Van Morrison – Common One

Van Morrison – Common One

Released in 1980, Common One is one of the most ambitious, atmospheric and spiritually searching albums in Van Morrison's extensive catalogue. Moving beyond conventional song structures, the Northern Irish singer-songwriter creates an expansive musical journey that draws together jazz, soul, folk, blues and elements of ambient improvisation. It is a distinctive record that rewards patient listening, capturing Morrison at his most exploratory and introspective.

Recorded over nine days in February 1980 at Super Bear Studios in the south of France, the album was produced by Morrison alongside engineer Henry Lewy. Its rich, spacious arrangements feature an accomplished ensemble of musicians, including saxophonist and musical director Pee Wee Ellis, whose jazz background brings a particularly distinctive character to the performances. Mark Isham contributes trumpet and flugelhorn, while Jef Labes provides evocative string and choir arrangements.

The album opens with 'Haunts Of Ancient Peace', an atmospheric piece that establishes its contemplative mood before moving into the extraordinary 'Summertime In England'. Stretching beyond fifteen minutes, this centrepiece is a remarkable blend of poetic imagery, spiritual reflection and free-flowing musical expression. Morrison's vocal delivery becomes increasingly improvisational, weaving together references to English landscapes, literature, music and the search for a deeper sense of connection.

Elsewhere, 'Satisfied' introduces a more direct, rhythmically engaging soul and jazz groove, while 'Wild Honey' brings a warm melodic quality to the record. 'Spirit' continues the album's uplifting, exploratory character, and the closing 'When Heart Is Open' returns to its more meditative territory, unfolding as an extended musical exploration that brings the album to a quietly absorbing conclusion.

Although Common One divided critics upon its original release, its reputation has grown as one of Morrison's most adventurous artistic statements. Its emphasis on atmosphere, extended improvisation and spiritual expression places it in conversation with the more exploratory jazz and soul recordings of its era, while retaining the unmistakable vocal personality and poetic sensibility that define his best work.

Essential listening for Van Morrison devotees, fans of Astral Weeks, spiritual jazz, expansive singer-songwriter recordings and adventurous early-1980s soul and rock. Common One is a beautifully immersive album that reveals new details with every listen.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Haunts Of Ancient Peace (7:05)

2. Summertime In England (15:30)

3. Satisfied (6:00)

Side B

1. Wild Honey (5:47)

2. Spirit (5:06)

3. When Heart Is Open (15:03)