)
Matt White (Guitar)
Jim Watson (Hammond)
Steve Pearce (Bass)
Lead singers – Jo Harman, Hayley Sanderson, Jess Greenfield & Wayne Hernandez.
Backing singers: Sophie Hiller & Tess Burrstone
