Van Morrison - A Period of Transition (Remastered) (1977/2020) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

A Period of Transition is the ninth studio album by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison, released in 1977 (see 1977 in music). It was his first album in two-and-a-half years, largely forgotten or overlooked by most casual fans. At the time of its release it was received with some disappointment by critics and fans: "Most were hoping for a work of primeval vocal aggression that would challenge the emerging élite of Morrison pretenders, whose ranks included Bruce Springsteen, Bob Seger, Phil Lynott, Graham Parker and Elvis Costello." However, the album is still notable for several major compositions, including "Heavy Connection", "Flamingos Fly", "The Eternal Kansas City" and "Cold Wind in August".

"Titles rarely come as explicit as A Period of Transition, a record Van Morrison released three years after Veedon Fleece, an uncommonly long period of inactivity for this prolific artist. It was his longest rest, before or since, and in many ways, he emerges from a cocoon here, leaving behind the lushly dark introspection of Veedon Fleece for a mellow, good-natured R&B-flavored singer/songwriter sound that may turn introspective but never feels dark – it's warm, welcoming, infused with spirituality and humor. Still, like any period of transition, this is somewhat tentative and uneven, with its best moments being, at best, minor masterpieces. Yet there's a charm to the album Morrison and co-producer Mac Rebennack have made, a laid-back organic feel that may not be exciting but it's inviting – all the more so when it's seen as the transitional effort it is." (Stephen Thomas Erlewine, AMG)

Tracklist:
01. Piano Sonata No. 7 in D Major, Op. 10 No. 3: I. Presto (6:43)
02. Piano Sonata No. 7 in D Major, Op. 10 No. 3: II. Largo e mesto (9:20)
03. Piano Sonata No. 7 in D Major, Op. 10 No. 3: III. Menuetto. Allegro (2:49)
04. Piano Sonata No. 7 in D Major, Op. 10 No. 3: IV. Rondo. Allegro (3:50)
05. Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13 "Pathétique": I. Grave - Allegro molto e con brio (7:58)
06. Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13 "Pathétique": II. Adagio cantabile (5:31)
07. Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13 "Pathétique": III. Rondo. Allegro (4:44)
08. Piano Sonata No. 9 in E Major, Op. 14 No. 1: I. Allegro (6:12)
09. Piano Sonata No. 9 in E Major, Op. 14 No. 1: II. Allegretto (3:46)
10. Piano Sonata No. 9 in E Major, Op. 14 No. 1: III. Rondo. Allegro comodo (3:17)
11. Piano Sonata No. 10 in G Major, Op. 14 No. 2: I. Allegro (6:20)
12. Piano Sonata No. 10 in G Major, Op. 14 No. 2: II. Andante (5:01)
13. Piano Sonata No. 10 in G Major, Op. 14 No. 2: III. Scherzo. Allegro assai (3:17)

Personnel:
Van Morrison, acoustic and electric guitars, vocals, harmonica
Marlo Henderson, guitar
Jerry Jumonville, tenor and alto saxophones
Joel Peskin, baritone saxophone
Mac Rebennack (Dr. John), piano, electric piano on all tracks, guitar on "It Fills You Up"
Mark Underwood, trumpet
Reggie McBride, bass
Ollie E. Brown, drums, percussion
Robbie Montgomery, backing vocals
Roger Kennerly-Saint, backing vocals
Gregory Wright, backing vocals
Carlena Williams, backing vocals
Paulette Parker, backing vocals
Candy Nash, backing vocals
Toni McVey, backing vocals
Gary Garrett, backing vocals
Joe Powell, backing vocals

Digitally remastered