Van Morrison announces 'Accentuate the Positive'

The 19 track album will be available this fall

Van Morrison unveils his 45th studio album, Accentuate the Positive, on CD, 2 LP black vinyl, and 2 LP blue vinyl on Novebmer 3rd via UMG. 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 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 Morrison was intuitively reinterpreting these sounds with his own band in local hometown venues.

Several decades later, Morrison now revisits the genre by reimagining some of his personal favorites for Accentuate the Positive and infusing those timeless songs with an energy that constantly challenges and expands upon its traditions. Morisson’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”.

“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,” Morrison shares of the project.

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.