Description
It's no shock that Van Morrison has crafted an album inspired by skiffle. His love for skiffle traces back to his childhood, when he'd hang out at the well - known Belfast record store, Atlantic Records. There, he was exposed to early 20th - century folk, blues, and jazz from legends like Lead Belly and Jelly Roll Morton. When he first heard Lonnie Donegan's take on 'Rock Island Line', he instantly grasped the music's essence. Soon after, he was playing with a skiffle band in school. Decades later, on March 10, 2023, Van Morrison revisits his skiffle passion with 'Moving On Skiffle'. He kicks things off by sharing the album's lead single. 'Moving On Skiffle' combines the mid - 1950s homemade skiffle style that swept across Britain with a touch of sophistication and soul. This 23 - track album gets to the heart of the music Van Morrison has loved since he was six, hanging out in the smoky Atlantic Records. It also reflects his life - long philosophy through songs about freedom and self - expression. Van Morrison recalls his school days playing in a skiffle band with guitars, a washboard, and a tea - chest bass. Familiar with Lead Belly's work, he knew right away what Lonnie Donegan was creating with 'Rock Island Line'. This album reinterprets songs from that era. Chas McDevitt’s book is a great resource for skiffle history. Most of the songs are played straight, with some featuring Van Morrison's unique arrangements and lyrical twists. He changes 'Mama Don’t Allow' to 'Gov Don’t Allow', commenting on government interference. 'This Little Light of Mine' becomes the upbeat 'This Loving Light of Mine'. The opening track, 'Freight Train', gets a sophisticated jazz makeover. Other tracks like 'Wish I Was An Apple On A Tree' are full of warmth, and 'Gypsy Davey' remains timeless. Key contributors include Dave Keary on guitars, Pete Hurley on bass, Colin Griffin on drums, and Sticky Wicket on washboard. Seth Lakeman adds fiddle to five songs. Tracklist: Side A: 1. Freight Train 2. Careless Love 3. Sail Away Ladies 4. Streamline Train 5. Take This Hammer Side B: 1. No Other Baby 2. Gypsy Davy 3. This Loving Light Of Mine 4. In The Evening When The Sun Goes Down 5. Yonder Comes A Sucker 6. Travelin’ Blues Side C: 1. Gov Don’t Allow 2. Come On In 3. Streamlined Cannonball 4. Greenback Dollar 5. Oh Lonesome Me 6. I Wish I Was An Apple On A Tree 7. I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry Side D: 1. I’m Movin’ On 2. Cold Cold Heart 3. Worried Man Blues Cotton Fields 4. Green Rocky Road
Using this Van Morrison's Moving On Skiffle vinyl album is easy. First, make sure your record player is clean and in good working condition. Place the vinyl gently on the turntable, center it properly, and then drop the needle onto the start of the desired track. You can enjoy the rich, warm sound of Van Morrison's skiffle music. When handling the vinyl, always hold it by the edges to avoid getting fingerprints on the playing surface, as this can affect the sound quality. After each use, carefully return the vinyl to its sleeve to protect it from dust and scratches. Store the album in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. If you notice any dust on the vinyl, use a carbon - fiber brush to gently remove it before playing. That's it! Just sit back, relax, and let Van Morrison's music transport you.