Customer Reviews

Closer to It

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
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My first exposure to Brian Auger was way back when I was a young teen and he did a version of Donovan's 'Season of the Witch', with Julie Driscoll & the Trinity. This would have been late 60's I believe. It became clear at that point that the man was a talented keyboardest & serious musician. The passing of many years has only added credence to my original impressions of Auger. Many talented musicians have passed through his various bands. Brian Auger has also appeared on many more recordings as a sideman. Those of you reading this are likely familiar with his work already. Despite his respected profile, he never did hit the 'big time' in the famous sense of the word. His was more of an underground cult following. Perhaps this is because some of his work is a little uneven. Auger's music, if it must be described, would best fit somewhere under a Jazz/Funk/Soul/Blues catagory. I haven't heard all his material, none the less I would bet that 'Closer To It', with his Oblivian Express band must be his best. The band lays down a mellow funk riff throughout and simply burns from there. I have worn out 2 LP's - the second I used only sparingly, not wishing to wear it out prematurly. Finally 3 or 4 years ago, the recording became available on CD. I could scarcly believe my good fortune. This isn't a popular CD, so you may have to wait for a special order. Don't let that deter you - it's worth the wait, at any cost. Be prepared: by the time you get mid way through playing it, your friends will be asking who that is on your stereo. 5 stars, without hesitation.

Along with Beaver and Krause, Jeff Lorber, and Weather Report "Closer To It" is one of the finest examples of early jazz-fusion. Auger's unique biting Hammond B-3 style was the envy of every serious in-the-know keyboard player I knew at that time. There were guys who would have sold their souls to peek at Brian's stop settings. Funny that he never made it any bigger than he did...

This is more mellow than the first O.E. album,but I like it more. If you want something to put you in a good mood, or to keep a gathering mellow but moving, this will do it! I first got this on vinyl on original release (long time ago) and got it again when it came out on cd. Have never heard anyone say anything bad about it. If you want some feel good music and like Auger, it,s a must!

This album is one of the best jazz/funk LP's ever! Like another reviewer, I wore out several of his albums in the 70's & 80"s. Thankfully it's available on CD now. Auger was and is the idol of all keyboard players from that era. He is truly a god!

A much underappreciated keyboardist, composer, producer who features the electric piano and the mighty Hammond B-3. Inner City Blues, Compared to What, and the original "hit" Happiness is Just Around the Bend (remember the Main Ingredient?). Sounds just as good in '99 as it did in '72. Required listening for Acid Jazz fans.