Kevin Figes and Julie Tippetts - Happy Apples (2024) (Hi-Res)

'Happy Apples’ presents a collection of improvised duo exchanges between legendary free jazz vocalist Julie Tippetts, whose spell-binding vocals intermingle perfectly with saxophonist Kevin Figes’ atmospheric playing. Both musicians supplement the recording with an array of percussive devices, including the quirky tinkling 1970s toy that lends the album its name. The epic opening track “The Third Harmony” sets the mood for the recording as Tippetts displays a dazzling array of vocal techniques throughout, with Figes switching to flute and percussion accompaniment. Other tracks involve strange sounds - a crackling transistor radio, squeaking plastic chicken and toy duck that complement the traditional instruments and Julie’s voice, which is the most powerful and striking of them all.

Julie Tippetts is undoubtedly one of the most inventive and exploratory vocalists working in improvised music. As Julie Driscoll, she helped define the 1960s performing psychedelic soul with Brian Auger. Since the 1970s, she has focused on experimental and improvised music. She performed with various groups led by Keith Tippett (whom she married) and also performed with the Spontaneous Music Ensemble, Robert Wyatt, Carla Bley, Maggie Nichols, Phil Minton and Martin Archer.

Kevin Figes studied with Elton Dean and Tim Garland. In the early 1990s, he moved to Bristol and began a long and fruitful association with Keith Tippett. A supremely versatile musician, he has played everything from funk, Brazilian music, jazz-rock and avant-garde music. lease on Bandcamp! This collection takes you on a journey through our early years, featuring remastered tracks, previously unreleased songs, and never-before-seen photos and artwork, all packaged in a downloadable, beautifully designed digital booklet.
This ultimate album package is rounded off by an exclusive e-book with insights into the early years of ELANE's band history.

PS: If you like to hold something in your hand while listening to music, you can find the limited 3-CD box here on Bandcamp under ‘Merchandising’. But beware - the first edition is strictly limited to 500 copies.

Tracklist
1 The Third Harmony
2 Winter
3 Who’s Got the Bread
4 Gallop to Somewhere
5 Nearly Home
6 Noh Market
7 Fish Basket
8 Snake Ticket
9 Happy Apples
10 Aunty Beryl’s Stockings
11 Static Start
12 Puddle Jumping
13 Dune Dimensions
14 Water Carriage
15 Duck Off