An Irish Treat: Van Morrison

Happy St. Patty's Day.

While I'm not the biggest fan of this holiday, I can appreciate the traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner and a couple of Irish drinking songs. Green beer, not so much. I can however, appreciate some of the talented musicians from the Emerald Isle. Today is as good a day as any to feature one.

We all know the hits from Van Morrison. "Brown Eyed Girl," "Wild Nights," and "Moondance" to name a few. There are many more. And they have withstood the test of time. I don't know about you, but I still love hearing those songs on the radio and have never gotten tired of them.

But there is so much more to Van Morrison's catalog of music. There are times when he does blues, there are times when he does mystical. Seeing him live, you never know what to expect.

Respected universally by the music world, Morrison's work has been covered by everyone from John Mellencamp to John Lee Hooker. Van Morrison has received Grammys, both as an individual and in collaborations, and is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

He is quite simply, Van the Man.

"Into the Mystic" ...pared down version, wonderful
"Days Like This" ...great horn section, everything works
"Crazy Love" ...maybe my favorite, enjoy this version with Van and Ray Charles
"Bring it on Home/Trouble in Mind" ...great video with Van, Tom Jones (yes, that Tom Jones and Jeff Beck)

May Irish eyes be smiling today.

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