THE SPLENDID BOHEMIANS PRESENT A NEW SERIES: THE SUNNY SIDE OF MY STREET with THE "MIGHTY MEZ" - SONGS TO MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD - EPISODE #7: I WILL BE THERE by VAN MORRISON (WB, 1972)

I WILL BE THERE by VAN MORRISON (Warner Bros., 1972)Van is a serious man. Frivolity is not his usual mode. His musical lexicon is expansive, but through every variety of expression, be it blues, jazz, country, or even skiffle, there is a bred in the bone seriousness of purpose that tells you that this gentleman means business. He can make me cry, dream, bop, stomp and shout, but rarely laugh. I will smile the smile of the awakened occasionally, upon receiving the good news, but a belly laugh…? This one, though, makes me giggle every time, as I listen to Van swinging along the dockside, like Louie Jordan, shuffling to board the cruiser that’ll take him on your spontaneous vacation together. He’s bein’ spontaneous, baby! All he needs is his his toothbrush, his razor, his overcoat and underwear - and, he won’t miss this chance for the world. “I Will Be There” is on the St. Dominic’s Preview album, and come to think of it “Jackie Wilson said: I’m in Heaven When You Smile” on that record is another flaskful of joy juice - two humorous helpings on one platter - what a buffet!