Going to see Van Morrison live is always a risky business.

You arrive knowing that the notorious grumpster could play with his back to the audience or storm off after five songs.

Thankfully for the sold-out audience, the Irish star appeared in reasonable spirits.

Saying that, Morrison was the only person not passionately toe-tapping during the smoothly soulful Magic Time. But Morrison is a man of few words or movements.

There is no 'Hello, Brighton' or introductions to his new songs which is a shame but no big surprise to fans.

Midway through the exactly 90-minute show, the great man appeared to come alive - particularly when playing tracks from his new album Pay The Devil.

Released on March 6, the album sees Morrison covering his favourite country songs such as the long-forgotten standard Big Blue Diamonds which he played live. He also performed Playhouse, one of three original country-influenced tracks on the album.

After a long and legendary career recording rock, blues, R&B, jazz and folk, some might question Morrison's new musical direction. But if you love 'that incredible voice' then you'll love his journey into this new and interesting realm. Playing with an incredibly tight and masterful band, Morrison treated us to a couple of classics, Bright Side Of The Road and Moondance although we were equally seduced by beautiful songs such as Stranded, Precious Time and Celtic New Year.

There was no encore but we did get a 'thank you very much' so we still left feeling spoilt.