A legendary artist defies age and expectations with a fresh take on the blues. But is it a masterpiece or a missed opportunity?
Van Morrison, the iconic musician with a career spanning over six decades, has released his 51st solo album, 'Somebody Tried to Sell Me a Bridge'. At 80 years young, Morrison continues to defy age and expectations, showcasing his enduring love for the blues. This new album, a mix of covers and originals, is a testament to his longevity and versatility.
Morrison's musical journey began in the late 1950s, mastering the guitar and saxophone and forming the band Them in 1963. Their unique blend of R'n'B and rock produced hits like 'Gloria' and 'Baby Please Don't Go'. However, financial disputes led to Morrison's departure in 1967, marking the start of his prolific solo career.
The single 'Brown-Eyed Girl' launched Morrison into stardom, followed by two groundbreaking albums: 'Astral Weeks' and 'Moondance'. These masterpieces solidified his place in rock history, blending folk, rock, jazz, and Celtic influences. Yet, it's the blues that seem to capture Morrison's heart.
While his extensive catalog boasts varying levels of acclaim, Morrison's distinctive vocals and innovative arrangements are consistently celebrated. His songwriting prowess and genre experimentation are renowned, but it's his blues renditions that truly shine. Despite not possessing the booming vocals of classic blues masters, Morrison's interpretations are impeccable.
Interestingly, only one previous album, 'Roll with the Punches' (2017), delved deeply into the blues. This new release, 'Somebody Tried to Sell Me a Bridge', follows a similar path. With 20 tracks and a runtime exceeding 80 minutes, it's an ambitious project. Morrison collaborates with blues legends Elvin Bishop, Taj Mahal, and Buddy Guy, showcasing his ability to attract top talent.
The album opens with a tribute to Chicago blues, featuring stellar performances by session musicians. Morrison's saxophone skills are on full display, setting the tone for the album. He then showcases his interpretive genius, slowing down classics like Fat Domino's 'Ain't That a Shame' and delivering a powerful rendition of Dave Lewis' 'Madame Butterfly Blues'.
Taj Mahal joins Morrison for a soulful duet on 'Can't Help Myself', followed by a traditional blues number, 'Betty and Dupree', where John Allair's organ skills take center stage. The album also includes a swinging blues number, 'Delia's Gone', originally by Blind Blake, showcasing Morrison's range.
Morrison's songwriting prowess is evident in 'Monte Carlo Blues' and 'Loving Memories', while 'Play the Honky Tonks' pays homage to R'n'B soul. Surprisingly, 'Social Climbing Scene' leans towards 60s doo-wop, and the title track references a classic conman's line. The album concludes with powerful gospel and Chicago blues numbers, showcasing Buddy Guy's guitar mastery and Morrison's unique interpretations.
'Somebody Tried to Sell Me a Bridge' is a solid blues offering, but it begs the question: is it a masterpiece or a missed opportunity? With its lengthy runtime and occasional filler tracks, it may not be everyone's cup of tea. Yet, Morrison's dedication to the blues and his ability to attract stellar collaborators make it a noteworthy addition to his vast catalog.
What do you think? Is Van Morrison's latest album a blues masterpiece or a missed opportunity?
