Fly Away by Tim Saul and Julee Cruise has been on a interesting journey, spanning 15 years (so far).
Originally written and recorded in 2009, the first version appeared on Earthling's third album Insomniacs' Ball in 2010. I found this lovely student video for the song, created by Omer M in 2015.
Julee's passing
in 2022 and the death of his parents the same year during the recording
of his second solo album informed and shaped the music within.
Thresholds, released in 2023, is dedicated to "the continued memory of those loved ones" and includes a reworked version of Fly Away. As Tim writes in the sleeve notes,
"Wow, what a voice!
I was sitting in my Bristol studio, somewhat close
to heaven when I first heard Julee Cruise's vocals on my electronic
waltz
– the music that was to become our collaborative song Fly Away.
The song now appears in an expanded, more spacious & hugely poignant
version,
a year on since Julee's death.
The lyrics take on an even
greater resonance, exploring as they do,
the magnetic pull of longing
& the hope for a sense of peace
hrough the release from suffering.
And listening to Fly Away now, I feel Julee's wonderful spirit
so close
& so very present.
And I hear the voice of an angel & that
wicked laugh once more!"
In March 2024, Fly Away was released as an EP, featuring a radio edit and two remixes by Icelandic music producer and sound artist Karlotta Skagfield. Last month, a further pair of remixes by HAb appeared on You Tube. The former further explores ambient soundscapes, the latter brings the beats back, albeit sympathetically.
The latest (and final?) iteration emerged at the beginning of May, featuring additional remix production by Karlotta Skagfield and further "Ambification" by Tim. As the title suggests, Fly Away (ExtendedAmbientSpa-NoirMix) is fifteen and a half minutes of sheer bliss.
All of the versions are available for purchase via Bandcamp, apart from the HAb remixes which can be found via other digital/streaming providers.
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