There’s a nice story in Derek Barker’s typically thorough notes about how Morrison’s dad spent considerable time working in Detroit then returned home to Belfast armed with the formidable record collection which proved a formative influence on his son. This would be a time when old blues and soul vinyl was quite scarce on this side of the Atlantic, so parties were thrown and the neighbourhood rocked. This CD comprises some of the soundtrack, starting with Midnight Special by Leadbelly, who Morrison has described as his guru. There are also those he’s sang with (Ray Charles, BB King, John Lee Hooker) or mentioned in lyrics, such as Blind Lemon Jefferson, Muddy Waters (whose Little Walter inspired Van to take up harmonica), Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee (a marvellously haunting version of Sittin’ On Top Of The World. Even Jack Kerouac reading from On The Road.
The compilation wouldn’t be complete without Big Joe Williams’ Baby Please Don’t Go, but there are more unexpected outings from Morrison heroes Louis Armstrong and Charlie Parker, representing his belief that everything he’s done has been fuelled by jazz attitude. Others are simply known influences such as Gene Vincent and Cab Calloway. Put another dime in the jukebox, baby.
