Vinyl Vault — Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express, “Reinforcements”

Vinyl Vault features a 1975 album from Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express entitled “Reinforcements” released on the RCA Record label. The Oblivion Express’s most popular album, “Closer To It,” featuring “Happiness is Just Around the Bend,” was released just two years before. The next album, “Straight Ahead,” came out in 1974. Both albums exuded a laid back vibe punctuated by Auger’s dazzling keyboard work. “Reinforcements” marked a change of direction for the band, taking on a funkier, more soulful sound.

The core personnel remained the same through all three albums with Jack Mills on guitar, Lennox Laington on congas, and the leader on organ and electric piano. The rhythm section, however, was new for “Reinforcements” with Clive Chapman, just off a stint with the Jeff Beck Group on bass and Dave Dowle on drums. Rejoining the band was Alex Ligertwood on vocals. Ligertwood had been in the Oblivion Express in the early ‘70s but dropped out for a few albums. All the compositions on “Reinforcements” were originals with nearly every band member contributing.

Join Geoff Anderson for this classic Oblivion Express album on the next Vinyl Vault, this Tuesday at 8:30 on KUVO JAZZ.

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