The Christmas of 1959 saw Van Morrison take to the stage of Orangefield Secondary School for his first ever live performance. Midnight Special, a skiffle group, consisted of fellow pupils John McCullough on tea-chest bass, Cyril Downey on guitar, Billy Ruth on guitar, and Walter Blakely on washboard with Van on guitar and vocals.
In August 2014, Van Morrison returned to Orangefield Secondary School to perform three shows as a fond farewell to his alma mater as it prepared to close its doors for the final time. Live at Orangefield is a specially curated album, recorded live at this event.
This very special live album is a celebration of Van's formative years, giving us a vivid access to the past. But much more than that. The energy and drive, the poetic reinvention Morrison brings to his recollections stand out against the ravages of time. His is a voice of exhilaration and dance as well as poignancy and romance.
Features
• Double LP
• Recorded Live, August 2014
• Gatefold Jacket
• Import
• Made in the EU
Selections
1. Celtic Excavation / Into the Mystic
2. Cleaning Windows
3. Orangefield
4. Moondance
5. Precious Time
6. That's Life
7. Too Many Myths
8. Got to Go Back
9. Real Real Gone / You Send Me
10. Rough God Goes Riding
11. Enlightenment
12. Sometimes We Cry
13. Northern Muse (Solid Ground)
14. On Hyndford Street
15. Ballerina
16. In the Garden