Masters of their universe

The two CDs today are by musical masters whose works have accompanied me for over four decades. That they can still churn out relevant music today is testament to their singular vision and musical prowess. I ordered these albums of new material on Amazon. I hope they’re released here.

Van Morrison — Born to Sing: No Plan B (Exile/Blue Note). With a music career that dates back to Gloria with Them, Van the Man could be forgiven for resting on his laurels. But lo and behold, at age 66, he’s still creating music that’s an exhilarating blend of jazz, blues, soul, and rock ’n roll. Going Down to Montecarlo is smooth jazz with the wonderful reference to “phony pseudo jazz,” while Pagan Heart is the hot blues number. There’s social commentary in End of the Rainbow and Educating Archie. Recorded with a live band, this is Van showing he still has the “stuff.”

Donald Fagen — Sunken Condos (Reprise/Warner). The main man of the legendary Steely Dan, this is Fagen back in Dan and Nightfly territory, with a whole lot of funk! Slinky Thing is the funky first track, and the album picks up steam with I’m Not the Same With You, which has a Doctor Wu feel, with harmonica and horns taking the place of the guitar, which ends the hot tune. The syncopated shuffling of New Breed is another highlight, as is the only cover on this CD, the Isaac Hayes tune, Out of the Ghetto. Loved Miss Marlene, and the story-telling tunes, which shine.

With Morrison and Fagen’s new albums, there are no surprises, but no disappointment.