Closer to It! [EXTRA TRACKS] [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED]

Brian Auger (Artist), Oblivion Express (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 1, 2006)
• Original Release Date: August 1, 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Extra tracks, Original recording remastered
• Label: Varese Fontana
• ASIN: B000GFRJ3A
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #51,672 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Auger Classic!, July 27, 2007

By	Still Bill "studioratt" (los angeles,ca) - See all my reviews

Brian Auger's 1973 release 'Closer To It' was the record that finally introduced him to a U.S. audience and ultimately broke his career open based on the success of the AOR airplay that quickly moved him across the board from the rock charts to jazz and R&B. Barely known outside his home in Great Britain until this release, Auger had performed in a series of highly-talented aggregations(including one that featured mod rocker Rod Stewart); moving gradually from the hip underground European jazz scene into the major league headlights with his most commercial package to date. After a few key personnel shuffles, the band lineup finally solidified with Jack Mills on guitar, bassist Barry Dean and a tightly-knit rhythm section comprised of Godfrey Maclean on drums and Lennox Laington on congas and additional percussion. Multi-talented lead vocalist and musician Alex Ligertwood had been on board for some of Brian's prior works but in this instance; Auger ended up doing yeoman's work on lead vocals himself and his unique style fit perfectly into the 'mix'. Always feeling most comfortable in a working band setting; Auger produced his best sounds here; fronting a driving rhythm section with some beefy Hammond organ and various keyboards coupled with a crack progressive rock guitar/bass frontline. His energetic cover of Marvin Gaye's 'Inner City Blues' still sounds fresh today and the rest of the album virtually set the prototype for today's acid-jazz style with it's eclectic mixture of jazz, rock, funk and hip-bop. The standout track "Happiness Is Just Around The Bend" was eventually covered by American R&B sensations 'The Main Ingredient'; also providing Brian with another chart credit(both acts were, at the time, signed to the RCA label). What's most amazing though; about this record, is that it truly became a major groundbreaking effort at the time when it was originally released - but it almost wasn't released. Marketing departments back then often preferred going in a proven direction as opposed to releasing something more on the cutting edge and frequently tried to dissuade an artist from going forward. But fortunately, the radio programming scene back then was far less compartmentalized than what it is today and this disc benefitted from a more wide-open range of consumer taste in a period of time where predominantly instrumental music wasn't typically viewed(at least, not by record labels)as commercially viable except in strict jazz circles. When the listening audience responded; not only with their ears, but also with their wallets; suddenly the 'suits' began to 'get with it'!! So this record truly 'crossed over' numerous musical boundaries in a way not often seen then, or even now. The sheer energy of these musical performances(most of them were 'live studio takes' as opposed to carefully constructed tracks with complementary overdubs)becomes apparent when listening to the set. It has that 'up-front' feel that is characteristic of zesty, jazz-inspired music yet it's never overbearing; with the musicians all maintaining a tight, cohesive blend. My brother and I listened to this one so often; we ended up going thru two copies on vinyl(and I bought a third copy when we split our record collection some years later - as well as the cassette tape version; which I listened to regularly while on the road during the years I traveled as a sound engineer). Now, we both own it on CD also, and it remains one of our all-time favorites! On a side note - there are currently two versions of the reissued CD available - the one that has the British released liner notes and cover graphics that comes in an expanded version(it has some alternate tracks included) - and a recently re-packaged U.S. version that features the stateside album graphics(with the blue 'express train' cover illustration)and a similar set of alternate tracks. I've checked out both versions and the first six tracks are the same program that the original album was, with a couple of unreleased(but saved)takes and an edited (45 single)version of 'Inner City Blues' tacked on. And for all of you high-fidelity audio performance types - this is one of those albums that just sounds better and better the more you turn up the volume; so be prepared to upgrade your hardware if you haven't already done so - you'll enjoy this the most when it's right 'in your face'!!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A blast from the past, March 27, 2007

By	wds937 - See all my reviews

After trying several times previously to purchase this CD, only to find it sold out, I am glad I finally have it. I remember this well from the 70s (as a vinyl LP), before we used the term "fusion" very extensively to describe music that is a mixture of rock and jazz.

This CD is a good blend of musical forms--primarily rock and jazz, good vocals, with a little R&B thrown in, and then stirred. Enjoy.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Some of the finest music ever made!!, May 16, 2009

By	P. Taubman (PHOENIX, AZ United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Brian Auger is an under-appreciated musical giant and this CD ranks up there with his finest... I've loved this since the album came out and was thrilled to see it on CD a few years ago... I'm wearing out my copy (if that's possible:) A joyous musical event and most highly recommended!!