Closer To It!
    
REVIEW By Willard Manus

Welcome back, Brian Auger. The British-born keyboard player practically invented jazz/rock fusion back in the early 70s with his band Oblivion Express. Blending fiery Hammond organ playing, back drums and down-and-dirty bass beats, Auger & Co. moved a lot of people put on their dancin' shoes back then, thanks to such hit tunes as Inner City Blues and Compared to What. First recorded by RCA, these and four other Auger classics (plus alternate mixes) have been remastered and reissued by Fuel just in time for Auger's recent tour around the USA (including an appearance at the Baked Potato in L.A. a few months ago).

Auger is a superlative musician, having played with the likes of Herbie Hancock, Ike and Tina Turner, The Crusaders and many others, but he also composes, sings and arranges. It's no wonder then that CLOSER TO IT! has such a unique, irrepresible sound and beat. (www.fuel2000.com)