Van Morrison is a renowned musician and songwriter who is widely regarded for his extensive and varied musical career. Throughout his journey in the music industry, Morrison went through a magical period that saw him produce some of his greatest and most influential works. The magical period in Van Morrison's career began in the late 1960s and continued into the early 1970s. During this time, he released several albums that are now considered classics and have stood the test of time. These albums include "Astral Weeks," "Moondance," and "His Band and the Street Choir." Astral Weeks, released in 1968, is often regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time.
Morrison's sequencing keeps them balanced and the proceedings sharp.
Thom Jurek, AMG Van Morrison, vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, harmonica, alto saxophone Mick Green, guitar Foggy Lyttle, guitar Michael Fields, spanish guitar, lute Martin Winning, tenor and baritone saxophones Matt Holland, trumpet Paddy Moloney, whistle Myles Drennan, piano, Hammond organ Brian Connor, piano, keyboards Dave Lewis, piano John Allair, Hammond organ Jerome Rimson, bass, backing vocals David Hayes, bass Liam Bradley, drums, backing vocals Noel Bridgeman, drums Johnathan Mele, drums Bobby Irwin, drums Johnny Scott, backing vocals Siobhan Pettit, backing vocals Olwin Bell, backing vocals Crawford Bell, backing vocals Aine Whelan, backing vocals Karen Hamill, backing vocals Irish Film Orchestra Digitally remastered. The covers all come from the American jazz canon Fats Waller s Lonely and Blue, and two tunes associated with Frank Sinatra -- I m Confessin and This Love of Mine with lyrics by him.
" Astral Weeks, released in 1968, is often regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time. It showcased Morrison's unique blend of folk, jazz, and blues influences, combined with his soulful and emotive vocals. The album's poetic and introspective lyrics, along with its intricate musical arrangements, earned critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
Magic Time (Remastered) Van Morrison
Ireland's greatest pop singer/songwriter is back in action with his latest self-produced album, Magic Time,' featuring ten new Van Morrison songs as well as interpretations of three jazz classics 'This Love Of Mine', 'I'm Confessin', and 'Lonely And Blue'. Magic Time' is Van's first new album of originals since 2003's Grammy nominated What's Wrong With This Picture' and is the 38th solo release of his illustrious career.
"Magic Time is one of those rare, intermittent Van Morrison records that consciously offers a bird's eye view of everywhere he's been musically and weaves it all together into a heady brew. The last one was The Healing Game in 1997. He's made fine records since (Down the Road, Back on Top), but they've been focused on whatever Muse was pulling his coattails at the time. Magic Time is restless and freewheeling. Lyrically, it's alternately bittersweet, celebratory, and ornery. Like all of his records, notions of the past haunt these songs like familiar specters making sure they are not forgotten. Here, Celtic soul, gritty blues, fingerpopping swing, R&B, and classic pop all jockey for dominance over ten originals and three covers. Morrison's sequencing keeps them balanced and the proceedings sharp. "Stranded" has a gorgeous faux doo wop lilt, and an elegant, timeless piano that cascades from the ether as a nocturnal alto saxophone (Morrison) announces a stolid yet world-weary vocal that unhurriedly moves along to a backing chorus. One can hear traces of the Platters' "Twilight Time" and the Penguins' "Earth Angel" in its grain. "Celtic New Year" is trademark Morrison; the long, loping, repetitive line that is his trademark fuels this one. It's carried by the interplay between Morrison's acoustic and the late Foggy Lyttle's electric guitar fills, and aided by Chieftain Paddy Moloney's whistle. A moving yet unobtrusive string arrangement by Fiachra Trench lifts this tale of separation and longing into the large space inhabited by Morrison's voice. Through his lyrical frame, he reaches that place in the heart that whispers of longings so deep they lie beyond the reach of language. The scene changes on track three as the blues make their entrance on "Keep Mediocrity at Bay" (with some fine harp work by Morrison), and the wondrously gritty "Evening Train." On the latter, it's Lyttle's guitar (the album is dedicated to him) and David Hayes' whomping bass that drive the engine, with Morrison and horns punching up into the maelstrom. Lyttle's knotty razored fills push Morrison's roaring vocal on to the ledge. The covers all come from the American jazz canon: Fats Waller's "Lonely and Blue," and two tunes associated with Frank Sinatra -- "I'm Confessin'" and "This Love of Mine" (with lyrics by him!). These tunes are beautifully