Julie Driscoll, Brian Auger & The Trinity - Streetnoise (2025 Re-Issue)
Brian Auger’s 'Streetnoise', recorded in 1969 with Julie Driscoll and The Trinity, stands as a landmark of late 1960s eclecticism, where the boundaries of jazz, rock, folk, and soul blur into a cohesive, genre-defying masterpiece.
Auger was moving The Trinity on from their R&B, jazz beginnings and for 'Streetnoise', together with Driscoll, delivered a record that channelled their mutually progressive vision. Julie's haunting vocal performances were the perfect counterpoint to Auger’s innovative instrumentation, creating a sound that was both avant-garde yet deeply soulful. “We aimed to challenge expectations, ” Auger recalls. “Every track was a canvas to experiment and push the envelope.”
The album’s gatefold sleeve design, created by Ralph Steadman, inspired by William Hogarth's 18th-century satirical etchings, was as groundbreaking as its music. This was not just a cover, it was a bold statement about art and society, perfectly mirroring the music’s blend of historical reverence and forward-thinking innovation.
Musically, 'Streetnoise' is a kaleidoscope of styles including jazz and R&B, fusion, folk, rock and gospel flourishes. 'Ellis Island', and 'Finally Found You Out' are both intense instrumentals that embody the intense fusion of jazz and rock the group was known for. 'Indian Rope Man' is one of the standout tracks. A cover of Richie Havens' original, that inspired The Charlatans ‘Indian Rope’ and 'All Blues', a bold reinterpretation of Miles Davis’ iconic 'Kind of Blue' masterpiece, on which Driscoll's vocal performance may be the highlight. 'Flesh Failures (Let the Sunshine In)' is a hauntingly beautiful cover of the finale from the musical Hair. Auger's own compositions from the opening instrumental 'Tropic Of Capricorn', to the introspective solo piano and vocal Looking In The Eye Of The World' display Brian's multiple talents.
Celebrated for its fearless creativity across all 16 tracks, the album is testament to Brian Auger and Julie Driscoll’s visionary artistry. It remains a must-listen for anyone exploring the dynamic intersections of jazz, rock, and soul. The album’s reputation has only grown with time, cementing its legacy as a cornerstone of experimental music.
'Streetnoise'; A wholly unique album from an equally unique group
TRACKLISTING
1. Tropic Of Capricorn
2. Czechoslovakia
3. Take Me To The Water
4. A Word About Colour
5. Light My Fire
6. Indian Rope Man
7. When I Was A Young Girl
8. Flesh Failures (Let The Sunshine In)
9. Ellis Island
10. In Search Of The Sun
11.. Finally Found You Out
12. Looking In The Eye Of The World
13. Vauxhall To Lambeth Bridge
14. All Blues
15. I’ve Got Life
16. Save The Country
PRODUCT DETAILS
Artist: Julie Driscoll, Brian Auger & The Trinity
Label: Soul Bank Music
Condition: New
Genre: Jazz & Blues
Format: Vinyl LP
Cat Number: SBM8LP
Released: 14th March 2025
Brian Auger’s 'Streetnoise', recorded in 1969 with Julie Driscoll and The Trinity, stands as a landmark of late 1960s eclecticism, where the boundaries of jazz, rock, folk, and soul blur into a cohesive, genre-defying masterpiece.
Auger was moving The Trinity on from their R&B, jazz beginnings and for 'Streetnoise', together with Driscoll, delivered a record that channelled their mutually progressive vision. Julie's haunting vocal performances were the perfect counterpoint to Auger’s innovative instrumentation, creating a sound that was both avant-garde yet deeply soulful. “We aimed to challenge expectations, ” Auger recalls. “Every track was a canvas to experiment and push the envelope.”
The album’s gatefold sleeve design, created by Ralph Steadman, inspired by William Hogarth's 18th-century satirical etchings, was as groundbreaking as its music. This was not just a cover, it was a bold statement about art and society, perfectly mirroring the music’s blend of historical reverence and forward-thinking innovation.
Musically, 'Streetnoise' is a kaleidoscope of styles including jazz and R&B, fusion, folk, rock and gospel flourishes. 'Ellis Island', and 'Finally Found You Out' are both intense instrumentals that embody the intense fusion of jazz and rock the group was known for. 'Indian Rope Man' is one of the standout tracks. A cover of Richie Havens' original, that inspired The Charlatans ‘Indian Rope’ and 'All Blues', a bold reinterpretation of Miles Davis’ iconic 'Kind of Blue' masterpiece, on which Driscoll's vocal performance may be the highlight. 'Flesh Failures (Let the Sunshine In)' is a hauntingly beautiful cover of the finale from the musical Hair. Auger's own compositions from the opening instrumental 'Tropic Of Capricorn', to the introspective solo piano and vocal Looking In The Eye Of The World' display Brian's multiple talents.
Celebrated for its fearless creativity across all 16 tracks, the album is testament to Brian Auger and Julie Driscoll’s visionary artistry. It remains a must-listen for anyone exploring the dynamic intersections of jazz, rock, and soul. The album’s reputation has only grown with time, cementing its legacy as a cornerstone of experimental music.
'Streetnoise'; A wholly unique album from an equally unique group
TRACKLISTING
1. Tropic Of Capricorn
2. Czechoslovakia
3. Take Me To The Water
4. A Word About Colour
5. Light My Fire
6. Indian Rope Man
7. When I Was A Young Girl
8. Flesh Failures (Let The Sunshine In)
9. Ellis Island
10. In Search Of The Sun
11.. Finally Found You Out
12. Looking In The Eye Of The World
13. Vauxhall To Lambeth Bridge
14. All Blues
15. I’ve Got Life
16. Save The Country
PRODUCT DETAILS
Artist: Julie Driscoll, Brian Auger & The Trinity
Label: Soul Bank Music
Condition: New
Genre: Jazz & Blues
Format: Vinyl LP
Cat Number: SBM8LP
Released: 14th March 2025