Van Morrison stands among the most distinctive, acclaimed and enduring artists in modern popular music. Emerging from Belfast in the 1960s as the frontman of Them, he went on to establish himself as one of the most influential singer-songwriters of his generation. Across a career spanning more than six decades, Morrison has produced an extraordinary body of work encompassing rock, folk, jazz, blues, soul and Celtic influences. Among his many accolades are inductions into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
By 1974, Morrison was already responsible for a remarkable catalogue of recordings. Following the commercial and critical success of Moondance (1970), he continued an astonishing creative run that culminated in Veedon Fleece (1974), a deeply introspective work inspired by a return visit to Ireland. Though initially overlooked, the album has since come to be regarded by many admirers and critics as one of his finest achievements, often described as the forgotten masterpiece of his classic period.
Between the release of Hard Nose the Highway (1973) and the arrival of Veedon Fleece, Morrison spent much of the first half of 1974 touring the United States with a formidable band. Captured at Austin's legendary Armadillo World Headquarters on 12 January 1974, the performance presented here stands among the highlights of that run. Blending fan favourites with lesser-heard material, Morrison and his ensemble deliver a masterclass in musical interplay, shifting effortlessly between soulful improvisation, rhythmic intensity and moments of striking intimacy.
1 4 O’Clock In The Morning (Try For Sleep) 5:21
2 Come Running 2:33
3 Moondance 5:56
4 Don’t Look Back 6:01
5 Ain’t Nothin’ You Can Do 3:17
6 Into The Mystic 5:50
7 I Just Want To Make Love To You 4:42
8 Warm Love 2:51
9 Listen To The Lion 8:37
10 I’ve Been Working 5:01
11 Domino 4:37
12 Caravan 10:42
13 Cyprus Avenue 9:30
14 Gloria 3:39
15 The Wild Side Of Life 3:55