BRIAN AUGER'S OBLIVION EXPRESS Straight Ahead LP

FOR FANS OF: Herbie Hancock's Head-hunters, The Average White Band, Sly & The Family Stone, Traffic, Jimmy Smith

Released in 1974, Straight Ahead saw The Oblivion Express continuing their exploration of jazz fusion, with Steve Ferrone on drums, Barry Dean on bass, Jack Mills on guitar, Lennox Langton on congas. Critically well-received, it hit various Billboard charts simultaneously, the magazine praised the album, stating: the album was "excellent in development and inventiveness".

The opening track, "Beginning Again," sets the tone with its up tempo Latin feel, driven by Langton's congas and Ferrone's dynamic drumming whilst Auger's electric piano work simply shines. "Bumpin' On Sunset," a cover of Wes Montgomery's classic, allows Auger to delve deep into improvisation, moody and atmospheric, it pays homage to the original while adding Auger's unique touch, so much so that Montgomery's widow wrote to Auger some years after the guitarist's sad passing stating that it was Wes' favourite version of the much covered tune.

The title track, "Straight Ahead" brings a funkier vibe to the album and highlights the band's versatility and ability to shift genres effortlessly. "Change," continues this exploration, blending rock elements with jazz improvisation, and Auger's absolute command over the Hammond organ. The album concludes with "You'll Stay In My Heart," a soulful ballad that adds a touch of introspection..

Critics noted the album's smooth fusion of genres. One reviewer described it as "a minor masterpiece of incredibly engaging and melodic keyboard-centric Jazz-Rock Fusion,"  Another review praised the improved rendition of "Bumpin' On Sunset," noting it as "the best reason to own this recording,"

In 2025. Straight Ahead still stands as a testament to Brian Auger's commitment to musical exploration and genre-blending and captures a moment in the 1970s when boundaries between jazz, rock, and funk were being actively challenged and redefined. Straight Ahead remains a significant work in the landscape of jazz fusion and cements Auger's reputation as a trailblazer ahead of his time.

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Fully remastered from the original studio tapes.
Mastering Engineer: Bill Smith
Mastering Studio: United Archiving, Los Angeles.

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Informacje dotyczące bezpieczeństwa i producenta (GPSR)
K7 Music GmbH
Gerichtstr. 35, 13347 Berlin, Germany
GPSR@k7.com

A1 Beginning Again
A2 Bumpin' On Sunset
B1 Straight Ahead
B2 Change
B3 You'll Stay In My Heart