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Brian Auger formed The Oblivion Express in 1970 after the demise of his chart topping jazz & R&B combo Julie Driscoll, Brian Auger, and The Trinity. Deciding he would continue to defy creative expectations with his genre bending vision, Auger even based the groups name around this precarious anti-commercial approach; “I decided that I would like to push on and see whether I could develop that music" he recalls, "but maybe I’m headed the quickest way to oblivion!,”

Auger needn't have worried, the bands first slew of albums; the heavy, jazz rock influenced debut 'Oblivion Express,' 1971s laconic, folky 'A Better Land', the proto jazz funk of 'Straight Ahead' released in 1972, all made serious inroads into the United States, which proved to particularly fertile ground for the group.

By 1973, the London born Auger felt his various American influences of jazz, R&B, funk and soul had fermented into his own brand of fusion, and upon listening to the final mixes, was confident he was approaching his original musical mission, hence naming the album Closer To It.

It's predecessor, Straight Ahead had hit the US charts, and awoken RCA Records to the crossover potential of this somewhat undefinable music, who stepped up their game in regards the follow up, which broke out in the Tri State area, where it received major radio and press support and billboard advertising whilst the band were touring. All these factors combined favourably and resulted in Closer To It entering the Billboard Jazz, R&B and Rock charts simultaneously!

For a British multi-racial group composed of fans of African American music, this was both creatively and commercially satisfying. This acceptance of the Oblivion Express’ sound and style also led to the band touring with Herbie Hancock's Head-hunters and Earth Wind & Fire, and Brian receiving a US Congressional Certificate of Special Recognition for his ‘contribution .......
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