Considering he was a self-taught pianist, Brian Auger's
progress into the heart of the British modern jazz scene of the late ‘50s and
early ‘60s was particularly impressive. He gained invaluable experience the
hard way, paying his dues at The Cottage Club, and the original Ronnie Scott’s
on Gerrard Street, working with renowned saxophonists Tommy Whittle, Dick
Morrisey and Jimmy Skidmore - and sessions in smoky East End pubs with his
friend, arguably Britain's greatest jazz saxophonist Tubby Hayes.
The material featured here include tracks from a selection
of Brian’s musical influences, heroes and friends including 'Chelsea Bridge' by
the great Billy Strayhorn, Freddie Hubbard's ever green 'Little Sunflower', the
much loved standard 'There is No Greater Love' which Brian used to play in his
original early ‘60s piano trio, and his own composition Victor's Delight, a
tribute to the great English Jazz musician Victor Feldman who he first
discovered via his tenure with The Cannonball Adderley Quintet. Surprisingly,
this is Brian's very first jazz piano album of his illustrious and award
winning career, and marks a return to the instrument and the music that first
entranced and enthralled him as a young boy. His musical journey, which began
in austere post war London, and on which he absorbed so many varied styles of
music, and literally took him around the world, enrapturing audiences
worldwide, has indeed come full circle.
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