Record Reviews

VAN MORRISON ~ LIVE AT ORANGEFIELD: BE JUST AND FEAR NOT ORANGEFIELD 5061030860472 (Barcode: 5061030860472) ~ IRELAND ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 2014 Released: 2024 This is an archival live album by legendary Northern Irish singer / songwriter Van MorrisonFind albums by this artist, recorded in 2014 during his performance at his alma mater Orangefield Secondary School in Belfast, Northern Ireland, just before it was about to close its doors, fifty-five years after he performed there for the first time in 1959. He is accompanied by a splendid group of musicians, which includes keyboardist Paul MoranFind albums by this artist, guitarist Dave KearyFind albums by this artist, bassist Paul MooreFind albums by this artist, drummer Bobby RuggieroFind albums by this artist, a brass section comprising of saxophonist Chris WhiteFind albums by this artist and trombonist Alistair WhiteFind albums by this artist and backing singers. The album presents sixteen tracks, all but two original songs by Morrison. The sound quality of the live recording is brilliant and Morrison and his band are in absolute top form. Morrison performs some of his favorite songs he wrote over the years, and considering the quality and quantity of the material he managed to accumulate, it is no wonder that the music is absolutely delightful and moving, as obviously the concert could be seen as a retrospective journey, which touches all his admirers, even if these songs were already performed many times. He is simply unbeatable as far as writing great songs and singing them, which go directly to the heart. Overall, this is an obvious must have for all Morrison fans the world over, especially since this album offers a wonderful flow and festive atmosphere, which can be felt for the entire duration. If you love Morrison, there is no need to think twice as it does not get any better. This album was released on a new record label owned by Morrison, called OrangefieldFind albums on this label Records, which is not widely distributed and can be a bit more difficult to find, so buying directly from the label seems to be the best option. Enjoy!

Updated: 08/02/2025Posted: 08/02/2025

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VAN MORRISON ~ SOMEBODY TRIED TO SELL ME A BRIDGE ORANGEFIELD 5061030862216 (Barcode: 5061030862216) ~ IRELAND ~ Blues Recorded: 2026 Released: 2026 This is the 48th studio album by the legendary Northern Irish singer / songwriter Van MorrisonFind albums by this artist. The album presents twenty tracks, which are primarily Blues standards, and only four are new songs by Morrison. He is accompanied by a core group including organist John AllairFind albums by this artist, drummer Larry VannFind albums by this artist, bassist David HayesFind albums by this artist, pianist Mitch WoodsFind albums by this artist and guitarist Anthony PauleFind albums by this artist. Two veteran American guitarists: Elvin BishopFind albums by this artist and Buddy GuyFind albums by this artist and harmonica player Taj MahalFind albums by this artist, guest on selected tracks. The album it almost completely dedicated to the Blues tradition, which of course is hardly surprising in Morrison’s case, as his affinity to Blues is almost omnipresent in his music since the very beginning of his career, and sounds completely naturally. The material offers the usual level of excellence, which he never ceases to deliver. Despite his advanced age, Morrison is still in great shape and hopefully will still continue to record new material in years to come. Overall, this is a collection of Blues songs, performed with the usual level of excellence, which is absolutely still here and it is a great pleasure to be able to listen to this music. Although the album was received relatively coldly by “music critics”, for me it as good as anything Morrison released before. Keep it coming!

Updated: 05/09/2026Posted: 05/09/2026

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