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Van Morrison Live Performance of Coconut Grove in Santa Cruz, California

Date: October 2, 1978

In 1978, Van Morrison was riding the wave of his creative resurgence with the release of his album "Wavelength," which came out just a month before this live performance on October 2nd in Santa Cruz, California. This album marked a pivotal moment in his career, as it reflected his evolving sound—melding elements of rock, jazz, and R&B. Interestingly, Morrison had just finished a turbulent phase and was beginning to embrace a more accessible, radio-friendly style. Performing live in such an intimate setting allowed him to showcase his rich catalog of hits and his passionate stage presence, which was always a crowd-pleaser. The Santa Cruz show distinctly captured the essence of Morrison’s artistry during this dynamic period—one where the blend of spontaneity and soulful expression became a hallmark of his performances.

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