Review: Van Morrison Takes Fresh and Vibrant Approach on ‘New Arrangements and Duets’

RATING CHART:
1 note – Pass
1.5 notes – Mediocre
2 notes – Average
2.5 notes – Above Average
3 notes – Good
3.5 notes – Great
4 notes – Excellent
4.5 notes – Exceptional
5 notes – Classic

VAN MORRISON
NEW ARRANGEMENTS AND DUETS
(Virgin/Exile) 
🎵🎵🎵1/2

While the title itself heralds the fact that the indomitable Mr. Morrison is offering something new, the fact remains that New Arrangements and Duets is, in fact, a collection of older material that’s long been languishing in the vaults. Of course, it’s hardly surprising that he’d take a fond look back. Many of his recent albums have found him digging deeply into his roots. Accentuate the Positive had him covering old songs that influenced him early on, while last year’s Moving On Skiffle explored the sounds that presaged Britain’s transition to rock and roll. 

Nevertheless, Morrison continually moves on. He released three albums last year— the two aforementioned LPs and Beyond Words: Instrumental— and as a result, he might be forgiven for treading on old turf. Most of the new album has a singular style, a blend of brassy R&B, blues, and big-band swing. Given the presence of some special guests—Willie Nelson, Kurt Elling, and Joss Stone—nothing sounds tarnished or out of sync. Likewise, the opportunity to witness two venerable old masters like Morrison and Nelson sharing their emotive duets, “What’s Wrong With This Picture” and “Steal My Heart Away” is a draw in itself. 

As for Morrison himself, he’s never sounded more inspired. Songs such as “The Beauty of the Days Gone By,” “So Complicated,” and “So Quiet In Here” find him in full flourish, complemented by the bold and brassy arrangements that illuminate every offering. The tempo and tone are rarely diminished, but when they are, as on the heartfelt ballad “The Master’s Eyes,” Morrison’s emotive vocals and those of the backing singers make for an obvious standout. 

One of Morrison’s most distinctive traits is his ability to veer into the unexpected. While the majority of these songs hold to a standard template, the fact they come across as so fresh and vibrant is a credit to his ability to reinvent himself seemingly at will. In that regard, Morrison effectively proves that what’s old can be new again.

Photo by L Paul Mann / Shutterstock