Inspired by “Midnight Blue” by Kenny Burrell (1963).
Hit version by Van Morrison (1970 |US #92 1977).
From the wiki: “‘Moondance’ was written by Van Morrison and first appeared as the title track on his 1970 album Moondance. According to Morrison, the song started as a jazz saxophone instrumental. ‘I used to play this sax number over and over, anytime I picked up my horn,’ he said.
“Inspiration for ‘Moondance’ song could be traced to Kenny Burrell’s 1963 recording, ‘Midnight Blue’. There are a couple of elements that feed this presumption: the bass line, rhythm guitar and even the whole groove of ‘Moondance’ follows Burrell’s instrumental (and, to a lesser degree, Johnny Lytle’s 1966 Jazz recording, ‘Selim’). Morrison did not release ‘Moondance’ as a single until November 1977, seven and a half years after the album was released.
“According to Songfacts.com, Morrison’s liner notes for the Moondance album were written by his girlfriend Janet Planet and, instead of a traditional explanation of the recording process or a list of thank-you’s, the notes are written in the form of a fable: The story of an artist in ancient times who has a great gift but keeps it to himself. When his wife gets sick, he cures her using his gift of song. She then asks, ‘But who will ease your pain, who will save you?'”
Johnny Lytle, “Selim” (1966):
Van Morrison, “Moondance” (1970):