Brian Auger

Brian Auger's music is the sound of a Hammond B3 organ pushed to its absolute limit, swirling through Leslie speakers with a gritty, percussive intensity. It is a high-energy collision of jazz sophistication and rock power, characterized by driving basslines and complex, syncopated drumming that keeps the listener in a state of constant motion. The atmosphere is undeniably cool, evoking the smoky, electric energy of a late-sixties London club where the boundaries between genres simply dissolved.

What truly distinguishes Auger is his ability to maintain a deep, soulful pocket even while executing dizzying, modal keyboard runs. Unlike many of his prog-leaning contemporaries, his work never loses its connection to the blues or the dancefloor. Whether he is leading the Oblivion Express or collaborating with vocalists like Julie Driscoll, the focus remains on the 'groove' as a living, breathing entity, often punctuated by distorted organ stabs and adventurous harmonic shifts.

Newcomers should dive into the 'Back to the Beginning' anthology to witness his evolution from a jazz purist to a fusion pioneer. It is the perfect entry point for anyone who loves the technicality of progressive rock but craves the rhythmic grit of classic soul and R&B. It is music that demands your full attention while simultaneously making it impossible to stay still.