HAPPINESS HEARTACHES (AS OBLIVION EXPRESS)

Brian Auger definitely is one of my alltime favourite electric piano and organ player. It was about five years ago, I was lucky to see him playing with his band (including Scotsman Alex Ligertwood!) at the tiny venue 'Schiller', situated in my hometown. Well, afterwards, he was having more than 75(!) years in the back at that time, I thought he'd never become (really) old or outdated, never ever. Man, still exciting stuff he was delivering on the stage. This album has been published in 1977, which means more than 40 year ago. The title, well, somewhat contradictive as such in one way, though actually typical life experience, or not? I always had the feeling it's a rather underestimated effort. Every song shows another Brian Auger stamp on it, the keyboard work is simply fantastic. Maybe one reason that I still have the vinyl in charge, purchased in the very early years.

Brian Auger has a prolific crew on his side as the current Oblivion Express. Examplarily the aforementioned Ligertwood, having a singing voice beyond comparison, or Lenny White on the drums, also working with fusion acts like Chick Corea's Return To Forever aso. 'Happiness Heartaches' is another album which constantly accompanied my 'prog career' during recent decades. Roundabout 40 minutes of well made progressive jazz rock/fusion music. Not much later Alex Ligertwood joined the Santana band. I'm inclined to hear his influences on both the crews, that means on this occasion too. In order to highlight a particular song, Spice Island always makes my day when listening to this album. Auger goes prog here in full blow. The composition features different layers and moods, just great. A recommendable album.