Brian Auger's Oblivion Express

[DudeAsInCool]

This band was hot during the rock/jazz fusion period of the mid-seventies. Great stuff!

BRIAN AUGER'S OBLIVION EXPRESS - Closer To It (Disconforme; EEC) The strongest studio recording by the Oblivion Express, Closer to It! is Brian Auger's classic. Featuring his best-known composition, "Happiness Is Just Around the Bend," this album soars on the strength of Auger's multiple keyboard attack. Auger himself takes the lead vocal slot for the first time on this recording, and though he relies on multi-tracking to fill out his sound, his vocals fit the music better than former (and later to return) vocalist Alex Ligertwood's did. Side two features covers of the jazz classic "Compared to What" and Marvin Gaye's "Inner City Blues," both of which add new depth to the original compositions. Lennox Laington's congas give the music a Santana-type of feel, and the whole album percolates from beginning to end. This 2002 reissue adds alternate mixes of four tracks from the album: "Whenever You're Ready," "Happiness Is Just Around the Bend," "Inner City Blues," and "Voices of Other Times."Ê

BRIAN AUGER'S OBLIVION EXPRESS - Oblivion Express (Disconforme; EEC) Brian Auger Keyboards Vocals, Barry Dean Guitar, Bass, Robbie McIntosh Drums, Jim Mullen Guitar. The first in a series of classic releases by Auger's most famous group, [following the demise of The Trinity with Julie Driscoll

BRIAN AUGER'S OBLIVION EXPRESS - Second Wind (Disconforme; EEC) The centerpiece of this wondrous album is the Eddie Harris, Auger, and Ligertwood composition, "Freedom Jazz Dance," covered by everyone from War to the Beastie Boys. Simply put, this track is the pure embodiment of "groove jazz." With its shimmering opening of elongated chords against a tight, rhythmic shuffle, it leaves room for solos, turnabout melodic improvisations, and a melody that is as serpentine as it is infectious. Second Wind is chunky grooves, wondrously complex instrumental interludes, and inspiring performances, all adding up to a solid, adventurous chapter in Oblivion Express' history.

http://www.downtownmusicgallery.com/Main/C...2004-01-08.html

[KiwiCoromandel]

brian auger..a great artist......check out brian auger and eric burdon " access all areas "

.......nice brass and harp playing and keyboards..and eric burdons vocals of course..

[DudeAsInCool]

Here's a cut, Happiness Is Just Around the Bend, from his 1973 album, 'Closer to It'... I used to play this all the time :) - his keyboard work still holds up nicely today.