Why Not?

If Norah Jones (who is also on Blue Note) is a jazz singer, so is Van Morrison. From a press release:

Van Morrison has signed a worldwide deal with EMI Music’s legendary Blue Note label, which will give one of music’s most creative figures a home at the prestigious jazz label. Morrison’s Blue Note debut, What’s Wrong With This Picture?, will be released on October 21st. The album draws upon the jazz & blues influences that Morrison has explored consistently throughout his storied career.

Born in Ireland in 1945, Morrison has always relentlessly followed his own muse, incorporating jazz, blues, R&B and traditional Celtic music, creating his own distinctive voice and becoming one of the most important songwriters of the past century. This distinction was officially recognized on June 12th as Morrison was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame at their 34th annual induction and awards ceremony in New York City.

It makes sense to me: Morrison has always been one of the “rock ‘n’ roll” singers who drew most heavily from pre-rock sources, especially R&B, folk, jazz, and Celtic music. Norah Jones is not at all dissimilar to Morrison in his classic Astral Weeks-Moondance period.

Now maybe we’ll see Morrison get the sales he deserves again.