VAN MORRISON

The Prophet Speaks 7/10

Fourth album in 15 months from The Man

The mix here of eight classic blues, jazz and R&B covers with a half a dozen original songs follows the pattern of Morrison’s recent prolific glut of releases. The likes of John Lee Hooker’s “Dimples” and Sam Cooke’s “Laughin’ And Clownin’” are intimate, effortless-sounding exercises in sublime jazz phrasing, his voice at 73 as supple as ever. Even better news is that the title track and “Spirit Will Provide”, which hark back to his 1980s spiritual preoccupations, are among his best compositions in a while. Another new song is titled “Ain’t Gonna Moan No More”. Now that really would be something.