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Rain, rain, rain. Horrendous weather. The traffic on the M1 comes to a grinding halt. Eventually, we arrive at The Stables where
legendary keyboard player Brian Auger is taking bassist Nick Sample and drummer Karma Auger through their paces on the first number of the set.
Famous for his collaborations with the likes of Sonny Boy
Williamson, Long John Baldry and Julie Driscoll to name but a few, Brian Auger is king of the Hammond B3 organ, an evocative aural icon for swinging 60s chic.
More recently, Auger has been the driving force
behind Oblivion Express, a family affair involving son Karma and daughter, vocalist Savannah Grace Auger. The Express plays jazz and blues infused tunes served up with a gorgeous blend of improvisation, soul and
funk.
Set highlights come fast and furious. Savannah takes centre stage for a bluesy rendition of Marvin Gaye’s 1972 US hit ‘Trouble Man’, as re-recorded by the Express on their 2005 CD ‘Looking in
the Eye of the World’.
A track from the first Auger Driscoll Trinity album ‘Open’ (1967) entitled ‘Season of the Witch’ is reworked on that CD and sounds great live here tonight too. ‘Indian Rope
Man’ is classic Auger with its fusion of Hammond power chords, Hendrix-esque harmonics and funky almost Average White vibe.
The second half kicks off in some style with ‘Freedom Jazz Dance’. The
band’s cover of ‘Light My Fire’ is a joy to behold as is Brian’s one-time hit single ‘The Wheel’s on Fire’. After the show, Brian and Karma take time out to meet their fans and sign autographs in the
Stables foyer. Come back soon fellas and play us some more from the Auger back catalogue!
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