ATTENTION

This album is non-stop fun, high energy instrumental Hammond B3 music for those of you like that sort of thing. Brian is heavily influenced by the blues-jazz of Jimmy Smith and Jimmy McGriff on this recording, but also infuses some youthful rock energy which makes this album more similar to some of the highly kinetic organ instrumentals that Billy Preston was putting out at about the same time.

Although Brian is not quite in the same league as long-time jazz players like Jimmy Smith, he still does pretty well for a young Brit upstart. Also, his band does a great job of laying down funky swinging grooves and the guitar playing is outstanding. I don't know why most later Auger albums have such mediocre guitarists, its nice to hear him being pushed by someone with comparable chops.

There are a couple of vocal numbers on this record, but they seem like filler compared to the instrumentals. This style of rocking jazz hipster lounge music enjoyed a resurgance of popularity in the early to mid-90s when acid jazz DJs would place cuts like these along side instrumental hip-hop numbers.

This record is not for everyone, but if you enjoy this kind of fun retro music this album is great.

It's been a unique joy listening to vintage music like Brian Auger's "Attention" especially on the sound quality of the record which typically dominated by mid-range sound. And, yes .. this album is definitely a Hammond-driven album where you can find everywhere in the album. There is clearly jazz style of music all over the passages in the album with some tracks are featured with vocal including track sung by Rod Stewart and Julie Driscoll (even though as backing vocals). There are good tracks like "Back At The Chicken Shack" (3:48), "Let's Do It Tonight" and "Holy Smoke".

One thing that I like about this album is the guitar player Gary Boyle whom I knew couple of years after this album. Gary's started his guitar work since 1960's. Gary attended the Leeds College of Music during the 60's and he formed Isotope band and later made an album of his own which I knew : "The Dancer".

Back to Brian Auger "Attention", it's a vintage jazz-rock, Hammond-based music that should favor those of you who like classic rock with some blues or jazz influence.

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW