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After previewing the November 3rd release of his 45th studio album ‘Accentuate The Positive’ with the singles ‘Shakin’ All Over’ and ‘Problems’, Van Morrison now provides another taste of the record with his take on the Little Richard standard ‘Lucille’, which features a special guest in the shape of the blues legend Taj Mahal. In addition, Van Morrison also confirms two special London album launch shows at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire – tickets for which are now available HERE.

Van Morrison and Taj Mahal reshape ‘Lucille’ in their own vision, their duet uniting their seasoned vintage soul and blues vocals in their first major recorded collaboration together since ‘How Can A Poor Boy?’ from Van Morrison’s 2015 ‘Duets: Re-Working The Catalogue’ album. The original is, of course, one of Little Richard’s most defining songs and an influential moment in the great rock ‘n’ roll songbook.

Listen to ‘Lucille’ – BELOW:

Like this year’s acclaimed ‘Moving On Skiffle’, ‘Accentuate The Positive’ sees Van 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 Johnny Kidd, it wasn’t long until Van was intuitively reinterpreting these sounds with his own band in local hometown venues.

Several decades later, Van Morrison now revisits the genre by reimagining some of his personal favourites for ‘Accentuate The Positive’ and infusing those timeless songs with an energy that constantly challenges and expands upon its traditions. Van’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’spioneering rock ‘n’ roll hit, ‘Flip, Flop and Fly’.

As well as Taj Mahal (who also features on ‘Shake, Rattle and Roll’), the album includes two further guests on ‘Lonesome Train’: the late Jeff Beck on electric guitar and vocals from Chris Farlowe.

In addition to the newly announced O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire gigs, Van Morrison recently announced two other album launch shows at The Limelight in Belfast. The first two dates sold out in record speed, leading to the addition of a third and final night. His upcoming shows are:

NOVEMBER
3rd – Belfast, The Limelight (JUST ADDED)
4th – Belfast, The Limelight (SOLD OUT)
5th – Belfast, The Limelight (SOLD OUT)
27th – London, O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire (JUST ADDED)
28th – London, O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire (JUST ADDED)