Oblivion Express (Vinyl) - By: Brian Auger - Model Number: SBM023LP

Description

Strut Records presents a fresh look at Oblivion Express, the 1971 album that marked Brian Auger™s shift into a new musical frontier. After years spent shaping the sound of British jazz-soul with the Trinity, Auger stepped into the new decade with a leaner, electrified ensemble and a renewed sense of purpose. This record captures the moment that transformation took shape.
Oblivion Express introduced a sound that was distinctly Auger™s own. Rather than echoing the fusion emerging in the United States, Auger developed a language rooted in the UK™s jazz underground, culminating in a spaced out jazzrock / prog-fusion album awash with larger than life drum fills and Auger™s virtuosic organ playing. Between bassist Barry Dean and drummer Robbie McIntosh the album moves effortlessly between tight, articulated phrases and broader, improvisational passages. The trio™s interplay forms the backbone of the album and sets the tone for the sound that would define the early years of the Express.
Album opener Dragon Song launches with a restless drive that immediately signals Auger™s new direction. Auger chose to record this version of John McLaughlin™s piece (his friend and former bandmate in 'The Niddy Griddys') after hearing McLaughlin™s album Devotion during its mix at New York™s Record Plant Studios. Auger was blown away, recalling, Oh my god, this is amazing. I wanted to record that myself - and I did!. Pieces like Total Eclipse demonstrate the Oblivion Express™ command of dynamic contrast, and title track Oblivion Express explores the cinematic and compositional prowess of the group through stripped back, building moments vs. explosive melodic breakdowns. Riff-heavy The Sword later became known through Madlib™s usage in 2014 tracks Yeti Movie and Parodies.
Label
Strut Records

Tracks & Genre

SOUTHBOUND