The Esoteric/ Red Cherry is releasing an album on CD that has been in my vinyl collection for a while (although I did discover it relative late despite being a massive found of BRIAN AUGER and his TRINITY). Julie Tippetts was Julie Driscoll back then of course before she married Jazz pianist Keith Tippetts and is still recording.
Being their first album together the seminal double LP “Streetnoise” perhaps expectations weren’t that high. But we needn’t have worried because, although from a different musical era (although not that far removed), “Encore” really delivers on all fronts: Auger’s Hammond B-3 soloing is as hot as ever while Tippetts’ distinctive soul-jazz voice doesn’t quaver (or should that be quiver?)
If you need any more convincing, the choice of material is spot on: Auger’s own danceable ‘Git Up’ and ‘Future Pilot’ hit the spot, while the covers, especially of Al Jarreau’s ‘Lock all the Gates’ (a real highlight), NINA SIMONE’s version of ‘Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood’ and Steve Winwood’s ‘No Time to Live’ are all exemplary – don’t miss it!