In and out (Brian Auger and Julie Driscoll) (LP 1089 - 1091)

Brian Auger, Julie Driscoll and The Trinity Open (Vinyl, Polydor Records, 1967) ****

Brian Auger's Oblivion Express Live Oblivion Vol 1 (Vinyl, Polydor Records, 1974) ****

Brian Auger Search Party (Vinyl, Headfirst Records, 1981) *****

Genre: Jazz fusion

Places I remember: Real Groovy Records

Fab, and all the other pimply hyperboles: Isola Natale (Open)

Gear costume: Don't Look Away (Live Oblivion); Planet Earth Calling (Search Party)

Active compensatory factors: Open was the first album uniting Jools and Auge. Kind of. Although Jools gets the front cover (and Brian the back) they each take a side to display their talents. 

Brian's side has a few instrumentals that sound absolutely vital and cooking. It's 1967 remember - the year of Sgt Pepper. In the jazz fusion arena Driscoll, Auger and The Trinity were where it was at maan.

That means experimentation without fear. Driscoll sounds like a veteran and Brian is already a mastermind. Her version of Season of the Witch is definitive!

A remarkable record - it sounds fresh as a daisy!

The Oblivion Express records are all impressive. I particularly like this live one (Vol 2 has eluded me thus far). Alex Ligertwood takes the lead vocals and he's a great fit for this funky jazz fusion outfit.

There is creative space within the arrangements and the band effortlessly lock into a great groove (try Don't Look Away and you'll see what I mean).

Search Party continues the adventure into the eighties in great fashion and more. I think it's a classic. There's only one song with vocals and it's a catchy one. Most of the album then is instrumental, featuring thrusting exploratory progressive jazz rock/fusion at its finest.  

Where do they all belong? I suspect there will be a lot more to come as I've become a completist!