3/5 stars — Beautiful stream of music!

I was just aware that Brian Auger added to this site about a week ago and I think I do agree that
his music should be featured here at this comprehensive site. The main reason is that the music of
Brian Auger brings together the beauty of jazz music blended nicely with classic rock using unique
keyboard work by the maestro. I knew the name of Brian Auger when I was childhood through a local
music magazine AKTUIL which dominated music news in my country. But, I only read the news about him
and no idea at all about the kind of music he played because there was no cassette available in my
country on Brian Auger. So, I got nothing to buy. I only got a chance to hear the music of Brian
Auger when local classic rock FM radio M97 (RIP) aired “Freedom Jazz Dance” sometime in 1999. I
phoned the station and got the answer that it’s Brian Auger music. “Yes!” I said to myself that
finally I can get the music of Brian Auger for the first time my friend …. Pity me! That’s the
consequence of living my life in “rest of the world” country. But, never mind .. I still have
classic rock spirit in my mind so I finally got the music of Brian Auger even though I knew the name
when I was teenager. Since then, I kept purchasing the albums of Brain Auger in local CD stores.

“Straight Ahead” is a very good vintage album which I call it as simple as classic jazz rock music.
Why? It’s because the music is blend of classic rock and jazz. Try the opening track “Beginning
Again” (9:22). You will find the nice flow of music with percussion giving textures in its rhythm
section and the music flows beautifully in ambient mood backed with very nice keyboard work. The
vocal quality is also nice. I really enjoy the part where the keyboard provides solo work – it’s so
nice. The next track “Bumpin' On Sunset” (10:51) is an instrumental and more on R&B in the beginning
and it reminds me to the music of another vintage band EL CHICANO. Any of you know El Chicano? This
track has a mellow style with unique keyboard solo which moves gradually into faster tempo and
returns back into mellow style. The third track “Straight Ahead” (5:04) is a very nice song that has
inspired new artists like Jamiroquai or The Leon Haines Band, I believe. The music is more on R&B
style with jazzy keyboard solo by Mr. Auger – it’s so stunning! The percussion still provides its
textures in the rhythm section. “Change” (8:10) starts with guitar rhythm section followed by
percussion and drum, continued nicely with guitar work that accompanies nice vocal line of Brian
Auger. In a way it reminds me also to the music of Santana. “You'll Stay In My Heart” (3:44) starts
with basslines followed with vocal harmonies. The music is typical with previous tracks.

I find full joy in playing the CD of this album by vintage musician because the music flows
beautifully from opening track to end. I highly recommend to those of you who appreciate vintage
sounds and this album by Brian Auger is one of them that I believe you will enjoy it very mush as I
do. All tracks are good and entertaining. Keep on proggin’ ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild – GW



by Gatot


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