Closer To It! (original Usa Cover Art)

Brian Auger's Oblivion Express

Brian Auger's contribution to music has been considerable, someone who has demonstrated a rare devotion and dedication and who has always been prepared to make sacrifices for what he believed was right. Today, and perhaps belatedly, he is finally acknowledged as one of the most considerable influences in the development of new musical forms, based upon the fusion of two elements, pop and jazz.

Tracklisting:

1. Whenever You're Ready (Auger/Dean) - 6:22
2. Happiness Is Just Around the Bend (Auger) - 6:34
3. Light on the Path (Auger/Dean/Laington/MacLean/Mills) - 4:56
4. Compared to What (Mcdaniels) - 7:55
5. Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) (Gaye) - 4:34
6. Voices of Other Times (Auger/Dean) - 5:58
+ 4 bonus tracks


Recorded in 1973


AMG Review:
The strongest studio recording by the Oblivion Express, Closer to It is Brian Auger's classic. Featuring his best-known composition, "Happiness is Just Around the Bend," this album soars on the strength of Auger's multiple keyboard attack. Auger himself takes the lead vocal slot for the first time on this recording, and though he relies on multi-tracking to fill out his sound, his vocals fit the music better than former (and later to return) vocalist Alex Ligertwood's did. Side two features covers of jazz classic "Compared to What" and Marvin Gaye's "Inner City Blues," both of which add new depth to the original compositions. Lennox Laington's congas give the music a Santana-type of feel, and the whole album percolates from beginning to end.