at a glance...

Hometown: Belfast, Northern Ireland
First Recordings: 1967

Members:
Ronnie Montrose - guitar, mandolin
Bill Church - bass
Jack Schroer - saxophone
Mark Jordon - piano
John McFee - steel guitar
Rick Schlosser - drums
Connie Kay - drums

Growing up in Northern Ireland, Van Morrison was fascinated by American rhythm-and-blues. Lending deep emotion and spiritual connection to his brand of "blue-eyed soul," Morrison created a series of R&B-influenced records that were original statements as opposed to weak imitations. On the uplifting Tupelo Honey, he fused his R&B foundation with elements of folk, country, and gospel, producing an album of lasting impact.

After the opening rocker "Wild Night," Morrison runs through introspective and ethereal songs of love, family, and home such as "Old Old Woodstock" and the classic title cut. Most significant, however, are his country-flavored songs: The Celtic-tinged "I Wanna Roo You" and "Moonshine Whiskey" are carried by twangy steel guitar and folksy mandolin. "When That Evening Sun Goes Down" features rolling honky-tonk piano and the simple "Starting a New Life" harkens back to country music's early days. Morrison's blend of musical influences and his overall spiritual vision have never been conveyed as clearly or as effectively as they were on this album.

If you like Van Morrison, check out:
Van Morrison Astral Weeks
Flying Burrito Brothers Gilded Palace of Sin
Van Morrison His Band and the Street Choir

-- Marc Greilsamer