A Night with Van Morrison — Cheltenham Jazz Festival

Last night I saw Van Morrison at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival. It was the third time I’ve seen him live, and once again I wasn’t disappointed.

The evening was a rich panacea of jazz, blues, soul, folk and rock, with Van conducting affairs from a modest corner of the stage. At 80 years old, there’s no sense of decline — the innate musicality is entirely intact.

The band was exceptional: full of personality, deeply musical, and perfectly suited to a jazz festival setting. This was a band made for jazz. There were no airs or graces — just musicians clearly there for the joy of playing together.

The setlist reflected a self‑assured artist with nothing to prove. Rather than leaning on an evening of greatest hits, the music centred on blues and folk, with the occasional familiar song woven in naturally. For jazz fans, the real joy came from the celebration of lesser‑known material and inspired covers of artists such as Marie Adams, Dave Lewis and Roosevelt Sykes.

Each band member was given space to step forward — moments of improvisation, rhythmic authority and musical conversation that reminded you how alive great live music can be.

As for Van himself: understated, dapper, cool as hell. The voice remains instantly recognisable — soul‑penetrating yet playful, dancing around tone, intonation and off‑beats you’d never dare try to write down. This isn’t music you read; it’s music you feel. It comes from somewhere deep inside, and from the platforms set by the ghosts of jazz legends past.

As if the voice weren’t enough, his harmonica and saxophone playing were extraordinary.

On a stage full of world‑class musicians, Van stood as a quiet musical godfather — conducting, cajoling and guiding the band with total assurance.

Even if you don’t know his catalogue well, this was the kind of performance that reminds you why live music matters — and why taste, restraint and sheer class never go out of style.

I occasionally write longer reflections on live music, musicianship and other topics, on my Substack, for those who’d like to read more.