Like this year’s acclaimed ‘Moving On Skiffle’, ‘Accentuate The Positive’ sees Van Morrison returning to one of his childhood passions: this time rock ‘n’ roll. Growing up in Belfast shortly after World War II, he was immensely inspired by the heady sounds of 20th century blues and rock ‘n’ roll. Several decades later, Van Morrison now revisits the genre by reimagining some of his personal favourites for ‘Accentuate The Positive’, and infusing those timeless songs with an energy that constantly challenges and expands upon its traditions.
Growing up in Belfast shortly after World War II, he was immensely inspired by the heady sounds of 20th century blues and rock ‘n’ roll. Listening to artists such as Fats Domino, Chuck Berry and The Everly Brothers, it wasn’t long until Van was intuitively reinterpreting these sounds with his own band in local hometown venues.
For this record, Van Morrison lends his own signature sound to some of his personal favourites for “Accentuate The Positive”, and infusing those timeless songs with an energy that constantly challenges and expands upon its traditions. Van’s inimitable voice combined with superb arrangements and highly accomplished brings a fresh zeal to such great songs as The Johnny Burnette Trio’s, ‘Lonesome Train’, Johnny Kidd & The Pirates’, ‘Shakin’ All Over’ and Big Joe Turner’s pioneering rock ‘n’ roll hit, ‘Flip, Flop and Fly’. “Shakin’ All Over” is actually a song Morrison played decades back
Special guests featured on the album include vocals from Chris Farlowe and electric guitar from the late Jeff Beck on “Lonesome Train” and guitar from Taj Mahal on “Lucille” and “Shake, Rattle & Roll.”
“Rock ‘n’ roll is about simplicity, sincerity and expressive power and there’s no way you can get away from that,” said Van Morrison in a statement. “That’s why it’s good and that’s why it’s lasted.” It’s spirit music.’
Morrison’s re-imagined version of “Problems” is the latest preview of “Accentuate the Positive“, a new album due out soon
The Fat Angel Sings 