Creighton has drawn inspiration from Van Morrison’s music since the ‘60s: “When I was growing up in Belfast I used to go and watch Van Morrison’s band, Them,” he says. “Over the years, I have kept in touch with Van’s music and often played and sung some of the songs. I’m very passionate about the music and the feeling that has gone into it. Out of that grumpy sort of obstinate little guy comes this incredible music that can transport you to a whole other place.” Collectors of ‘70s underground rock will be familiar with Creighton’s renditions of Van Morrison’s Young Lover’s Do and Madame George on Melissa’s rare 1971 album, Midnight Trampoline.
Although the casual punter may mistakenly believe Irish music is predominantly Celtic, Morrison’s eclectic output is symbolic and redolent of the rich musical diversity that characterises the Irish scene. “There was always a big tradition in Belfast of rhythm and blues. [In the ‘60s] it was the top music of the time,” Creighton explains. “I always say to people that Van Morrison’s music is essentially modern Irish music. His music is derivative of American music, but at the same time it was hatched in that environment of Northern Ireland and of Belfast so it has its own particular angle to it. [On Astral Weeks] Van is singing about Belfast and is singing about the social scene. When I sing songs from Astral Weeks it transports me right back to Belfast and to that time.”
Featuring a mixture of hits and lesser-known tracks, Creighton’s show is a tantalising prospect for both the causal Van Morrison fan and for the die-hard aficionado. “I am bound to do a lot of the hits,” he explains. “I have to do songs like Brown Eyed Girl and Bright Side of the Road as I have to be commercial to a certain point but I do a lot of early Them stuff that a lot of people don’t know. I [also] do things off Astral Weeks [but] I have to pick my venue to do it because you really have to have [the audience’s concentration]. Playing in clubs it can sometimes be a bit noisy. They are quiet, romantic songs with strings. I ask [audiences] sometimes to be quiet for a minute and I’ll do [the songs] and people are transported. After you play the songs you can hear a pin drop.”
Despite Creighton’s love of Van Morrison’s music, he’s not been tempted to create a traditional tribute show. “I try and capture the real spirit and the energy and the essence of the music,” he says. “I feel growing up with it I sort of have a little insight into that. Van has always been a very exciting performer. He’s a very passionate musician. [When you are] exposed to that it sort of rubs off a little bit [but] I don’t wear a funny hat and come up and be rude to the audience… You will be transported somewhere with us. It will take you on a journey and it’s a journey back with me into that time.”
BY GRAHAM BLACKLEY
