Van Morrison at BA Arc Olympia: Live Review

Van Morrison's London residency at the British Airways Arc Olympia proves his jazz and blues instincts remain razor-sharp at 81. Promoting his blues-heavy album Somebody Tried To Sell Me A Bridge, Van delivered a soulful, expertly crafted set that reminded you why his voice and phrasing still set the standard.

Jazz Chops and Blues Firepower on Full Display

Even within a blues-focused programme, Van Morrison's jazz sensibility surfaces constantly. His alto saxophone work on Kidney Stew Blues opened the show with confidence, and a bop-leaning solo on Ain't Gonna Moan No More showed he still takes musical risks. His blues harp playing throughout the set was equally assured, drawing warm responses from the crowd.

A World-Class Band Elevates Every Moment

Trumpeter Guy Barker delivered small but perfectly formed solos, his signature slurs and trills a natural foil to Anthony Paule's central guitar work. The soul and funk of the rhythm section — driven by Bobby Ruggiero's assertive drumming and John Allair's flamboyant Hammond organ work — kept the energy grounded and swinging. Allair's playing drew clear comparisons to Georgie Fame and Joey DeFrancesco, two giants of the organ tradition.

Standout Moments and Soulful Surprises

The evening's most delightful moment came when a blues shuffle revealed itself to be a reimagined Moondance, a fresh arrangement that felt genuinely adventurous. Dana Masters delivered a soulful standout vocal on Real, Real Gone, earning some of the night's warmest applause. Chris White's lilting clarinet on Green Rocky Road, replacing the original fiddle, was another inspired touch that rewarded attentive listeners.

Key Takeaways

Van Morrison's BA Arc residency is a masterclass in blues and jazz craftsmanship, backed by one of the tightest live bands in the business. The show runs until 29 September 2026 — a must for fans of soul, funk, and timeless songwriting.

Author: Sebastian Scotney

Source: UK Jazz News

Published: September 25, 2026