Truth (Live 2015)

The Zoo Crew is grooving to "Truth (Live 2015)" by Brian Auger's Oblivion Express, and this track has some cool vibes with stories to match. Originally from the 1972 album Second Wind, "Truth" was penned by vocalist Alex Ligertwood, who brought a raw, soulful edge to the band’s jazz-rock fusion sound. In a 2015 interview with UK Vibe, Auger shared how Ligertwood, his longtime friend, rejoined the band for the Live in Los Angeles album, which features this very performance. Their chemistry goes way back to the early '70s when Ligertwood’s powerful voice helped shape the band’s direction. A fan on Prog Archives raved about the 2015 live version, calling it a highlight for its fiery organ solos and tight rhythm section, proving the song’s enduring energy. On SoundCloud, listeners have echoed this, noting how the live cut captures the band’s improvisational magic, with Auger’s Hammond B3 stealing the show.

Another tidbit comes from the song’s history. "Truth" was one of the first tracks to showcase Ligertwood’s vocal prowess when he joined Oblivion Express, and its jazz-soul groove drew comparisons to early Santana, especially since Ligertwood later sang with them. A Reddit thread from 2024 mentioned how fans in the '70s loved its blend of rock and jazz, with one user recalling spinning the vinyl at college parties. Auger himself has said in interviews, like one on DMME.net, that the band’s live shows were about pushing boundaries, and this 2015 take of "Truth" reflects that ethos—stretching the song into a dynamic jam that feels fresh decades later. It’s no wonder Zoo Freaks are digging this one; it’s a time capsule of groove and grit.

Now, let’s rewind to how Brian Auger got his start. Born in London in 1939, Auger was a musical prodigy who began tinkering with his family’s player piano at age three. According to his bio on brianauger.com, he was captivated by jazz greats like Duke Ellington and Count Basie, picking up their melodies by ear. Despite his home being bombed during World War II, young Brian kept playing, finding pianos wherever he could. By his teens, he was gigging in London’s vibrant jazz scene, blending swing with emerging R&B sounds. In the early '60s, he won a Melody Maker poll for piano, cementing his rep as a rising star. His big break came in 1965 when he played harpsichord—because no organ was available—on The Yardbirds’ hit "For Your Love." That same year, he formed The Steampacket with Rod Stewart and Julie Driscoll, a supergroup that laid the groundwork for his genre-bending career. By 1970, he launched Oblivion Express, diving headfirst into jazz-rock fusion, a move that defined his legacy as a Hammond B3 innovator.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to connect with Brian Auger’s world, check out his official website for tour dates, music, and merch. You can follow him on Facebook for updates and throwback photos, or catch his posts on Instagram, where he shares snippets of live gigs and studio work. On X, he’s active with fans, posting about new releases and jazz musings. For deeper dives, join the Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express Fan Group on Facebook, where devotees swap rare recordings and concert stories. Another gem is Prog Archives’ Brian Auger page, a fan-driven hub with detailed discographies and reviews. These spots keep the Oblivion Express spirit alive for fans old and new.