Archives of Oblivion: Brian Auger 85

Brian Auger & The Oblivion Express - Freedom Jazz Dance

I'm taking time out from the ear infection I've developed over the last week -- and the absurd atrocity that would make Voltaire vomit called American "for profit" medicine -- to bring you this milestone birthday.

This guy began in the 1960s first as a session organist (he plays the iconic part on The Yardbirds' For Your Love), and then as the leader of one of the most beguiling English groups, with a full-on chanteuse -- she ended up marrying another keyboard player -- out front casting her spells.

First it was called Steampacket, and then The Trinity.

When the Sixties turned to the Seventies he formed his most enduring group, entitled The Oblivion Express, which as far as I know still occasionally plays.

Perhaps the leading British Fusioneer keyboard player of his time, his music does it all but specializes in the Jazz-Funk and R&B flavors.

Anyways here's this funked up concert that's been circulating from defective, skippy digifiles since the reasonable version of it fell out of the trading circles 20 years ago.

Luckily I had a CDR with the original iteration of it, from back when those were a thing and dinosaurs roamed the Rotary Phone Earth that was covered with red plankton.

Luckily until I listened to it and found out it was likely mixed for FM radio by 100 monkeys with Neve consoles, that is.

Ah, but then that's what the Sound Forge channel converter tool is for, isn't it? It was in dire need of not having the drums in the Bering Strait east of Siberia and the bass in mile high, downtown Denver.

A little stereo reshuffling, a little this, a little that, and now it should be in at least the best shape of its somewhat checkered existence thusfar.

Did I mention it's the pre-broadcast tape? These Ebbets Field shows are many from 50 years ago and I'd sure like to be turned loose in the legendary Ebbets archive of awesome, I know that is right.

Someday, someday... when pigs fly and the first thing they ask you in the Urgent Care office isn't your credit card information, it will happen.

Brian Auger & The Oblivion Express

Ebbets Field

Denver, Colorado USA

4.4.1974

01 introduction

02 Beginning Again

03 Don't Look Away

04 Freedom Jazz Dance

05 Happiness Is Just Around the Bend

06 Maiden Voyage

07 Compared to What/band introductions

08 Second Wind

09 Listen Here

Total time: 1:37:40

disc break goes after Track 06

Brian Auger - keyboards & vocals

Jack Mills - guitar & vocals

Barry Dean - bass & vocals

Alex Ligertwood - vocals & percussion

Steve Ferrone - drums

preFM reels of unknown origin, courtesy of agalli & mr. mags

edited and slightly repaired and remastered -- with channels rebalanced -- by EN, July 2024
402 MB FLAC/direct link

I have to chill for a minute and see what is happening with my ears, so I might be gone for a bit, I don't know. Or I might be able to keep on with the late great Steve Albini on Monday, not sure and I apologize but health comes first, last and always here in Falling Rome.

But never mind my miseries and just enjoy Brian Auger's 85th birthday today, born as he was this day in 1939.... why not? We're all headed for Oblivion anyway, right?--J.