VAN MORRISON RETURNS TO EMI

THE LIVE RECORDING OF 'ASTRAL WEEKS' FROM THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL TO BE RELEASED WORLDWIDE BY EMI MUSIC IN EARLY 2009 ON MORRISON'S OWN LISTEN TO THE LION RECORDS

December 18, 2008, New York - Multi-award-winning legendary soul singer and songwriter Van Morrison has returned to EMI Music, with a live recording slated for release in early 2009. The album marks the first record to be issued on Morrison's own label, Listen To The Lion Records, which will be distributed worldwide by EMI. The album captures the widely-acclaimed live performance Morrison gave at the venerable Hollywood Bowl in November, which featured a breathtaking recreation of the "Astral Weeks" album.

"I brought these records to EMI because they seem to have people with vision, who have 'ears' and who understand the significance of the complex arrangements and the classic essence of recordings like 'Astral Weeks,'" said Van Morrison. "They're committed to maintaining the integrity of the records I make. That is what it's all about to me."

"Van Morrison is a true living legend, and he continues to inspire artists and fans that span generations and genres," said Nick Gatfield. "We are delighted he is bringing his label to EMI and are very excited to bring his first release to the world."

In his remarkable career, Morrison has become one of the most influential artists in the modern age. His album "Astral Weeks," originally released 40 years ago, was heralded as a groundbreaking work and today is universally regarded as one of the most important albums in popular music history. Timeless music from the soul, "Astral Weeks" is ranked one of the greatest albums of all time by Mojo, Rolling Stone and Britain's The Times.

"EMI has had the good fortune to work with Van over the years, but I am personally excited about this release because I worked with Van back in 1968 on the release of the original 'Astral Weeks' recording" said Ian Ralfini, Senior Vice President, EMI Music. "This particular show at the Bowl was electrifying. For some of us it was a little bit of nostalgia and for others it was a brand new experience. But for everyone it was a great concert and a piece of musical history. We are honored that Van has returned to EMI."

VAN MORRISON AT THE BOWL!

LIVE CONCERT WEBCAST on KCRW.com Van Morrison at the Hollywood Bowl Friday, November 7 at 8pm


This is the first ever international webcast from the Hollywood Bowl and the first time Van Morrison has allowed a live concert broadcast

KCRW.com will make history on Friday, November 7 by providing the first-ever live concert webcast from the Hollywood Bowl, featuring a show by legendary singer Van Morrison. The Santa Monica-based public radio station will broadcast a 45-minute set of timeless classics by the Rock and Roll Hall of famer.

While the KCRW library hosts an extensive catalogue by Van Morrison, this is the first time the station has collaborated with the artist. The show will be presented in conjunction with Listen To The Lion Films & www.vanmorrison.com. They will be recording the second half of the concert for the upcoming release “Astral Weeks Live At The Hollywood Bowl.” His band that night will feature the original musicians, bassist Richard Davis and guitarist Jay Berliner, who played on his classic album Astral Weeks. This is the 40-year anniversary of the album’s release.

Unlike most KCRW-produced content, the show will NOT be archived so viewers will have to tune in on Friday, November 7 at 8pm to catch it live.

“All of the music directors at KCRW have a personal relationship with Van’s music and it has been a thread throughout the history of the station,” said Morning Becomes Eclectic producer Ariana Morgenstern. “KCRW has a long history with both the Hollywood Bowl and this artist so it seemed like a natural fit to bring this concert to the largest audience possible,” said

KCRW recently celebrated the 10-year anniversary of our World Festival at the Hollywood Bowl. It is also the place where this idea was hatched -- Ariana Morgenstern was introduced to concert promoter Bill Silva while watching Radiohead in August and this collaboration was born out of their conversation that night.

Bill Silva Presents has produced over 10,000 events from small clubs to major stadiums all over the world, including such prodigious talents as Simon & Garfunkel, The Police, Madonna, Nirvana, Eric Clapton and Bob Dylan.

Morrison's career, spanning some five decades, has influenced many popular musical artists and he is consistently ranked among the best songwriters of all time. Watch a set of his timeless music from the comfort of your own home and portable player on KCRW.com, Friday, November 7. Find the show at http://www.kcrw.com/vanmorrisonlive. Full screen viewing will be available.