Sir Van Morrison, the legendary singer-songwriter now in his 80s, continues to astound with the release of his 51st solo album, “Somebody Tried to Sell Me a Bridge”. The latest offering highlights Morrison’s enduring love for the blues, blending a dozen classic covers with a handful of his own original compositions. Remarkably, the prolific artist has released more than an album per year since turning 70, demonstrating an energy and creativity that defies time.
Morrison’s career began in the late 1950s, mastering guitar and saxophone before forming the R&B-influenced band Them in 1963, which produced iconic tracks like “Gloria” and “Baby Please Don’t Go.” He embarked on his solo journey in 1967 with the hit single “Brown-Eyed Girl”, followed by the seminal albums Astral Weeks and Moondance, which established his reputation for blending folk, rock, jazz, R&B, pop, and Celtic influences. While not every album achieved universal acclaim, Morrison’s adventurous arrangements and distinct vocals have consistently resonated, particularly on his blues-infused recordings.
Before this 2026 release, Morrison had explored the blues in only one prior album: 2017’s Roll with the Punches, a record featuring ten blues covers alongside five originals. His mastery of timing and phrasing transformed classics such as the “Stormy Monday/Lonely Avenue” mash-up into contemporary yet faithful tributes to the genre.
In Somebody Tried to Sell Me a Bridge, Morrison revisits the same territory with an 80-minute, 20-track set. Only four of the tracks are his originals, while the rest pay homage to legendary blues composers from Chicago, Memphis, and Texas. Special guests include blues titans Elvin Bishop, Taj Mahal, and Buddy Guy, while a cadre of veteran session musicians anchors the project: David Hayes (bass), Larry Vann and Bobby Ruggiero (drums), Anthony Paule (electric guitar), Mitch Woods (jump blues piano), and John Allair (Hammond B3 organ).
The album opens with two songs by Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson, showcasing Morrison’s signature sax riffs alongside stellar instrumental performances. Highlights include a slowed-down interpretation of Fats Domino’s “Ain’t That a Shame”, the rollicking “Madame Butterfly Blues” by Dave Lewis, and shared vocal duties with Taj Mahal on Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee’s “Can’t Help Myself” and the traditional “Betty and Dupree”. Morrison’s originals, “Monte Carlo Blues” and “Loving Memories”, are standout tracks, with Elvin Bishop’s guitar and rich call-and-response backing adding depth.
Other memorable selections include Marie Adams’ “Play the Honky Tonks”, a 60s doo-wop number “Social Climbing Scene”, and the title track inspired by a classic early-1900s con artist anecdote. The album concludes with two Chicago blues standards, Willie Dixon’s “I’m Ready” and BB King’s “Rock Me Baby”, featuring Morrison’s interpretative flair alongside Buddy Guy’s masterful guitar.
Overall, Somebody Tried to Sell Me a Bridge demonstrates Morrison’s unwavering commitment to the blues. With its restrained yet expressive arrangements, thoughtful pacing, and variety, the album offers both homage and innovation, proving that even after six decades, Van Morrison is far from slowing down.
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