12 September 2023 (Toronto, ON) — Van Morrison unveils his 45th studio album, Accentuate the Positive, which is now available to pre-order HERE ahead of its release on November 3rd. This electrifying homage to rock ‘n’ roll is launched alongside its first single, a new take on the Johnny Kidd classic “Shakin’ All Over”.
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. 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.
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. 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”.
Contributors to the album include electric guitar from the late Jeff Beck and vocals from Chris Farlowe on, “Lonesome Train”, plus guitar from Taj Mahal on, “Lucille” and, “Shake, Rattle and Roll”.
Van Morrison says, “Rock ‘n’ roll is about simplicity, sincerity and expressive power and there’s no way you can get away from that. That’s why it’s good and that’s why it’s lasted. It’s spirit music.”
Accentuate The Positive will be released on digital/streaming formats, double-CD, black double-vinyl and blue double-vinyl.
Van Morrison is currently embarking upon a North American tour, which continues this week with a three-night sold-out residency at SF Jazz in San Francisco. Please see HERE for a list of all remaining shows.
Accentuate The Positive tracklist:
- You Are My Sunshine
- When Will I Be Loved
- Two Hound Dogs
- Flip, Flop and Fly
- I Want a Roof Over My Head
- Problems
- Hang Up My Rock And Roll Shoes
- The Shape I’m In
- Accentuate The Positive
- Lonesome Train
- A Shot of Rhythm and Blues
- Shakin’ All Over
- Bye, Bye Johnny
- Red Sails in the Sunset
- Sea of Heartbreak
- Blueberry Hill
- Bonaparte’s Retreat
- Lucille
- Shake, Rattle and Roll
