Celtic Soul

Down Those Ancient Roads

For more than a decade, Celtic Soul have been quietly and meticulously honouring the music of Sir Van Morrison, approaching his vast and influential catalogue with both reverence and musical intelligence.

Morrison’s music draws from a wide palette of influences: gospel, soul, skiffle, blues, jazz, folk and rock. Celtic Soul embrace all of these traditions, allowing the songs to breathe while remaining faithful to their spirit. The result is a live performance that feels both respectful and alive, rooted in musicianship rather than nostalgia.

The project began almost by accident. A small group of musicians were invited to perform for an audience of international visitors, with the brief simply described as something musically local. Rather than offering a pastiche or a greatest-hits gloss, they chose to explore the work of one of Ireland’s most singular and enduring artists. The response was immediate, and Celtic Soul was formed.

From the outset, the aim was not imitation but authenticity. To reflect the depth and breadth of Morrison’s songwriting, the band expanded into an eight-piece ensemble—vocals, saxophone, trumpet, bass, acoustic and electric guitars, keyboards and drums—capable of capturing the tonal richness and rhythmic nuance of the original recordings.

At times, the band is augmented by a string section, opening up opportunities to explore more delicate and expansive material, including selections from Astral Weeks. Celtic Soul were invited to perform the album in a series of commissioned concerts and later took part in a special live recording marking its 50th anniversary, curated by BBC broadcaster Ralph McClean—an event that stands as a highlight in the band’s history.

Celtic Soul have performed extensively across Ireland and beyond, appearing in venues ranging from Dublin’s Sugar Club to a sold-out Ulster Hall in Belfast. Internationally, an appearance at Berlin’s renowned B-Flat Jazz Club further underlined the band’s commitment to presenting the music with integrity and precision.

Van Morrison once remarked, in conversation with Candy Dulfer, that playing at “level zero” might be enough for some—but it is what happens beyond that point that truly matters. It is an idea that resonates deeply with Celtic Soul’s approach.

For audiences, the result is a shared journey—one that reconnects long-time listeners with the power of Morrison’s earlier work, while inviting new generations to discover it for themselves.

Down those ancient roads.