AS Van Morrison took to the stage at Blackpool Opera House last week he immediately launched into numbers from his latest album Philosophers Stone and Back on Top, all backed by Van's own unique soulful vocals.

Backed by swirling Hammond organ, piano and a brass section from legendary British jazzman Chris Barber on trombone, all were well received, especially the mystical favourite Moondance with one or two even dancing in the aisles

And Mr Morrison's high profile grumpiness didn't seem apparent at all.

In fact the Man seemed in very good spirits and even told a humorous story about his passport application form.

A surprise appearance from R & B vocalist Chris Farlowe with a rendition of his sixties hit version of the excellent Stones Out Of Time, was followed by a storming set of Van's earlier hits including Baby Please Don't Go, Here Comes The Night, and the wonderful Brown Eyed Girl.

Then Chris Farlowe re-appeared for a duet on a tribute to Ben E King with Stand By Me and joined The Man to finish things off in style with a rocking version of Gloria.

A standing ovation didn't drag Van Morrison back for another appearance, but the crowd were far from disappointed after being treated to a light hearted trawl through some of the most inimitable music made in the twentieth century by an artist and band of the highest quality.