Van Morrison is one of a handful of truly iconic twentieth century
artists. Along with Bob Dylan, he was one of the first contemporary
lyricists to infuse a serious poetic sensibility into popular music. A
colossal influence on a wide range of fellow musicians, he has been a
singular beacon of artistic integrity, soulful conviction and musical
excellence.
One of the greatest singer/songwriters of all time, Morrison has been
following his muse in an uncompromising way since the early Sixties. He
has explored soul, jazz, blues, rhythm & blues, rock and roll, Celtic
folk, pop balladry and more, forging a distinctive amalgam that has
Morrison's unvarnished passion at its core. He has referred to his music
as "Caledonia soul," reflecting his deep immersion in American roots
music and Ulster-Scots.
This personal selection of what Morrison himself has judged to be his
most important and enduring lyrical work will stand as a landmark public
statement from an otherwise intensely private artist, an intimate and
very intentional view onto what Morrison himself esteems as his creative
contribution.
The introduction by Eamonn Hughes, of Queen's University, Belfast, gives
a career-long overview of the creative influences Morrison has absorbed
and channeled through the years, and the forewords by poet David Meltzer
and novelist Ian Rankin provide an appreciation of the writer's craft
demonstrated in Morrison's evocative, timeless lyrics.
A must for any fan, and a solid introduction to this singular, iconic
talent.
'Tupelo Honey' has always existed and Van Morrison was merely the vessel
and the earthly vehicle for it.-Bob Dylan
I know of no music that is more lucid, feelable, hearable, seeable,
touchable, no music you can experience more intensely than this. Not
just moments, but extended . . . periods of experience which convey the
feel of what films could be: a form or perception which no longer burls
itself blindly on meanings and definitions, but allows the sensuous to
take over and grow . . . where indeed something does become
indescribable.-Wim Wenders, filmmaker
No other Irish poets-writing either in verse or in music--have come
within a Honda's roar of Patrick Kavanagh and Van Morrison--Paul Durcan
Van Morrison, aka Van the Man, is a famous Irish singer, songwriter, and
musician. He began his professional musical career in 1958 and is still
active to this day. He can play guitar, harmonica, saxophone, keyboard,
drums, tamourine, and ukulele. His music genres range from rock to
country to gospel to blues. He has received 6 Grammy Awards and has been
inducted into the Rockand Roll Hall of Fame as well as the Songerwriters
Hall of Fame.
