Van Morrison and the blues reaffirm their relevance at Barcelona Jazz Festival

With a career spanning six decades and nearly fifty albums, Van Morrison demonstrated his continued relevance and the enduring power of the blues at the 58th Barcelona Jazz Festival.

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Down To Joy

Morrison, performing for over 3,000 attendees at the Auditori del Fòrum, offered a compelling set that leaned heavily on his own compositions and reinterpretations of blues standards. He opened with a trio of blues tributes – 'Deep Blue Sea,' 'Kidney Stew Blues,' and 'Rock Me Baby' – honoring legends like John Lee Hooker, Eddie Vinson, and B.B. King. This selection served as a preview of his 2026 album, "Somebody Tried To Sell Me A Bridge," which features reinterpretations of blues giants, signaling that the "Lion of Belfast" remains actively engaged in his musical journey.

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Back To Writing Love Songs

Throughout the more than hour-and-a-half concert, Morrison, supported by seasoned musicians including Matt Holland on trumpet, Richard Buckley on saxophone, and Bobby Ruggiero on drums, dedicated a significant portion of the performance to his latest works. Tracks such as 'Down To Joy,' 'Back To Writing Love Songs,' and 'If It Wasn't for Ray' from "Remembering Now" (2025) were featured, interspersed with Morrison's harmonica and saxophone solos. He maintained a consistent stage presence, often with his face obscured by mirrored sunglasses and a hat, dressed in a dark suit.

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If It Wasn't for Ray

True to his reputation as a somewhat reclusive artist, Morrison primarily expressed himself through his music, offering minimal direct address to the audience. His performance included intricate jazz improvisations in 'Ain't Gonna Moan No More' and a medley of 'Goin' Down Geneva' and 'Brand New Cadillac,' culminating in a classic rock and roll number. In the latter part of the concert, he engaged the audience with beloved songs like 'Early In The Morning,' 'Moondance,' and 'Real Real Gone,' before concluding with a powerful rendition of 'Gloria,' for which the audience remained on their feet.

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Early In The Morning