Van Morrison – Moondance

Morrison sets the direction

With Moondance in early 1970, Van Morrison brought his different musical interests together in ten compact songs. He took on production and worked with a band combining rhythm section, keyboards and two horn players. Following Astral Weeks, this provided another setting for his voice: clearly outlined songs whose structures still leave room for flexible phrasing.

Many ideas had developed around Woodstock, with studio work taking place in New York during 1969. Keyboard player Jef Labes, saxophonist Jack Schroer and flautist and saxophonist Collin Tilton were among the musicians helping to shape the arrangements. Jazz, rhythm and blues, folk and gospel meet through the work of a particular ensemble. The variety is grounded in what each instrument contributes to the individual song.

Two horns change the picture

On “Moondance”, the relationship between voice, rhythm and horn responses is immediately apparent. Following the narrated recollection of “And It Stoned Me”, the title track changes the pulse of the opening sequence. Those two songs make up the first side of this 45 rpm edition. Even that short section offers contrasting examples of how Morrison turns a story or a setting into a vocal performance.

Guitarist John Platania, bassist John Klingberg and drummer Gary Mallaber keep the band in motion. The instruments do not need to maintain the same prominence throughout. “Crazy Love” creates another kind of closeness, with backing vocals from Cissy Houston, Judy Clay and Jackie Verdell, who also appear on “Brand New Day”. Their contribution establishes a connection with gospel while the album continues to draw from several musical traditions.

Ten songs across four sides

The second side moves from “Crazy Love” through “Caravan” to “Into the Mystic”. The sequence travels from inward singing towards an image of shared music and then a more open poetic language. “Caravan” remained important in Morrison's live work. His performance with The Band in The Last Waltz gave the song another familiar form in 1976; this studio recording belongs to an earlier chapter in that history.

“Come Running”, “These Dreams of You” and “Brand New Day” occupy the third side. “Everyone” and “Glad Tidings” complete the fourth. The original running order is retained, with additional pauses introduced by the two-record format. Listening a side at a time creates smaller groups within the album. Morrison's phrasing and the band's changing balance continue to connect those groups as the programme unfolds.

This 45 rpm edition

AAPP 201-45 is the Analogue Productions Acoustic Sounds 40 Series double LP: 180-gram vinyl playing at 45 rpm, pressed at Quality Record Pressings. Matthew Lutthans cut the lacquers at The Mastering Lab. According to the publisher, the source is a flat 24-bit/192 kHz digital transfer of the original master tapes, processed through the studio's analogue tube equalisation system. The mastering chain therefore includes a digital stage. The original album is packaged in a double-pocket Stoughton tip-on gatefold jacket, presenting the original mix rather than the later Steven Wilson remix.

Van Morrison at 45 RPM: read the complete magazine article →

Also in another edition: Moondance

Artist page: All titles by Van Morrison

Customer questions: 45 or 33⅓ RPM: which edition is worth it? · Buying Analogue Productions records in Europe

Series: Acoustic Sounds 40th Anniversary – all 25 albums, recommendations and musicians

Musicians

Documented selection of participating musicians. Personnel may vary by track; this list does not claim to be complete.

• Judy ClayBacking vocals
• Emily HoustonBacking vocals
• John KlingbergBass
• Jef LabesClavinet, Piano, Organ
• Gary MallaberPercussion, Vibraphone, Drums
• Guy MassonCongas
• Van MorrisonTambourine, Harmonica, Vocals, Guitar
• John PlataniaGuitar
• Jack SchroerSoprano saxophone
• Collin TiltonTenor saxophone, Flute
• Jackie VerdellBacking vocals