Record Reviews

BRIAN AUGER / OBLIVION EXPRESS ~ CLOSER TO IT (EXPANDED EDITION) CASTLE 1101 (Barcode: 5050749411013) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1973 Released: 2005 4th album by Brian AugerFind albums by this artist’s group Oblivion ExpressFind albums by this artist, recorded after his decision to cross the Atlantic and settle in the US. Following this move most of the players in the band left to go back to UK and Auger (with bass player Barry DeanFind albums by this artist, who decided to stay) added three new players: Jack MillsFind albums by this artist on guitar, Godfrey MacleanFind albums by this artist on drums and Lennox LaingtonFind albums by this artist on congas. The album features Auger on vocals (although scarce) in addition to his exceptional keyboard work (organ, electric piano, moog and string machine). Auger contributed most of the wonderful material with just two tunes coming from outside the band (one by Marvin GayeFind albums by this artist). The music is, as usual, a mixture of jazz, rock, Rhythm And Blues and soul with plenty of space for the musicians to express their ability and improvise. Auger’s jazzy keyboard solos are simply remarkable. For the many Auger’s fans this is a most welcome addition to the reissue program as these editions are far superior to the earlier One WayFind albums on this label or DisconformeFind albums on this label editions.

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted:

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

BRIAN AUGER / OBLIVION EXPRESS ~ STRAIGHT AHEAD (EXPANDED EDITION) CASTLE 1102 (Barcode: 5050749411020) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1974 Released: 2005 5th album by Brian AugerFind albums by this artist’s group Oblivion ExpressFind albums by this artist. It features Auger on vocals in addition to his exceptional keyboard work (organ, electric piano, moog and string machine). Bassist Barry DeanFind albums by this artist penned half of the material. Auger contributed only one of his compositions and one jazz standard (Wes MontgomeryFind albums by this artist’s “Bumpin’ On Sunset”) gets a nice treatment. The group includes a drummer and two percussionists, which explains the percussive nature of the arrangements. The music is, as usual, a mixture of Jazz, Rock, Rhythm And Blues and Soul with plenty of space for the musicians to express their ability and improvise. For the many Auger’s fans this is a most welcome addition to the reissue program as these editions are far superior to the earlier One WayFind albums on this label or DisconformeFind albums on this label editions.

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted:

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend