They were joined by bassist Richard Davis, guitarist Jay Berliner, percussionist Warren Smith, Jr., and drummer Connie Kay, a quartet of musicians from a jazz background. The trio entered the studio to record Astral Weeks, setting on record the folk-blues sound they had developed in their live performances. Beginning with an electric group performing Them’s hits and blues covers, Van Morrison stripped things down to just himself on acoustic guitar accompanied by upright bassist Tom Kilebania and flautist John Payne. While in dispute with Bang, Van Morrison had been playing small gigs in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Keen to exploit the success of Brown Eyed Girl, Bang had wanted Van Morrison to continue in a similar poppy vein, but the songwriter had other ideas. One of the album’s tracks, Brown Eyed Girl, was released as a single and became a massive hit.įollowing a contract dispute with Bang Records, Van Morrison’s contract was bought out by Warner Bros. The Northern Irish singer/songwriter had recorded eight tracks, believing they would be released as four singles and their b-sides.
Van Morrison’s debut album, 1967’s Blowin’ Your Mind!, was released without his consent. 1968’s Astral Weeks is one of those classic albums that failed to find an audience on its original release but whose reputation grew over the years, with many now considering it Van Morrison’s finest album.
