saint dominic's preview

Van Morrison brought together his myriad mystical, magical, and meditative musical streams of folk, soul, gospel, and blues to create this diverse spiritual collection.

Morrison recalls: "The album was kind of rushed because of studio time and things like that. But I thought it was a good shot, that album. There were a lot of good songs on it. 'Saint Dominic's Preview' was more into where I'm at, more into what I was doing."

It was recorded at Wally Heider Studios, Pacific High Studios, and Columbia Studios in San Francisco and at the Church in San Anselmo. Ted Templeman co-produced the album with Morrison who sang and played acoustic, rhythm, and twelve string guitars. The sessions also included Jules Broussard on tenor saxophone and flute; Bill Church on bass; Gary Mallaber on drums, percussion, and vibraphone; Doug Messenger on electric and acoustic guitars; Mark Naftalin on piano and moog synthesizer; Tom Salisbury on piano and organ; Jack Schroer on alto and baritone saxophones; Leroy Vinnegar on double bass; Rick Shlosser, Lee Charlton, and Connie Kay on drums; Pat O'Hara on trombone; Ron Elliott on acoustic guitar; Mark Jordan on piano; Bernie Krause on moog synthesizer; John McFee on steel guitar; Ronnie Montrose on acoustic guitar and backing vocals; and Janet Planet, Ellen Schroer, and Mark Springer on backing vocals.

'Saint Dominic's Preview' went to number fifteen on the US album charts.








http://www.vanmorrison.com/












'Jackie Wilson Said (I'm in Heaven When You Smile)' peaked at number sixty-one in the US.



'You've Got the Power' was the b-side for 'Jackie Wilson Said'.




'I Will Be There' is a twelve-bar blues.







The eleven minute improvisational opus 'Listen to the Lion' was recorded during the sessions for 'Tupelo Honey'.






'Saint Dominic's Preview' was inspired by an advertisement for a peace vigil at St. Dominic's Church in San Francisco.






'Redwood Tree' is a celebration of nature.





Morrison says 'Almost Independence Day' "was just contemplating organ and the Moog. Everything was recorded live except that one high part on the synthesiser. I asked Bernie Krause to do this thing of China Town and then come in with the high part because I was thinking of dragons and fireworks. It reminded me of that. It was a stream of consciousness trip again."










'Saint Dominic's Preview' 
full album:

All songs written by Van Morrison.

Side one

1. "Jackie Wilson Said (I'm in Heaven When You Smile)" 2:57

2. "Gypsy" 4:36

3. "I Will Be There" 3:01

4. "Listen to the Lion" 11:07

Side two

1. "Saint Dominic's Preview" 6:23

2. "Redwood Tree" 3:03

3. "Almost Independence Day" 10:05