Vanthology: A Tribute to Van Morrisonby Anonymous

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September 10, 2003: Some people don’t like the practice of singers covering other performers songs. I do. Especially if they can give it a different slant and if they can improve on the original. If you are a Van Morrison fan, you might be among the first mentioned. I liked this CD from the opening song, “Tupelo Honey” mainly because I have always admired Little Milton and have had his records in my collection for years. I did listen to excerpts from Van’s original recordings and liked what I heard. He has an undeniable quality that makes you like, not only his voice, but also his compositions. Milton adds much to this song and his years of blues singing is clearly on display. Syl Johnson, another favorite does justice to “Jackie Wilson Said.” Another distinctive voice that isn’t heard enough these days. William Bell, I recently saw on PBS and he has lost none of his charm. His rendition of Morrisons’ “Have I Told You Lately” is perfect. What a fabulous singer he has remained throughout the years. It seems that a lot of my favorites are here, including the great Freddie Scott, doing “Brown Eyed Girl.” Marvelous singing. “Into The Mystic” by Frederick Knight was very special. He really got into the song and stretched for days! It's important to mention that the only female on the CD is the incomparable, Bettye LaVette. When Van heard this, he probably fell out of his seat! What can you say about Ms. LaVette except that she is a true genius. She does with “Real Real Gone” what great soul singers do: she takes an ordinary song and makes it a great one. Her soul is so deep, it’s frightening! She sings this in her ferocious ’70s voice. I can’t think of any female that could top this performance. I loved the ending when she shouts and testifies about what Wilson Pickett, Sam Cooke and James Brown “used to say…” The major highlight of the entire CD. The rest of the performances are first-rate. So nice to hear Chuck Jackson again. He sounds as good as ever singing “Moondance.” I would like to have heard Otis Clay sing another song. He’s so soulful and churchy; “Warm Love” didn’t seem like his type of song. Many dj’s have picked up Bettye’s “Real Real Gone” and have added it to their playlists. Can’t say that I blame them, it’s a joy to hear a genuine soul singer go go go! What a pleasure it is to hear singers that can SING! Ellis Hooks, Henry Butler, Bobby Patterson, Dan Penn and Son Seals are all wonderful. Looking at today's crop of young "singers," the field is pitiful. You won't find any off-key singing here, only PROFESSIONALS who realize that recordings are forever and understand that when you lay down a track, it will be there for future generations to hear. When they hand out Grammys next year, this CD should be nominated judging from the junk that DOES get recognized and WINS these awards.