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VAN MORRISONMagic Time
On his latest album Van Morrison returns to his personal “Magic Time” - the late 1950’s, when he was influenced by jazz, blues and swing which infuse this release. Ten of the thirteen songs were written by Van specifically for this album. Van tips his hat to the big band singers of that era, epitomized by Frank Sinatra with swinging versions of This Love of Mine and I’m Confessing. The other cover, Lonely and Blue is a tribute to the blues greats with a closing that recalls Louis Armstrong.
Of course efforts to categorize Van’s sound are doomed to failure. The influences slip in and out of each song until they meld into that unique artist that is Van Morrison. This is exemplified in the title song, Magic Time. With a bow towards his ethnic roots, Celtic New Year is reminiscent of the sound of his collaboration with The Chieftains on the Irish Heartbeat album. This is helped along by the fact that their leader, Paddy Moloney, plays tinwhistle on this track. Being aware of his reputation, Van gives his side of the story on the quasi-autobiographical blues numbers like Gypsy in My Soul, Keeping Mediocrity at Bay, They Sold Me Out and Carry on Regardless.
Also Available by Van Morrison:
The Best of Van MorrisonCM 0341 CD $16
Back On Top
EM 47148 CD $16
Down The Road
PO 31458 CD $16
What's Wrong with This Picture?
EM 90167 CD $16