Julie Driscoll

This 21-track collection is not the only compilation to showcase the compelling and formidable collaboration between the outrageously talented vocalist Julie Driscoll (now Tippetts) and composer, keyboard ace, bandleader, and Renaissance man Brian Auger of Oblivion Express fame when they played together in the band Trinity. It is, however, the only one on the market that offers Driscoll's earlier and later solo material as the bookends of her time with Auger and for that -- as well as its lovely package and wonderfully remastered sound -- it is more than noteworthy. The story starts in 1967 with Driscoll's first single as a Brit psychedelic soul chanteuse covering Brian Godding's "I Know You Love Me Not" on the A-side and Randy Newman's "If You Should Ever Leave Me" on the flip. Add to this the first-ever recorded singles by Driscoll and Auger's Trinity -- 1968's "Save Me, Pt. 1," the band's first and biggest hit in a cover of Bob Dylan's "This Wheel's On Fire," and this collection's title track, which was the B-side. Sonically, the layered, spooky strings and strolling funky bassline on the Dylan tune make a beautiful pillow for Auger's B-3 and a nice bed for Driscoll's stunning vocals. All the psychedelic treatments on the vocals do not detract from the power in her voice. Next up are six cuts from 1968's Open, most notably the group's awesome cover of Donovan's "Season of the Witch." A not-so-well-known single from later that year, a cover of David Ackles' "Road to Cairo," and the Driscoll/Auger funky soul original "Shadows of You" are also here. Also here are six tracks taken from Streetnoise, the second and last album Trinity recorded with Driscoll, originally issued as a double LP. These cuts focus on the true strengths from that issue, including covers of Richie Havens' "Indian Rope Man," the Nina Simone arrangement of "Take Me to the Water," Driscoll's "A Word About Colour," and a stunning cover of Laura Nyro's "Save the Country." This compilation's final two cuts come from Driscoll's first solo album, entitled 1969, represented by a fine pair of originals, "Walk Down" and "A New Awakening." This is a solid, wonderfully representative offering, with great notes by Clinton Walker. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide