BRIAN AUGER'S OBLIVION EXPRESS

Finally letting go of his slightly staid jazz-fusion past, Brian Auger and his band rip it up on this debut from his Oblivion Express project. 'Dragon Song' breathes fire, Auger leaving no doubt of his credentials on organ, Barry Dean (bass) and Robbie Macintosh (drums) support with confidence and guitarist Jim Mullen adds some beautiful accents. 'Total Eclipse' is a very cool groove, Auger caressing the keys with love and Mullen adding the perfect amount of blues heat, 'The Light' is propulsive and go-gos with 1960s Rhythm 'n Blues, the quartet consistently achieving a good balance as a heavy blues band with jazz underpinnings. 'The Sword' continues down an urban post-Hendrix road and the title cut is terrific, almost symphonic rock fusion with suggestions of Mahavishnu and Miles Davis' proto-fusion masterworks.

Well worth the price of admission and should probably be among the first Brian Auger releases one acquires.