Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Even at 76-years-old, Van Morrison is as prolific as ever, already announcing the May 20 release of “What’s It Gonna Take?” a mere year after dropping the double album, “Latest Record Project, Volume 1.”

Both collections come from one of rock’s most revered canons, which of course include the iconic likes of “Astral Weeks” and “Moondance,” amongst many others, and the latter was featured amply, alongside covers and classics, throughout the sold out start to a weekend at the Chicago Theatre.

From the jump, Morrison was soulfully sturdy, belting out “Latest Record Project” and “Thank God For The Blues” with ease in between harmonica howls, accompanied by the expertise of eight additional musicians and background vocalists.

He uncovered several more originals (“Days Like This,” “And It Stoned Me,” “Raincheck”) before digging deep into the blues with Big Joe Williams’ “Baby, Please Don’t Go,” Muddy Waters’ “Got My Mojo Working” and John Lee Hooker’s “Think Twice Before You Go,” all of which seemed to play a role in Morrison’s foundation dating back to his earliest days fronting Them throughout the mid-1960s.

The Irishman would eventually touch on that period, but not before breaking out solo selections from then and now, such as a saxophone-laden “Have I Told You Lately” in duet form, “Broken Record” and “Ain’t Gonna Moan No More.”

Though far from all of his many hits were present, Morrison definitely didn’t disappoint when it came to “Brown Eyed Girl,” favoring a jazzier though no less joyful interpretation that had everyone either filming or dancing.

Them’s “Gloria” closed out the 105-minute performance with the headliner leading a few calls and responses before waving goodbye and leaving the band to let loose with an extended jam session.

Given there’s another performance on the books for Sunday, May 8 with a whopping six decades to choose from, let alone surprises of any sort, expect another “Wild Night” and the assurance that Van is still the man.

For additional information on Van Morrison, visit VanMorrison.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the Chicago Theatre include Van Morrison (May 8); Rupi Kaur (May 12); Ray LaMontagne (May 27); Monsta X (May 28-29); Smokey Robinson (Jun. 4); “The Masked Singer” (Jun. 5); Chris Botti (Jun. 10); “Black Panther” In Concert (Jun. 18) and Barenaked Ladies (Jun. 27). For additional details, visit TheChicagoTheatre.com.

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