Brian Auger's contribution to music has been considerable, someone who has demonstrated a rare devotion and dedication and who has always been prepared to make sacrifices for what he believed was right. Today, and perhaps belatedly, he is finally acknowledged as one of the most considerable influences in the development of new musical forms, based upon the fusion of two elements, pop and jazz.
This edition includes:
- Original cover art
- Comprehensive booklets
- 24-Bit Digital Remastering
- Meticulous Audio restoration
- Bonus Tracks
Tracklisting:
CD 1
01. Straight Ahead 5:05
02. Happiness Is Just Around the Bend 6:31
03. Foolish Girl 6:02
04. Freedom Jazz Dance 5:20
05. Inner City Blues 4:31
06. Listen Here 9:22
07. Don't Look Away 5:55
08. Oblivion Express 7:45
09. Beginning Again 9:22
10. Dragon Song 4:20
11. A Better Land 5:30
12. Forget Me Not 7:33
CD 2
01. No Time to Live 5:24
02. Future Pilot 7:06
03. Bumpin' in Sunset 10:51
04. Compared to What 7:53
05. Tomorrow City 3:30
06. Maiden Voyage 4:57
07. Pools 6:35
08. All the Time There Is 3:29
09. The Light 4:20
10. Happiness Is Just Around the Bend
[Alt. Take] Previously unreleased Bonus Track 6:31
11. Dont Look Away (Live)
Previously unreleased Bonus Track 16:10
Digitaly remastered in Los Angeles, USA by Chris Minto
Produced by Brian Auger
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Reviews:
"This is a 2 cd anthology of Brian Auger's work from 1968-87. Auger played in many bands during the sixties before forming his own band. He even backed up bluesman Sonny Boy Williamson on trip to England at one time. His organ playing seems to be influenced (almost all organists are) by the great jazz/blues organist Jimmy Smith. His playing is very funky and the music is in sort of a jazz/funk/rock fusion combination. Auger's playing is less bombastic than organists like Keith Emerson and Rick Wakeman. This compilation contains a mixture of both vocal and instrumental tracks. Among the sidemen who appear on this set are vocalist Alex Ligertwood later of Santana, and Robbie McIntosh later of the Average White Band. Highlights include funky covers like "Freedom Jazz Dance", "Inner City Blues", "Listen Here", "Compared To What", "Maiden Voyage", "Bumpin' On Sunset", "Dragon Song", and "No Time To Live". Auger could also write impressive originals like "A Better Land", "Tomorrow City" and others. This set unlike the 2 cd Polydor/Chronicles "The Best Of Brian Auger's Oblivion Express", contains material from that period and earlier material as well. However, I miss a few songs like "Truth", and "Second Wind" which appear on Polydor set only. Fans of jazz fusion or funky organ playing would do well to pick up either one of these sets."
J.E. FELL - Published on Amazon.com
(February, 2012)
"Hi troops and troopettes! I first heard Oblivion Express at the NY Hi-Fi Show in NYC in the early 70's. Hi-Fi means high fidelity for those youngsters who still might know what the means. Basically it means state of the art audio. Talk about sonic booms - this is the best response to the Beatles "Day in the Life" as a listening experience. I saw Brian live at Kenny's Castaways in Manhattan that year and own every recording he has ever made. At his worst, he has more talent than a million other keyboard players. Please check out the samples - you will love it!!"
Robert A. Guthenberg - Published on Amazon.com
(February, 2004)
