2025 pressing of 1973 LP.

Brian Auger formed The Oblivion Express in 1970 after the demise of his chart topping jazz & R&B combo Julie Driscoll, Brian Auger, and The Trinity.

Regarded as his masterpiece, Closer To It features some of Augers' most inventive and beautiful Hammond Organ and Fender Rhodes playing, on tunes that become the defining tracks of his career, especially the anthemic opener Whenever You're Ready, co-written with bass player Barry Dean. Happiness Is Just Around The Bend was later covered by Cuba Gooding Snrs' band The Main Ingredient who had a major hit with their version. Auger also saluted his soul and jazz hero's with his versions of Marvin Gays Inner City Blues and Eddie Harris, Les McCann's classic Compared To What.

With an iconic cover featuring the Oblivion Express train logo designed by Auger's wife Ella. Closer To It remains a highpoint in Auger's recording career.


Fully remastered from the original studio tapes. Mastering Engineer: Bill Smith
Mastering Studio: United Archiving, Los Angeles.

ass Guitar – Barry Dean Congas – Lennox Laington* Design [Oblivion Express Logo] – Ella* Drums, Cowbell – Godfrey MacLean* Engineer [Recording] – Mike Ross* Lead Guitar – Jack Mills Liner Notes – Brian* Organ, Piano, Electric Piano, Synthesizer [Moog], Mellotron, Vocals – Brian Auger Producer, Directed By – Brian Auger

FOR FANS OF:
Herbie Hancock's Head-hunters / The Average White Band / Sly & The Family Stone / Traffic / Jimmy Smith.