Any time we see something from Brian Auger we are happy. One of our faves here at FleaMarket Funk, this piano prodigy, 60’s Swinging London player, and Hammond Hall of Fame Inductee has been laying down the sound we all dig since we started digging up his records way back when. Freestyle Records puts together a sampler of rare and new material from two forthcoming releases by the man: Back To The Beginning – The Brian Auger Anthology and Live In Los Angeles – Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express that will drop April 27th.

“Git Up”, our favorite track we’ve heard on this sampler, is originally taken from the 1977 Encore record, where Auger was reunited with The Trinity music partner Julie Driscoll. Full of Hammond and Fender Rhodes, this is the Auger we grew to love and play over and over again. There is no mistaking the sound of his playing, and this composition is on repeat as we’re writing this. “Freddie’s Flight” is an upbeat dance floor groover taken from the 2005 effort Looking In The Eye Of The World. Lots of percussion will have you dancing wherever you want. The final two tracks are new, and are taken from the Live In Los Angeles sessions. “Happiness Is Just Around The Bend” is soulful and uplifting, a bright ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. His famous cover of Marvin Gaye’s “Inner City Blues” is also included. It’s just as beautiful as it was when he originally did it. Both tunes see Auger link up with Alex Ligertwood after many years. These guys are a dynamic duo and it’s great to see them playing together again. If you’re new to Auger’s music, then welcome aboard this train ride, it’s a funky one. For those who have been enjoying his tunes for years, you will find some sparkling gems here to hold you over until those two new releases hit the record buying public.

Keep Diggin’!