THE BEST OF Van Morrison

Morrison remains a singer who can be compared to no performer in the history of rock and roll, a singer who cannot be pinned down, dismissed, nor fitted into anyone's expectations. He is a conundrum: his mysticism, which is, I think, his final strength, is anchored by the day to day reality of the American life he has chosen, which is why his mysticism has nothing in common with the tawdry banalities prevalent in the "spiritual" rock and roll of the Seventies. But of course it is that anchor, that reality, that has brought his mysticism to the surface, that has demanded it. That is, one might think, the way it ought to work. Morrison, it can be seen now, is a man on a quest; it will be a long one, but there are listeners who will be with him for the duration.
1980 - From The Rolling Stone Illustrated History of Rock & Roll (1980 edition)

Morrison's recordings showcase his remarkable ease as a singer and bandleader in any number of musical idioms, from traditional Irish, country and gospel, to jazz, blues and r&b. But ask any long-time Morrison (fan) where the real magic can be found and you'll be told it's in concert.
FROM: Portrait of a Very Private Artist
by John Levesque
from The Hamilton Spectator, June 17 1995

Van Morrison