Austin City Limits 2006

VAN MORRISON Closing out the festival's first night, Morrison spanned nearly all genres in one performance. There was bluesy Morrison, tight-lipped on the saxophone for "St. James Infirmary." There was jazzy Morrison, who with "Moondance," made the vast festival feel as intimate as a club. The early doo-wop and rock & roll Morrison, on stage for the rarity "Don't Start Crying Now (the first song he ever recorded as a vocalist) gave way to soul for Morrison's tease of Sam Cooke's "You Send Me." Switching to country, Morrison pulled from his latest album, Pay the Devil, singing "Don't You Make Me High," which showcased his distinctively scattered syncopation. Best of all: his rendition of the hits "Brown-Eyed Girl," "Gloria" and "Wild Night" -- which seemed to transcend all genres.