The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Van’s still the man who can
To say Van Morrsion recent albums have not hit the heights of some of his earlier work is to criticise the mountaineer who has conquered Everest but has then climbed Kilimanjaro.
The Ulsterman is undoubtedly one of the greatest singer/songwriters in popular music history.
If he’d have stopped releasing albums after the 70s he’d still be guaranteed a place at rock’s top table. Since then he has produced many fine albums such as Inarticulate Speech Of The Heart and Poetic Champions Compose.
Keep Me Singing is his 36th studio album which consists of 12 new originals and a wonderful cover of the blues standard Share Your Love With Me, which has previously been recorded by Aretha Franklin and Kenny Rogers among many.
First things first, that wonderful voice alternatively gritty and smooth and always soulful is in fine fettle.
The songs are autumnal as befits a man in his eighth decade. Every Time I See a River is a fine new example of his songwriting craft and sees him collaborate with acclaimed lyricist Don Black.
The songs are warm, articulate and sung from the heart with music that borrows from jazz and blues but has his own indelible mark stamped on it.
The title track is Keep Me Singing but the question is who on earth would want him to stop? Ironically, the album ends with lovely instrumental Caledonia Swing. Do you think he’s pulling our leg? To be in with a chance of winning this album answer this question. What is Van Morrison’s full name? Entries to Van, Nigel Thornton, Peterborough Telegraph, Unex House - Suite B, Bourges Boulevard, Peterborough, PE1 1NG by October 6.