“I Believe I've Transcended ...” sings Van Morrison repeatedly near the end of the title track to his 1968 masterpiece, “Astral Weeks,” and when he performed the critically acclaimed album in its entirety two nights in November at the “Hollywood Bowl,” he seemed to transcend age, time, and even his own performance on the original album. For the first time in his storied 50-year career, Van the Man performed what might be called an “oldies” show, pulling out all the big hits in addition to performing an album that had never previously been played in concert, with a band that included Jay Berliner, guitarist for Charles Mingus who performed on the original record.

Morrison fans were flabbergasted, and now “Astral Weeks Live At The Hollywood Bowl” has been released to prove that night actually happened. In fact, Morrison just finished four more concerts, at Madison Square Garden and the Beacon Theater, after fans clamored for additional performances.

“Astral Weeks” was an album critics loved, but was met with public indifference at the time. Many now consider the record one of his best regardless of the fact that it produced no “hit” singles, and the performances on this live album elevate that perception to another level. From the first notes of the title cut that opens the album, to the last strains of “Madame George,” the emotional commitment is palpable and all-encompassing.

The band is impeccable, playing with a dynamic fervor that moves with Morrison’s every nuance. He sings as if he is a man possessed by a higher power; investing every bit of himself in every note. Morrison’s deep love for the music is no better characterized than by his own words, describing the music business “The only thing I love is the music. The rest of it is pure sh*t.”

When he sings “This is a train of thought ... get on the train ... to the Mystic Church ... to the Brotherhood of the Light ... to the Light in the Head ... where we can be free ... get on the train ... I believe I’ve transcended ... I have transcended ... I’ve transcended time ...” the music takes you with him, and you understand.