Brian Auger & Julie Tippetts – Encore, Remastered CD Edition (Esoteric Recordings/Cherry Red Records, 2023)
This superb release is a new remastered edition of the classic 1977 album “Encore” by two highly talented artists from the British jazz and progressive music scene, Brian Auger and Julie Tippetts. Published in 1977, the album marked a momentous reunion between organ maestro Brian Auger, and the remarkably talented vocalist Julie Tippetts (formerly known as Julie Driscoll).
Crafted on American soil, this gracefully elegant recording witnessed the collaborative duo forging an unparalleled artistic landscape. Notably, the duo ingeniously reimagined timeless compositions by renowned wordsmiths such as Jack Bruce, Steve Winwood, and Al Jarreau, in conjunction with Auger’s own finely-crafted originals. The result is a recording with outstanding, expressive vocals and dazzling electric organ solos.
For a significant span of time, “Encore” had remained beyond the grasp of fervent admirers, yet it has now resurfaced, painstakingly remastered for this exclusive Esoteric Recordings edition. In addition, this release is accompanied by an insightful booklet, featuring an eloquent and scholarly essay meticulously writte by Sid Smith.
Brian Auger is an English jazz-rock and rock music keyboardist known for his skill with the Hammond organ. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with various notable artists including Rod Stewart, Tony Williams, Jimi Hendrix, John McLaughlin, Sonny Boy Williamson, and Eric Burdon. Auger’s musical style incorporates elements of jazz, early British pop, R&B, soul music, and rock.
In the 1960s, Auger formed the group The Steampacket with Long John Baldry, Julie Driscoll, Vic Briggs, and Rod Stewart. Although the band didn’t officially release any recordings, promotional tracks were laid down and eventually released as an album in 1970. Auger then teamed up with Driscoll and the band Trinity, recording a cover version of David Ackles’ “Road to Cairo” and Bob Dylan’s “This Wheel’s on Fire,” which became a top-five hit in the UK.
In 1970, Auger established Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express, an influential jazz fusion ensemble. The group featured notable musicians such as Robbie McIntosh, Steve Ferrone, and Jim Mullen.
Julie Driscoll Tippetts is an English singer and actress known for her work in the 1960s. She gained recognition for her versions of songs like “This Wheel’s on Fire” and “Season of the Witch” performed with Brian Auger and the Trinity.
In the 1970s, Driscoll shifted her focus to experimental vocal music and collaborated with her husband, jazz musician Keith Tippett. She participated in various musical projects, including Keith Tippett’s big band Centipede and Robert Wyatt’s concert. She released a solo album titled “Sunset Glow” in 1975 and worked as the lead vocalist on Carla Bley’s album “Tropic Appetites.”
Musicians: Julie Tippetts on lead and harmony vocals; Brian Auger on Hammond organ, Fender Rhodes electric piano, Yamaha Electric grand piano, acoustic bass, acoustic piano, Mini-Moog synthesizer, Arp Pro Soloist synthesizer, Freeman String Symphonizer synthesizer, tambourine, cowbell, percussion, and vocals on ‘Nothing Will Be As It Was.’
Guests: David McDaniels on bass; George Doering on electric guitar and acoustic guitars; Dave Crigger on drums; and Jessica Smith, Julia Waters Tillman, and Maxine Waters Willard on backing vocals.
Buy Encore.