placed in the album's mix and Morrison's readings are serious, very credible. While "Just Like Greta" is yet another Morrison litany to be left alone, its seductive melody draws the listener deep in with its shimmering organ, pronounced hypnotic line, mournful strings, and a chorus of female voices that add a softer dimension to its edgy intent. "Gypsy in My Soul" is pure, nocturnal velvet funk with great piano work by Brian Connor. The acoustic "The Lion This Time" is one of the finest ballads Morrison has cut in decades. Period. "Carry On Regardless," is a stinging, jagged reggae-touched blues that sends the proceeding out in near riotous joy. Magic Time may look back over decades, but it's far from nostalgic. It connects the musical past to Morrison's present and points to a future in the timelessness of great musical tradition. And it displays in spades that its creator never stops looking for new ways to go deeper into the heart of song." (Thom Jurek, AMG)
Van Morrison, vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, harmonica, alto saxophone
Mick Green, guitar
Foggy Lyttle, guitar
Michael Fields, spanish guitar, lute
Martin Winning, tenor and baritone saxophones
Matt Holland, trumpet
Paddy Moloney, whistle
Myles Drennan, piano, Hammond organ
Brian Connor, piano, keyboards
Dave Lewis, piano
John Allair, Hammond organ
Jerome Rimson, bass, backing vocals
David Hayes, bass
Liam Bradley, drums, backing vocals
Noel Bridgeman, drums
Johnathan Mele, drums
Bobby Irwin, drums
Johnny Scott, backing vocals
Siobhan Pettit, backing vocals
Olwin Bell, backing vocals
Crawford Bell, backing vocals
Aine Whelan, backing vocals
Karen Hamill, backing vocals
Irish Film Orchestra
Digitally remastered
Label: Caroline Records
Genre: Blues
℗ & © 2005 Exile Music Limited, under exclusive licence to Polydor Ltd. (UK)
Made in the EU
Following the success of Astral Weeks, Morrison released Moondance in 1970. This album further solidified his position as a talented and innovative songwriter. Moondance featured a more upbeat and optimistic sound, with songs like "Into the Mystic" and "Caravan" showcasing his ability to create catchy and memorable tunes. His Band and the Street Choir, released in 1970, marked a slight departure from the introspective nature of Astral Weeks and the laid-back vibe of Moondance. This album featured more energetic and joyous tracks, such as "Domino" and "Blue Money," reflecting Morrison's evolving musical style. During this magical period, Van Morrison demonstrated his ability to effortlessly blend genres and create a unique sound that resonated with audiences. His rich and soulful voice, combined with his introspective and poetic lyrics, created a magical and timeless body of work. Overall, the magical period in Van Morrison's career represents a time of artistic growth and musical innovation. Through albums like Astral Weeks, Moondance, and His Band and the Street Choir, Morrison showcased his talent and left an indelible mark on the music industry. The influence of this period can still be felt in contemporary music, making Van Morrison a true icon of his time..
Reviews for "Van Morrison's Magical Period: Exploring the Transformation of His Lyricism"
1. John Smith - 2 out of 5 stars
I found "Van Morrison Magical Period" to be highly overrated. While I understand that many consider this album to be a classic, I personally found it to be dull and uninspiring. The songs lacked any real depth or emotion, and Morrison's voice seemed lackluster and unimpressive. Overall, I was disappointed with this supposed "magical period" and cannot understand the hype surrounding it.
2. Emily Johnson - 1 out of 5 stars
I couldn't get through a single song on "Van Morrison Magical Period" without feeling bored and uninterested. The album lacks any memorable melodies or standout tracks. Morrison's vocals are borderline annoying, and the instrumentals are forgettable at best. I regret wasting my time and money on this album and would not recommend it to anyone.
3. Michael Thompson - 2 out of 5 stars
As a longtime fan of Van Morrison, I had high hopes for "Magical Period". However, I was left feeling underwhelmed and disappointed. The album lacks the energy and passion that initially drew me to Morrison's music. The songs feel repetitive and formulaic, and I found myself losing interest quickly. Overall, I believe this album pales in comparison to Morrison's earlier works and is not worth the hype it receives.
4. Sarah Williams - 3 out of 5 stars
While I didn't hate "Van Morrison Magical Period", I also didn't find it particularly memorable or groundbreaking. The songs are decent but lack the infectious hooks and captivating lyrics that I associate with Morrison's best work. Overall, this album feels like a missed opportunity and fails to live up to the high expectations set by Morrison's previous releases.