Listen: Van Morrison Previews New Album ‘Remembering Now’ with “Down To Joy”
Van Morrison has returned to announce Remembering Now, his 46th studio album and first collection of original music since 2022’s What’s It Gonna Take? Set to arrive on June 13, Morrison’s new offering showcases the same rich blend of sonic traditions that he’s advanced for 60 years, coupled with wit and wisdom honed progressively in that time. To preview the set, the legendary singer-songwriter has shared “Down To Joy,” first encountered in Kenneth Branagh’s massively acclaimed 2021 film Belfast.
Remembering Now runs the gamut of the countless styles Morrison has explored throughout his storied career, swirling folk, blues, R&B, jazz, country and more into a fluid and excitingly undefinable expression of his artistic perspective. One shade of that varied palette is on display in “Down To Joy,” a rollicking, high-spirited album opener charged on by warm, whirring organ, and rich call-and-response harmonies that recall his roots in gospel-tinted soul. A tremendous vocal performance and affecting lyrics confirm that all this time has not aged, but advanced Morrison’s music.
Morrison is joined throughout Remembering Now by his trusty quartet of Hammond organist Richard Dunn, pianist Stuart Mcllroy, bassist Pete Hurley and percussionist Colin Griffin, all of whom have supported the singer-songwriter since 2019’s Three Chords and the Truth. Additional backing comes with strings arranged by Fiachra Trench and performed by Fews Ensemble led by Joanne Quigley.
Remembering Now is available for pre-order now. Listen to “Down To Joy” below, and read on for the album’s full tracklist.
Remembering Now – Van Morrison:
1. Down To Joy
2. If It Wasn’t For Ray
3. Haven’t Lost My Sense Of Wonder
4. Love, Lover and Beloved
5. Cutting Corners
6. Back To Writing Love Songs
7. The Only Love I Ever Need Is Yours
8. Once In A Lifetime Feelings
9. Stomping Ground
10. Memories And Visions
11. When The Rains Came
12. Colourblind
13. Remembering Now
14. Stretching Out
