Customer Reviews

Live at the Baked Potato (CD / DVD)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Although I've been a Brian Auger fan for many years, it was just a few years ago that I saw Brian and the Oblivion Express live in Greeley, Colorado. That show was smokin'. Brian, Karma, and Savannah aren't just great musicians, they are extremely warm, soulful human beings. And Derek? Holy crap! The guy can play. The CD is fantastic, and the DVD is a wonderful intimate portrait of a truly incredible group. If you've ever loved anything Brian has done, just order this RIGHT NOW! You won't regret it.

I'm listening to "Straight Ahead" right now, and just how cool is it to hear Brian's Hammond come tearing in like a growling Cougar about 4:02 minutes into the song, to lead us off into one of his great speedy, yet melodic solos!
But there's plenty more... That superb Rhodes playing of his- although it's actually been beautifully captured on a Korg Synth that's been especially designed for him, with weighted keys, and so forth. Brian plays both, the Hammond and the Korg, giving each it's own personality (B3, plus ultra-cool Fender Rhodes vibe), effortlessly. And there's plenty of great solos, the sound captured quite nicely.
I had heard a bit of Brian's son, Karma, on "Auger Rhythms" (an anthology set I bought a couple of years ago, and thought he was pretty good, but now he's considerably better! If he keeps progressing at this rate, he may enter the same league as a Dennis Chambers, Simon Philips, or a Lenny White, etc. Those are pretty big shoes, I know, but in a few years.... Actually,(for now, and for more inspiration) I think Karma could use another tom or two, perhaps a timbali, to round out his sound a little more.
Derek Frank (the only non-family member of the band) holds things nicely together on bass, and does a very impressive solo towards the end of the night. Savannah, Brian's daughter, is the lead vocalist, and though pretty good, (and at times "very" good), you get the feeling that she just needs to find her own "unique" voice, perhaps in lower registers, perhaps using her diaphragm more, and less from "above" the palate. Towards the end, she opens up occasionally and is very impressive, and like her dad and her brother, I'd like to think will come into her own one day soon. But although Savannah does a good job, I miss hearing Brian's voice on either "Straight Ahead" or "Happiness is Just Around the Bend".
The DVD features the same show, which was performed in a small club, "The Baked Potato", on the occasion of Brian's 66th birthday, and with Herbie Hancock sitting happily in the audience, no less! The DVD features almost twice as many songs as the CD, and captures the joyous vibe of the intimacy between audience and musicians perfectly. The entire project, (CD and DVD) seem to be the work of Karma, and though it appears as though there's a range of different cameras used, some not so great, and one or two very high quality, the difference only seems to add to the spontaneity of the event, in this bright lively, colorful, little club.
Brian is a joy to watch, and Savannah is not hard on the eyes with her (probably unintentional) slightly sexy hip-swaying sort of sixties hippie-ish moves.
All in all, this is a superb show in a generous CD/DVD package, which even features a lengthy,(off the cuff), documentary with Karma interviewing the club-owner, then everyone in the band about every single piece of musical equipment and hardware they're using, including his own kit, the recording gear, software, and on and on. Great stuff!!

An excellent CD/DVD combo for a great price. Brian Auger plays the classics listed with all the verve and fire of a musician auditioning for his first gig--not playing tunes for the millionth time. The DVD actually adds five full musical ventures not included on the CD. "Truth," "Season of the Witch," and "Light My Fire" are among the highlights. Great grooves and energy from one of the neglected masters. Does it surprise anyone that (as captured on the DVD) Herbie Hancock visits to see this extraordinary artist live?

I am a life long musician and first heard Brian Auger in 1969 opening for Led Zepplin. All of his albums are good. I was introduced to Jimmy Smith at an early age and immediately fell in love with the sound of the Hammond B3 organ which produces an amazing percussive click every time you strike the key. Auger is a perfect pathway way for people to expand their knowledge and appreciation of our national heritage of Jazz. Brian rocks, gets funky and his sound and solos are the greatest. His children are on drums and vocals which is the coolest thing. Well recorded live performance. Get this CD and then learn explore Jimmy Smith or vice versa.

Although our Public Radio station plays a variety of blues/rock/r and b/jazz, a few weeks ago was the first time we really listened to Auger and crew. This is a CD/DVD set with some songs on both and some individual to each medium. I guess you need to be an organ fan to fully appreciate this band, but I think that is part of the appeal for us since there aren't that many bands with the organ so highly featured. Hope others enjoy as much as we do.

The cd player could not sense the music disc. Nothing wrong with the player. Placed in another cd player same result. First time purchaser of music. Last time purchaser. Will not go through the hassel of returning this item. Simply find another supply site.

Dr. Gary Milkovich

Does everyone HAVE to have their children play in their band? Van Halen, Greg Kihn, Eddie Money, etc. Brian Auger plays great music, what ever happened to getting old members again? Are they all dead or do Artists think their children are the only musicians who can replicate the original members sound? With that said, I still bought the CD and DVD. Wouldn't miss a chance to see and hear Brian play. And yes, his children are decent musicians. His daughter has a voice suitable to the Jazz-rock sound of Brian. [...]

I wrote a review and it was not published. Go ahead and censor me, you're going to PISS ME OFF