Brian Auger has always displayed a fiercely independent and single minded approach to his music - and after over 50 years of doing just that, has firmly secured his reputation as an award winning and much loved musical innovator, a jazz piano prodigy, a Swinging 60's London scenester, early jazz fusion protagonist, a 2014 Hammond Organ Hall of Fame Inductee, and recipient of a US Congressional Award For Services to Jazz!
This 4 track sampler pulls together rare and new material from Brian Auger's illustrious career included in the two forthcoming albums; Back To The Beginning - The Brian Auger Anthology and Live In Los Angeles - Brian Auger's Oblivion Express.
Git Up was originally on the 1977 Encore album which reunited Brian and his cohort Julie Driscoll from The Trinity days of the 1960's. A very funky Fender Rhodes piano riff backs Julie's amazing vocal, and then Brian brings in his trademark Hammond sound to stunning effect. This probably should have been released as a single back then, but wasnt - something Freestyle Records is happy to correct in 2015.
Freddie's Flight is an unusual track as Brian is joined by a full horn section - this is dance floor material, as the uptempo groove is infectious - taken from the 2005 self released album 'Looking In The Eye Of The World'.
The final 2 tracks are brand new,live versions of Oblivion Express classics - but taken from the forthcoming Live In Los Angeles' album which features the original Oblivion Express vocalist Alex Ligertwood. Happiness Is Just Around The Bend is a joyful, uplifting soulful funk track - and Inner City Blues, one of Brian's most loved cover versions - the Marvin Gaye composition simply sparkles here. Brian & Alex are a dream team - many years have passed since their first collaborations - but both their respective talents remain utterly undiminished.
Brian Auger is one of the best B3 artists I have ever heard in my life. He is a tremendous talent with a wonderfully warm and compassionate personality, a combination that is hard to beat. He deserves all the accolades - Herbie Hancock
The ferocious energy in Brian Auger's explosive playing is far greater than virtually any other Hammondist dead or alive. He has matured but not mellowed. Focused and visceral, his pioneering style has set a bench mark that few have got anywhere near. - James Taylor The James Taylor Quartet
Brian Auger is up there with the greatest, think about what James Brown gave to funk, Jimmy Smith gave to the soul-jazz sound, then consider what Brian Auger brought to jazz-fusion! Respect! - Perry Louis JazzCotech
Brian Auger is not only responsible for my music education over the the years, encompassing jazz, blues, folk, psychedelia, soul and more in a way that few have managed to, he's also part of that rare breed of musician whose touch and playing you instantly recognise; the mark of a true great - THE REFLEX
One of our great British jazz musicians - Git Up is a cracking track! - Robert Elms BBC LDN 94.9
Classic & deep what more can you ask for? Wicked energy & vibe will definitely be playing on the dancefloor & www.mi-soul.com 7PM-9PM Sundays - Femi Fem mi-soul.com
Top music from a keyboard legend - Kev Beadle Solar Radio
Wow, wow, wow! What can I say about this man?? Superclass!! - Cesare Cera (Black Mighty Wax) Gru Radio
Git Up is the one. Phenomenal funker - Jamie Groovement groovement.co.uk
This is just brilliant. - Tom Lowe RTE Radio - Ireland
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