Van Morrison's cult classic Astral Weeks is set to be re-released in October, 47 years on from its debut in 1968.
The four unreleased recordings that debut on this deluxe edition highlight the interplay between Morrison and the celebrated quartet that joined him in the studio; bassist Richard Davis, guitarist Jay Berliner, percussionist Warren Smith, Jr., and Modern Jazz Quartet drummer Connie Kay.
These bonus tracks include the first take of Beside You, the full version of Slim Slow Slider and a stripped back version of Madame George, with the vibraphone more foregrounded in the mix.
Van's more mainstream, commercially oriented album Moondance followed Astral Weeks, and its pop smarts brought Morrison his first solo success. Subsequently, Van Morrison, His Band and the Street Choir arrived in November 1970, with songs like Domino, Blue Money and Call Me up in Dreamland.
Warner Bros are also releasing a remastered version of the latter album with five unreleased bonus tracks, including an early take of Give Me Kiss without piano, horns or backing vocals. A funkier, alternate version of I’ve Been Working also features.
