BRIAN AUGER AND THE TRINITY – Definitely What! (Strut Reissue) – LP – Vinyl [NOV 7]

LP – Standard Edition Black Vinyl (2025 Strut Reissue). Remastered by Cosmic Audio from the original tapes, and is packaged in Brian’s favourite version of the 3 different sleeves the album was originally issued in.

Recorded during that unique period in the late 60s when jazz, blues and rock musicians found common ground in Londons vibrant subterranean clubs, 1968s Definitely What! was the second of the run of the four ground-breaking Trinity albums. Showcasing Auger‘s open-minded approach and his masterful organ & piano skills, the album whips up a rich blend of jazz, R&B, psychedelic touches and soulful grooves, complemented by the tight, dynamic rhythm section of Dave Ambrose (bass) and Clive Thacker (drums).

After the previous years Open (1967) with its ‘Summer of Love‘ feel and its melting pot of Mod R&B, cover versions of US soul hits led by Julie Driscolls inimitable vocals, Auger considered Definitely What! as his first solo album, and so he travelled deeper into jazz territory, balancing original pieces with audacious covers. Tracks include versions of Mose Allison‘s ‘If You Live‘ and of Wes Montgomerys Bumpin On Sunset. I got a letter from Wes’s wife, recalls Auger, saying that it was Wes’ favourite version. Can you believe that, Wes’s wife wrote to me!

Elsewhere, we find a dramatic re-arrangement of The Beatles A Day In The Life complete with orchestral strings and a punchy horn section, alongside a supercharged version of Booker T & The MGs Red Beans & Rice . ‘George Bruno Money‘ was dedicated to Auger’s drinking pal of the era, Zoot Money, and ‘John Browns Body‘ both combine prime Hammond jazz with the very British surrealist humour that was in vogue at the time. The title track goes further out in a sprawling instrumental piece rooted in experimentation. Brian himself specifically states in his sleeve notes that his concept lies along a straight line drawn between pop and jazz and aims at the ‘fusion’ of both elements – fusion at that time was not even a recognised musical term, further reinforcing Augers credentials as an innovator.

That forward-thinking approach was developed in Open and Definitely What! would come to fruition a year later with the release of Streetnoise (1969) featuring the Trinity and Julie Driscoll. At the time, the move to bring together jazz, rhythm & blues, folk, gospel and pop into a progressive new sound may have annoyed the purists and confused the less open- minded, but these albums stand today as a testament to Augers unique position within British music, foreshadowing his future 1970s explorations with the Oblivion Express and beyond. Definitely What! remains a fascinating snapshot of 1960s musical experimentation – raw, eclectic, and unapologetically Auger!

This new Strut reissue is curated by Impressive Collectives Greg Boraman in partnership with Brian and Karma Auger. The album is remastered by Cosmic Audio from the original tapes, and is packaged in Brian’s favourite version of the 3 different sleeves the album was originally issued in.

Tracklist:

A1. Day In The Life [5:06]
A2. George Bruno Money [3:50]
A3. Far Horizon [5:00]
A4. John Brown’s Body [2:52]

B1. Red Beans And Rice [5:29]
B2. Bumpin’ On Sunset [4:44]
B3. If You Live [3:41]
B4. Definitely What! [7:43]