TROUBADOURS
On his new album, Morrison duets with Bill Medley. Uncut selects five more indispensable vocal collaborations featuring Van The Man
4% PANTOMINE – WITH RICHARD MANUEL CAHOOTS - THE BAND (CAPITOL, 1971)
Morrison and The Band were Woodstock neighbours. This boozy blow-out was written with Robbie Robertson on the morning that it was recorded and nailed in two rowdy takes. “Oh Richard!” roars Van. “I can’t understand, who the Fool is, and who’s the Joker?”
ONE IRISH ROVER – WITH BOB DYLAN ARENA: ONE IRISH ROVER (BBC 2, 1991)
On June 29, 1989, Morrison and Dylan lugged their acoustic guitars up Philopappos Hill in Athens. With the Acropolis as a backdrop, they performed “Foreign Window”, “Crazy Love” and a ragged but touching version of “One Irish Rover”. Check it out on Youtube.
WHENEVER GOD SHINES HIS LIGHT – WITH CLIFF RICHARD AVALON SUNSET (POLYDOR, 1989)
Astonishingly, this is the song that gave Van his first Top 40 UK hit. No classic, it’s a slight but snappy pop-gospel confection, and the contrasting vocal blend works surprisingly well.
SOMETIMES WE CRY – WITH TOM JONES RELOAD - TOM JONES (V2, 1999)
Pals since the ’60s, the Celtic connection is strong as the pair hurl their way through Morrison’s sturdy R&B potboiler. Van in particular rises to the occasion as the pair push each other on.
IF I EVER NEEDED SOMEONE – WITH MAVIS STAPLES DUETS: REWORKING THE CATALOGUE (RCA, 2015)
Originally the closing cut from his 1971 album, His Band And The Street Choir, this stately soul ballad proves a fine fit for Staples’ throaty, earthy gospel testifying.