Sunday, October 26, 2008

Brian Auger is the KIng of Hammond Organ: Read (and listen) at Your Own Risk

http://www.raw-tcsd.com/auger.fr.1444.jpg

Brian Auger is essential listening for anyone who loves late 60's and early 70's rock and fusion and particularly the Hammond Organ.

He is a pianist and hammond organ player who has done session work and tours with Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Eric Burdon, Rod Stewart, ect.

He is also a highly regarded musician in his own right, starting with his group Steampacket, with none other than the legend Long John Baldry and Rod Stewart.

In 1970 he turned to jazz-rock fusion with Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express, two members of this band would go on to form the Average White Band, which was reformed for a tour in 2006.

The highlight is Oblivion Express’s Second Wind from 1972, pretty incredible if you like your rock mixed in with funk and jazz (abit of a theme on rock revival of late). The highlight is “Freedom Jazz Dance” covered by lots, including Eric Burdon’s War and the Beastie Boys, incredible.

Some references

"Brian Auger is a superb technician on his instrument, but he also plays with feeling that is a rarity. I am looking forward in recording with him in the near future." - Eddie Harris, May 1995

"Brian, Brian man you're crazy!" - Jimmy Smith

"Brian is one of the originators of the high energy Hammond organ style along with Larry Young in the tradition of Jimmy Smith. I remember in the late sixties when Brian and I were in London together our paths crossed at different times both socially and also playing with the likes of Jimi Hendrix and the guys from that great band of Cream. I consider Brian a great friend and musician" - Tony Williams, June 1995

"Mr. Brian Auger is a personal friend and great artist. I have had the opportunity to work with Brian just as a trio, he made his keyboard sound like a big band! He is a composer, arranger, complete keyboard player, a great accompanist. I enjoy playing with Brian, he can really make it happen." Louis Bellson, June 1995

"Those who remain oblivious to the obvious delights of Brian Auger's Oblivion Express do so at their own risk!" - Beastie Boys, June 1995

"When I first heard Brian's album "Definitely What", I could not believe how ahead of it's time it was. A visionary is his own time, with music that still comes over fresh today - and he's still doing it just as great - keep up the good work mate!" - Simon Bartholomew - The Brand New Heavies, June 1995

with Julie Driscoll



....with Eric Burdon



Black Cat - Julie Driscoll Brian Auger & The Trinity

Season of the Witch - Julie Driscoll & Brian Auger

Happiness Is Just Around The Bend - Brian Augers Oblivion Express


1 comment:

meii flynn said...

Great reading yourr blog post