Personnel: Van Morrison (vocals, guitar); Cliff Richard (vocals); Arty McGlynn (guitar); Neil Drinkwater (accordion, piano, synthesizer); Stan Sultzman (alto saxophone); Alan Barnes (baritone saxophone); Henry Lowther (trumpet); Cliff Hardie (trombone); Georgie Fame (Hammond organ); Clive Culberson, Steve Pearce (bass); Roy Jones, Dave Early (drums, percussion); Katie Kissoon, Carol Kenyon (background vocals).
Recorded at Woodhall Studio, Eden Studio, Olympic Studio, Westside Studio, Townhouse Studio, England.
Van Morrison scored one of his biggest commercial successes with Avalon Sunset, a record highlighted by the gorgeous "Have I Told You Lately," one of his most heartfelt love songs and a major radio hit which helped introduce his music to a new generation of listeners. Not a consistently strong LP, Avalon Sunset is nevertheless the work of a master craftsman, its lush orchestration and atmospheric production casting an irresistibly elegant spell; a deeply spiritual record, it also includes the standout opener, "Whenever God Shines His Light," a collaboration with Cliff Richard. ~ Jason Ankeny
Any one of a dozen Morrison titles could be recommended, so why this one? Maybe a few extra sales were made by having Sir Cliff Richard as co-vocalist on the overtly Christian "Whenever God Shines His Light." The overall themes are the same; the songs have that glorious quality of melancholy and Morrison sings as well as ever. The religion and spiritualism that have become a strong part of his work are here in large doses, yet there is never any hint than he is lecturing his public towards a better way. "Have I Told You Lately" is a a perfect example of how Morrison can move the listener to tears. minimize