New Music Releases: Van Morrison, Peter Lemer Quintet, Devin Morrison

Van Morrison – Three Chords And The Truth

Van Morrison returns with his sixth album in just four years, Three Chords And The Truth. Fourteen new original compositions effortlessly encapsulate Van Morrison's sound and talents as one of our generation's most celebrated songwriters. Produced & written by Van Morrison (except If We Wait for Mountains, co-written with Don Black). Features include legendary guitarist Jay Berliner and a duet with The Righteous Brothers' Bill Medley. CD/vinyl available 10/25 via Exile/Caroline International.

Peter Lemer Quintet- Son Of Local Color: Live At Pizza Express Soho 

It's been many years since we last heard from pianist Peter Lemer – the British musician who gave the world a wonderful album on ESP Records in the late 60s, and who finally returns to the fold to share his music again! For the album, which is a 50 year follow-up to the original Local Colour date, Lemer reunites some of his original musicians with a slightly shifted cast – all working with a quality that resonates surprisingly well with the original material, and which may well take some of his group mates back to territory they haven't explored in years! Lemer plays piano – with John Surman on baritone and soprano, Alan Skidmore on tenor, Tony Reeves on bass and Jon Hiseman on drums – on titles that include "Impressions", "Big Dick", "URH", "Cuidad Enahenado", and "Flowville" – plus a version of the Carla Bley classic "Ictus". ~ Dusty Groove

Devin Morrison - Bussin'

A great debut from soul singer Devin Morrison – an artist who brings a strong nod here to mainstream soul of a few decades back – while also opening the door for some great collaborative talents from the underground! Devin wrote and produced the whole set – with an ear that balances hip hop inspiration in the rhythms with warmer soul modes in the lyrics – a bit like that 90s moment when quiet storm found a way to boom on the streets – and given Morrison's skill in the studio, we'll bet we'll be hearing plenty from him in years to come – maybe even at a much higher point in the mainstream soul spectrum. Guests include Joyce Wrice, Daz Dillinger, Lakksmable, Dah-Vi, and KING – and titles include "Be Aiight", "The Call", "It's Time", "With You", "Guaranteed", "The Struggle Iz Real", "Fairytale", "Love Yourself", and the title track "Bussin" – which, incidentally, is Florida slang for "tasty" – and not a reference to the big urban problem of the 70s. ~ Dusty Groove