He may be a notorious grouch, but this Irish music legend can still light up a room when he’s at the top of his game. Van Morrison recently earned raves for an atypically intimate show at an Austin club, a South by Southwest showcase for the casually bluesy songs on his aptly titled new disc, Keep It Simple (2008). He also impressed locals last summer with a strong, spirited set at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts. Both events bode well for his upcoming appearance at Massey Hall, though any listener who’s been awestruck by Morrison’s impassioned blend of folk, rock and jazz knows that consistency has never been his strong suit. In his 40-plus years in the music business, Morrison’s performances have inspired as much boredom as they have transcendent bliss. So will he shoot for the stars or stay tethered to the ground this time around? There’s only one way to find out.—Jason Anderson