I had the pleasure of seeing Van the Man last night at the Roundhouse. I wasn't really sure what to expect, but vocally, he was in magnificent form and if last nights performance was anything to go by, he's lost none of his range and power. His band was great, consisting of Guitar, Bass, Drums, Backing Singer, Vibes and Keyboardist doubling up on Trumpet.
I wasn't expecting Van to play so much Saxophone. He walked on stage with an Alto slung around his neck and played on probably 9 out of the 15 or 16 songs played during the evening, including some nice doubling up with the Trumpet and some solo work. Although his playing was reasonable, I think if he was auditioning himself for his Band as Sax Player, he'd give himself short shrift Perhaps knowing the Band Leader helped him get the gig!
Unfortunately, he ignored my polite scream, asking him what mouthpiece he was playing, so I can't give any further information on his setup for those interested....
Chris Farlowe came on stage for a couple of songs and it was great to see a big smile on Van's face in the company of his mate. The rest of the gig, he was pretty much what I was expecting. A few grunted words, stoney faced, no encore, just an evening of great music.
I wasn't expecting Van to play so much Saxophone. He walked on stage with an Alto slung around his neck and played on probably 9 out of the 15 or 16 songs played during the evening, including some nice doubling up with the Trumpet and some solo work. Although his playing was reasonable, I think if he was auditioning himself for his Band as Sax Player, he'd give himself short shrift Perhaps knowing the Band Leader helped him get the gig!
Unfortunately, he ignored my polite scream, asking him what mouthpiece he was playing, so I can't give any further information on his setup for those interested....
Chris Farlowe came on stage for a couple of songs and it was great to see a big smile on Van's face in the company of his mate. The rest of the gig, he was pretty much what I was expecting. A few grunted words, stoney faced, no encore, just an evening of great music.