A Period of Transition

A Period of Transition
Studio album by
ReleasedApril 1977
RecordedAutumn 1976 – early winter 1977
GenreFolk rock, R&B, funk, blues
Length33:50
LabelWarner Bros.
ProducerVan Morrison, Mac Rebennack
Van Morrison chronology
Veedon Fleece
(1974)
A Period of Transition
(1977)
Wavelength
(1978)
Singles from A Period of Transition
  1. "The Eternal Kansas City" b/w "Joyous Sound"
    Released: April 1977
  2. "Joyous Sound" b/w "Mechanical Bliss"
    Released: July 1977

A Period of Transition is the ninth studio album by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison, released in 1977 (see 1977 in music). It was his first album in two-and-a-half years. At the time of its release it was received with some disappointment by critics and fans: "Most were hoping for a work of primeval vocal aggression that would challenge the emerging élite of Morrison pretenders, whose ranks included Bruce Springsteen, Bob Seger, Phil Lynott, Graham Parker and Elvis Costello."[1] However, the album is still notable for several major compositions, including "Heavy Connection", "Flamingos Fly", "The Eternal Kansas City" and "Cold Wind in August".

The album was coproduced by Mac Rebennack, who also played keyboards and guitar; he had appeared with Morrison at the 1976 concert filmed as The Last Waltz.

  1. ^ Rogan. No Surrender, p.309