Van Morrison: Moving on Skiffle – It’s great to hear him happy as he returns to his musical roots

I’ve never fallen under the spell of skiffle. It’s possibly a generational thing – Lonnie Donegan and co were very much legacy figures by the time my listening ears tuned in. Skiffle seemed a watered-down British version of American folk-blues, though of course it had serious origins in the African-American jug bands of the early 20th century. Van Morrison had no such reservations. Skiffle helped him shape his musical journey into the heart of American blues, soul and gospel. And now, at 77, he is paying a handsome, entertaining tribute.

“I was still in school when I performed with a skiffle band – a couple of guitars, a washboard and a tea-chest bass,” says Morrison. “I was already familiar with Lead Belly’s recordings, so when I heard Lonnie Donegan’s version of Rock Island Line I intuitively understood what he was creating. I knew that it was what I wanted to do. It was like an explosion. This record retranslates songs from that era.”

This double album is rich in nostalgia and affection. A relaxed Morrison is enjoying himself, though he can’t resist taking a swipe at what he views as government over-reach, changing the title of Mama Don’t Allow to Gov Don’t Allow. But generally it is a rant-free zone. There are 23 tracks, all covers, some familiar, such as Freight Train, others less so, but all share a sense of joy, even the ill-fitting Gypsy Davy. The guitarist Dave Keary is in top form, as is the voice of the great man. It’s good to hear him happy.