VAN Morrison’s current tour is getting rave reviews from the US and UK media and his show here in Limerick at King John’s Castle this Wednesday June 29 is one of the most anticipated gigs of the Summer.
On stage with Van will be Limerick guitarist/producer Dave Keary who has been a part of the band for twelve years. Dave is one of the country’s foremost musicians, session guitarist and producers who was a member of Tuesday Blue signed to EMI and has since worked with artists as diverse as Katherine Jenkins, Sharon Shannon, Jerry Lee Lewis and The O’Malleys.
2022 has been a very busy year for Van Morrison and his band with a new album released and an ongoing busy touring schedule, the 76 year old soul veteran is busier than ever.
Chatting with Dave Keary this week, the guitarist, who has recorded eight albums with Van since 2011, was looking forward to the homecoming gig.
“Touring with the band has been fantastic. There is a huge appetite globally after the pandemic in the entertainment industry and in the public at large to experience music again.
“This is the busiest year I’ve had on a live footing since I joined Van 11 years ago and it’s a credit to the man to be out there working as hard as he is.”
The band has played lots of dates in the UK, Europe, the US and Scandinavia, picking up huge praise from the media along the way,
“A stirring set of classics and fresh cuts with verve, grace and a whole load of talent” – LouderThanWar
“A night of deep musicality.” – The Times.
The band will tour the states another two times before the end of the year but before all that there are two shows in Cork next week and a performance in King John’s Castle this Wednesday June 29.
King John’s Castle is of course a stunning setting for a concert and remarkably this will be Keary’s first time playing music in the venue.
“This is a fantastic location and offers everyone on the stage especially an incredible vista of the city. I think everyone is excited and looking forward to playing there. Hopefully we will have a full house and everyone will enjoy it.”
Dave’s first encounter with Van Morrison and his live show was way back in the early eighties.
On a summer’s night in 1980 Van Morrison delivered a mesmerising set of celtic soul classics at Macroom Mountain Dew Festival. Watching intently from the hill was Dave Keary, a young guitar player at the outset of his musical journey. In 2010 when Van Morrison was looking for a new guitar player, Van’s bass player Paul Moore recommended Dave for the audition.
“I got to meet the man and play the songs, he didn’t say anything. But the fact he didn’t say No! was affirmation enough. It is certainly the most musically rewarding thing that I have ever done to date,” Dave told Limerick Post after he joined the band.
Playing in Van Morrison’s band set him a whole new set of challenges. The catalogue of songs in his career is huge and Van does not work off a setlist live, he’ll just pick a song and go with it. “I have learned nearly 300 songs by Van. And I have another 200 to learn,” said Dave.
He has learned many more songs since then including fifteen new Van Morrison compositions that make up soul legend’s new album ‘What’s It Gonna Take?’ released in May 2022.
There is a public misconception about Van being difficult to work with as a musician. Dave describes him as a generous bandleader. “He gives latitude and scope to the players to bring something to the table. He is very open to that, not dogmatic at all. It is a very inclusive arrangement, a lot more than people would think.”
Morrison looks to capture that live feel of a great band playing together for his recordings.
“He works so quickly and he has a clear and focused vision of the way he wants things to sound and how to achieve that. He comes from an era greatly influenced by Ray Charles and all these jazz and blues greats. The pace is incredible and he goes for an ensemble recording. The essence for Van is capturing that soul and energy from a performance. It keeps you on your toes as a musician”
Van Morrison and his band play King John’s Castle this Wednesday June 29.
