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Legendary musician Van Morrison is known for his unconventional style, and as he approaches the later years of his career, he is revisiting his roots. His latest album, Accentuate the Positive, features songs that he first performed as a teenager in Belfast bar bands 60 years ago. According to Morrison, he had been planning to revisit these rock’n’roll and R&B classics for over two decades, but it was the Covid lockdown that finally gave him the opportunity to do so. This is somewhat ironic, considering that last year he released a controversial album fueled by conspiracy theories about the pandemic, titled What’s It Gonna Take?
Tonight, the album will be released and Morrison is positioned in the center of the stage with his seven-piece band. He is wearing his signature Panama hat and sunglasses. His strong voice, even at the age of 78, is immediately apparent. If you close your eyes, you could mistake him for the blues singer who sang “Gloria” with Them in 1964. His rendition of the country classic “You Are My Sunshine” showcases Morrison’s skill as an interpreter of songs, and his performance of Hank Williams’ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” accurately conveys a sense of sadness. However, his rough vocals do not compare to the beautiful harmonies of the Everly Brothers’ “When Will I Be Loved.”
Similarly, the reinterpretations of early rock and roll songs lack the rawness and intensity found in the originals. Morrison immerses himself in the weight of Johnny Kidd and the Pirates’ “Shakin’ All Over” and Bill Haley’s “Two Hound Dogs,” but his band’s overly stylized arrangements diminish the songs to mere bluesy rhythms. While Morrison nails “Lucille” with perfect pitch, he wisely avoids attempting Little Richard’s extravagant vocal theatrics. Both Chuck Berry’s “Bye Bye Johnny” and Fats Domino’s “Blueberry Hill” require a playful charm to be properly executed, but the stoic Morrison never removes his sunglasses.
A leisurely stroll through Shake, Rattle and Roll is cleverly balanced with a touch of wildness. It’s a nostalgic experience, albeit a bit tame. The evening ends promptly at 9:30pm, and everyone heads home for a warm cup of cocoa.
Source: theguardian.com
