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**Van Morrison - His Band and the Street Choir**

Van Morrison has gifted us with some of the most transcendent moments in popular music, from the mystical wanderings of "Astral Weeks" to the joyous celebration of "Moondance." But nestled between these towering achievements lies "His Band and the Street Choir," a fascinating and often overlooked chapter in Van the Man's sprawling catalog that reveals both his restless creative spirit and his occasional tendency to confound expectations.

Released in November 1970, just eight months after the career-defining "Moondance," this album arrived at a pivotal moment in Morrison's trajectory. Fresh off his biggest commercial success, the Belfast-born mystic could have easily cranked out "Moondance Part Two." Instead, he zigged where others might have zagged, delivering a loose, gospel-tinged collection that feels like catching Morrison in his pajamas – intimate, unguarded, and delightfully human.

The album emerged from Morrison's deepening fascination with American roots music and his desire to capture the spontaneous energy of his live performances. Working primarily at A&R Studios in New York, he assembled a crack band featuring guitarist John Platania, bassist David Hayes, and drummer Dahaud Shaar, along with a rotating cast of backing vocalists who provided the "street choir" element that gives the album its communal feel.

Musically, "His Band and the Street Choir" finds Morrison diving headfirst into gospel, R&B, and country influences with the enthusiasm of a kid in a candy store. The production is deliberately loose and lived-in, eschewing the polished sheen of "Moondance" for something that sounds like it was recorded in someone's living room after a particularly good house party. This isn't the cosmic Van Morrison of "Astral Weeks" or the smooth operator of "Moondance" – this is Morrison the music fan, paying homage to the sounds that shaped his soul.

The album's crown jewel is undoubtedly "Domino," a rollicking slice of New Orleans funk that became Morrison's biggest hit since "Brown Eyed Girl." Built around an irresistible groove and featuring some of Van's most exuberant vocals, it's the sound of pure joy translated into vinyl grooves. The song's success proved that Morrison could still craft radio-friendly gems without sacrificing his artistic integrity.

"Blue Money" serves as the album's other standout track, a swaggering blues workout that showcases Morrison's ability to inhabit a groove completely. His vocal performance here is particularly compelling – part preacher, part street corner philosopher, all soul. Meanwhile, "I've Been Working" captures the album's gospel spirit perfectly, with the backing vocalists creating a church-like atmosphere that elevates Morrison's earnest delivery.

The country-influenced "Call Me Up in Dreamland" reveals yet another facet of Morrison's musical personality, while "I'll Be Your Lover, Too" offers a tender moment of vulnerability that recalls the intimate magic of his earlier ballads. Even the album's lesser tracks, like "Virgo Clowns" and "Gypsy Queen," possess a charm that grows with repeated listening.

However, the album's casual approach occasionally works against it. Some tracks feel undercooked, as if Morrison was more interested in capturing a vibe than crafting fully realized songs. The sequencing can feel haphazard, and the production, while atmospheric, sometimes lacks the punch needed to make these songs truly soar.

In the context of Morrison's career, "His Band and the Street Choir" represents a fascinating transitional moment. It bridges the gap between his early masterpieces and the more varied work that would follow throughout the 1970s. While it may not reach the heights of "Astral Weeks" or "Moondance," it reveals Morrison as an artist unafraid to follow his muse wherever it might lead, commercial expectations be damned.

Today, the album stands as a testament to Morrison's restless creativity and his deep connection to American musical traditions. It may not be essential listening for casual fans, but for those willing to dig deeper into Van Morrison's catalog, "His Band and the Street Choir" offers rewards that reveal themselves slowly, like secrets whispered in the dark. In an era of calculated career moves and focus-grouped albums, there's something refreshing about an artist simply following his heart, even when it leads him down unexpected paths.