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Cyprus Avenue (Live 1973)

Van Morrison & The Caledonia Soul Orchestra

I decided tonight I’m going to post all of my absolute favorite musical performances ever caught on video.  If you like soul music you MUST watch this all the way through.  I almost get choked up at the end of this because of what Van and The Caledonia Soul Orchestra pull off here.  The way Van leads his band through such an epic wave of emotion is an art form in itself.  That’s not even taking into consideration the song they’re playing.  The way he holds his hand up and they stop on a dime, the way he brings them from a low whisper to a rocking roar in a split second…it’s something truly special.  I love watching the smiles on all of their faces as he directs them and as they try to keep up with where he is going.  They just DO NOT make them like this anymore.  This is bandleading and improvisation in the context of soul music at its absolute finest.  This video is a perfect example of why Van Morrison is my favorite vocalist of all time.  Please give this a watch all the way through.  It will leave you in awe.