1969年に発表された伝説的アルバム。ジャズ、ロック、ソウル、フォークの境界を溶解した前衛的傑作。Julie Driscollの神秘的なヴォーカルとBrian Augerの革新的な演奏が、Richie Havensの「Indian Rope Man」やミュージカル『Hair』のカヴァー「Flesh Failures」など16曲で新次元のサウンドを構築。

1969年に録音された『Streetnoise』は、ジャズ、ロック、フォーク、ソウルが境界を超えて融合した、60年代後期を代表する革新的な作品だ。Brian Auger率いるThe TrinityがR&Bやジャズのルーツを発展させ、Julie Driscollの幻想的なヴォーカルとAugerの先進的な演奏が、前衛的でありながら深いソウルをたたえたサウンドを生み出した。「我々は聴き手の期待を裏切りたかった。どの曲も実験の場だった」とAugerは語る。

ジャケットはRalph Steadmanによるもので、18世紀の画家William Hogarthの風刺画を彷彿とさせるアートワークが、音楽と同様に時代を先取りしていた。これは単なるカヴァーではなく、芸術と社会への挑戦状であり、伝統と革新が交差する音楽性を視覚的に表現している。

『Streetnoise』は多彩なスタイルを織り込んだサウンド・カレイドスコープだ。ジャズとロックの激しい融合を体現したインストゥルメンタル「Ellis Island」や「Finally Found You Out」、Richie Havensのオリジナルをカヴァーした名曲「Indian Rope Man」、ミュージカル『Hair』の終曲を幻想的にアレンジした「Flesh Failures (Let the Sunshine In)」など、全16曲が意欲的に構成されている。Auger自身の作曲による「Tropic Of Capricorn」やピアノ・バラード「Looking In The Eye Of The World」も、彼の多才さを証明する傑作だ。

時代を経ても色あせない創造性で、今なおジャズ、ロック、ソウルの交差点を探求するすべてのリスナーに聴かれるべきアルバム。実験音楽の金字塔として、その評価は年々高まっている。唯一無二のグループが生んだ、唯一無二の名盤。

A1. Tropic of Capricorn
A2. Czechoslovakia
A3. Take Me To The Water
A4. A Word About Colour
B1. Light My Fire
B2. Indian Rope Man
B3. When I Was A Young Girl
B4. Flesh Failures (Let the Sunshine in)
C1. Ellis Island
C2. In Search Of The Sun
C3.. Finally Found You Out
C4. Looking In The Eye Of The World
D1. Vauxhall To Lambeth Bridge
D2. All Blues
D3. I’ve Got Life
D4. Save The Country

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