6. Brian Auger’s Oblivion ExpressBrian Auger’s Oblivion Express
The electric guitar may have driven the 60s beat boom but the organ was never far behind thanks to bands like Procol Harum, the Doors, Soft Machine and Pink Floyd. For me the UK’s best Hammond player is Brian Auger. His wild but melodic soloing prompted me to nag my parents to get me a keyboard. I’m not sure what Brian Auger would’ve made of the Bontempi chord organ from Woolies I unwrapped that Christmas though. The solo duels on this record between Auger and his guitarist Jim Mullen are nothing short of thrilling, employing vast amounts of invention and melody. It’s jazz rock – but always accessible and fun. Brian Auger and his mighty Hammond are still out there gigging.
