Exile Productions Ltd Vinilo y CD

Review: New Arrangements & Duets is, says the label, "just a glimpse of the extensive unreleased material we plan to release soon, rather than letting it sit in an archive," featuring the Irish soulful singer-songwriting legend joined by a big band tracks - recorded in 2014 - and duets with Willie Nelson, Kurt Elling, Curtis Stigers and Joss Stone all recorded in 2018-9. With unique versions of tracks that went on to have new arrangements, selected by Chris White and Paul Moran, this is a great addition to the collection for Van Morrison fans.

Review: Van Morrison's 47th full-length arrives as his first album of new material since a run of reinterpretations and cover records. Remembering Now, out via Exile Productions and Virgin, sees the Belfast-born songwriter refocusing on original composition with a sprawling 14-track set that includes 'Down To Joy' - originally heard on the Belfast film soundtrack in 2021 - and new single 'Cutting Corners'. The record spans brass-accented soul, lyrical nostalgia and late-night jazz folk, with arrangements involving long-time collaborators and guests including violinist Seth Lakeman and arranger Fiachra Trench. The legend himself plays guitar, sax and produces throughout, folding a cast of backing vocalists and a full rhythm section into his mix. It's a rare late-career return to the kind of expansive songwriting that first defined his 70s output.