Brian Auger's Oblivion Express: jazz-fusion reviews, key albums, and Hammond thrills

The Profile

Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express is a British jazz-rock/fusion group formed in 1970 by London-born keyboardist Brian Auger. Known for Hammond B3 fire and Fender Rhodes warmth, the band blended jazz, rock, funk, and soul across acclaimed 1970s albums and continues to perform, with later lineups featuring Auger’s children Savannah (vocals) and Karma (drums).

Formed in 1970 with Robbie McIntosh (drums), Barry Dean (bass), and Jim Mullen (guitar). Classic albums include Oblivion Express (1971), A Better Land (1971), Second Wind (1972), Closer To It! (1973), and Straight Ahead (1974). Signature tracks discussed in reviews include Happiness Is Just Round The Bend and Compared To What. Brian Auger is London-born (1939), a noted Hammond master, and long active live; a DVD documents a concert at Los Angeles’ Baked Potato with Savannah and Karma Auger. Reviews note Auger’s ties to Italy and his 1960s work with Julie Driscoll and the Trinity.

Reviews celebrate Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express for high-energy jazz-rock fusion, Hammond fire, and Rhodes warmth. Key albums include Oblivion Express, Second Wind, A Better Land, and Closer To It!. Writers highlight Auger’s London roots, 1970s innovations, and ongoing live vitality with family members in the lineup. Overall mood: admiring and groove-hungry.

Notable Quotes

❝ Keep a secret: traveling on the Oblivion Express is like indulging in an aerial interrail around the globe.

❝ A musician of astronomical skill, a decisive innovator in the sixties for the pioneering fusion of jazz culture with the epidermic nature of pop and rock, the London-born organist and pianist Brian Auger has been a great point of reference for many even in the seventies.