Van Morrison – His Band And The Street Choir – Warner Records RCV1 1884 (1970)/Rhino Entertainment (2020) Limited-Edition Re-mastered Turquoise Vinyl 41;40 *****:
Singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Van Morrison may be the most influential popular musician to emerge from Ireland (or at least pre-U2). In the mid-60’s, he fronted the r & b-tinged band Them, and enjoyed moderate success with singles like “Baby Please Don’t Go”, “Here Comes The Night” and “Mystic Eyes”. But things changed with the B-side release of “Gloria”. This song has become a staple of rock bands ever since. In 1967, Morrison kicked off his phenomenal career as a solo artist with “Brown Eyed Girl”. The hook-filled composition and jubilant vocals made it an immediate and eternal classic. When he signed with Warner Brothers Records, his vast musical visions were fully represented on albums. Astral Weeks (1968) was an auspicious debut with an eclectic “song cycle” that distilled elements of Celtic mysticism in folk instrumentation. Though not a commercial success, the album was hailed by critics. The 1970’s would launch Morrison to stardom. It all started with the jazz-infused Moondance In 1970. Subsequent releases like His Band And The Street Choir, Tupelo Honey, St. Dominic’s Preview, Hard Nose The Highway, Wavelength and Into The Music cemented his legacy as a genre-expanding artist whose conceptual inspirations were innovative. Morrison continues to record and perform to this day with broad creative expression and style.
Rhino Entertainment has released a re-mastered limited-edition (in eye-catching turquoise) vinyl of Van Morrison – His Band And The Street Choir. Recorded in late 1970, the tracks were comprised of material composed for Astral Weeks and Moondance. With a storied history (including an account that recounts the singer’s initial plans to do a purely a cappella album), it was recorded and released right after Moondance. However, that is where the comparison ends. This ambitious (12 tracks) project veers away from the mysticism of Astral Weeks and the jazzy inflections of Moondance to a more freewheeling r & b gospel sound. Side One opens with the joyous, “try to stay in your seat” “Domino”. This is straight-ahead soul with Morrison’s gritty vocal approach. His ostensible tribute to Fats Domino has Southern texture with crisp horn overdubs. His improvised exclamations (“Lord have mercy,,,Say It Again…Dig It…On the radio…”) add to the relaxed, upbeat vibe. “Crazy Face” is a soulful Americana take with an unusual tempo and a Wild West reference (“…Pulled out his .38 and said, I got it from Jesse James…”). Morrison’s sultry wailing carries the tune. Shifting to a blues shuffle, “Give Me A Kiss” utilizes a basic chord progression, some vocalese, thick horn accents and doo-wop backing vocals. On “I’ve Been Working”, a slower cadence is embraced with classic soul atmospherics and a barrage of hooks and grooves. This album is especially jubilant and “Call Me Up In Dreamland” underscores that feeling with a bouncy New Orleans-gospel celebration. In a change of pace, I’ll Be Your Lover, Too” is rendered with acoustic guitars to create a hushed atmosphere.
The compelling musical tapestry is sustained on Side Two. “Blue Money” is another Van Morrison gem. The rollicking, infectious jam rolls and flows with festive whimsy. It is driven by a hot vamp that is augmented by an idiosyncratic wordless chorus. The horns and backup vocals expand the musical landscape. Simply put, it is unadulterated fun as Morrison intones with “…Take 5 honey…” and a play on words (…Juice money…loose money…”). Another change of style occurs on “Virgo Clowns”. A stunning dual acoustic guitar anchors this pared-down country arrangement. Van’s voice soars with heartfelt emotion and a bass clarinet adds some additional texture. With a slight nod to “Caravan” (from Moondance), “Gypsy Queen” is slow-burning r & b. After a dreamy celeste intro, there is a muscular transition to American soul with trumpet and falsetto vocals. The arrangement is impeccable. “Sweet Jannie” is another 12-bar blues number that exudes swagger. Many of Van Morrison’s compositions are infused with religious context. “If I Ever Needed Someone” is an earnest hymnal with a distinctive Sunday morning feel. In selecting a finale, “Street Choir” is perfection. With a glowing intermingling of instrumentation and vocals, an aspirational rumination lifts the spirit, but is balanced by social commentary.
Rhino Entertainment has done a superb job re-mastering Van Morrison – His Band And The Street Choir to vinyl. All of the layered horns and vocals are blended fluently. The tonality of the horns and reeds is mellow and Morrison’s rugged voice is captured with vibrancy. It is a potent reminder of a visionary musician.
Musicians:
Van Morrison – guitar, harmonica, tenor saxophone, lead vocals; Dahaud Elias Shaar – drums, percussion, bass clarinet, backup vocals; Jack Schroer – alto saxophone, baritone saxophone, soprano saxophone, piano; Keith Johnson – trumpet, organ; John Platania – lead guitar, rhythm guitar, mandolin; John Klingberg – bass; Alan Hand – piano, organ; The Street Choir: Ellen Schroer; Martha Velez; Janet Planet; David Shaw; Andy Robinson; Larry Goldsmith; Backup Vocals on If I Ever Needed Someone: Emily Houston; Judy Clay; Jackie Verdell
TrackList:
Side One:
Domino
Crazy Face
Give Me A Kiss
I’ve Been Working
Call Me Up In Dreamland
I’ll Be Your Lover, Too
Side Two:
Blue Money
Virgo Clowns
Gypsy Queen
Sweet Jannie
If I Ever Needed Someone
Street Choir
-Robbie Gerson
