Modern troubadours

MANILA, Philippines - The tradition of the troubadours dates back to the Middle Ages in Europe. Singer/songwriters and performers, these artists would often sing of chivalry and courtly love, with metaphysical and intellectual leanings, or with humorous and satirical influences. The three artists featured today are modern troubadours in their own ways, chronicling the lives and times they live in. The idiosyncratic Van Morrison has over 40 years of performing under his belt, while Morissey first came to fame with his ’80s alternative rock band, The Smiths. Richard Poon is homegrown, and thanks to a drastic reinvention, is our current “crooner of choice.”

Van Morrison - Astral Weeks Live at the Hollywood Bowl (Listen to the Lion Records) James Morrison, Paolo Nutini, David Gray and Damien Rice — They all list Van the Man as one of their major influences. And in November of 2008, he performed the classic Astral Weeks album (released in 1968) in its entirety, at the Hollywood Bowl, along with some other songs that have become signature songs of his fabled career. Almost like a painter, Morrison has an Impressionist approach to singing, playing and stumbling over the lyrics with emotion and style — listen to how he attacks the line “And my tongue gets tongue-tied” on Cypress Avenue; and how he growls in Listen to the Lion. Morrison is something of an acquired taste, but once you’re hooked, he’s one of the best! I ordered this CD on Amazon.

Morissey - Years of Refusal (EMI) — Morissey is on the cusp of 50, and coming out with one of his most solid solo work makes Years of Refusal a must buy for anyone who wants their rock to really roll, and yet have a message. One of the more influential singer/songwriters of his generation, Morissey proves that there’s still righteous anger and fertile life in his middle age phase. Something is Squeezing My Skull, I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris, and When I Last Spoke to Carol (with its ironic and humorous mariachi frills) are my immediate favorite tracks on this CD, but it’s the energy that remains constant throughout the album that had me repeatedly putting it on my player. This may not be Top 40 fodder, and may take some listening to really appreciate, but I would recommend this for those long summer drives.

Richard Poon - For You (MCA Universal). Ever since Richard Poon left the acoustic tunings of U-Turn and struck it out solo, as our best version of Michael Bublé, there’s been no looking back. His new CD, For You, sees Richard branching out beyond standards and showcasing his live performances, where he takes contemporary songs and makes them his very own via rearrangement and treatment. Listen to what he does with Avril Lavigne’s Complicated, and you’ll understand how Richard is trying to make his brand of music relevant even for a young audience. While some songs take better to the Poon treatment, one can’t argue with the intent and how Richard remains a favorite across several age-groups in the country. There’s bossa and big band type music all over the CD, and it’s great to see a genuine “nice guy“ reap success.

Last week a photo in the column of my editor Ricky Lo, highlighted an ongoing musical collaboration between Raimund Marasigan (former E-Heads and band leader of Sandwich, Pedicab and Project One) and Francine Prieto. Check it out on www.myspace.com/francineprieto; and be ready for a real big surprise. It’s Pop Rock with attitude, reminding me of Avril Lavigne, the Kills, or current critic’s fave, Ida Maria. If this is a taste of what this partnership will create, it heralds a new chapter in Francine’s career — something she may gotten into for fun, but with results that carry true musical weight.