Auracle - 1978 - Glider

Auracle

1978

Glider

01. Columbian Bubblegum 3:35
02. Tom Thumb 4:20
03. Glider 6:05
04. Sno' Fun 3:39
05. Sleezy Listening 5:32
06. Kid's Stuff 3:54
07. Chez Amis 5:32
08. Sartori 4:16

Steve Kujala: saxophone, flute
Rick Braun: trumpet
Steven Rehbein: vibraphone, percussion, mallet, marimba
Bill Staebell: bass
Ron Wagner: drums
John Serry : keyboards

Recorded at A&M Studios, The Record Plant, Los Angeles, USA

70's US Jazz Fusion band, reputedly based in Los Angeles.Their roots can be found in a similar group named Inner Vision, consisting of bassist Christian Kollgaard, drummer Ron Wagner, keyboardist/pianist John Serry Jr., flutist Steve Kujala, trumpetist Richard Braun and percussionist/vibraphone player Steven A. Rehbein.Inner Vision released a self-titled album in 1975 and they were renamed to Auracle around 1976, when Kollgaard was replaced by newcomer Bill Staebell.They signed with Chrysalis and released their debut ''Glider'' in 1978.

Auracle may sound a bit too lightweight and accesible for the average Jazz Rock and Prog Rock fan, but the main reason for exploring their sound was the band's incredible instrumental flexibility, which resulted to series of tight and confident interplays.With flutes, trumpet, horns, acoustic and electric piano in evidence they performed on the tropical side of Fusion, producing ethereal and dreamy atmospheres, but the density of the compositions, the sudden rhythm and mood changes and the professional level of the involved musicians offer a nice bunch of interesting arrangements, some of them containing hints of orchstral nature and sometimes reminding of compatriots REVERIE.There are sure some Latin-flavored atmospheres with a RETURN TO FOREVER color and the presence of ex-Miles Davis' producer Teo Macero secures the recording quality of the album.Some really hot, jazzy interplays are followed by laid-back interruptions and frequent sinking into more melodic tunes, but everything here is placed and executed properly.I think that some period echoes, from the late-70's production techniques to the commercial vibes, will be a bit annoying for more demanding listeners, but the music is always fiery and satisfying.

A second album followed in 1979, titled ''City slickers'' and featuring Biff Hannon in the place of John Serry Jr., but this is said to be more accesible and even poppy at moments.Stick with ''Glider'' though, which has proven to be a very good record of airy Fusion with lots of cool interplays.Recommended.

The members of Auracle were all youngsters at the time. Richard C. Braun played trumpet and flugelhorn; Stephen Kujala added woodwinds; Steven Rehbein handled mallets and percussion; John Serry, Jr. played piano and electronic keyboards; and the rhythm section consisted of Bill Staebell and Ron Wagner on bass and drums, respectively. No guitars. No vocals. But the music, as one might expect considering the involved producers and studios and label cachet, could fit easily into the burgeoning "smooth jazz" mindset of the era.

rtainly, the eight tracks on Glider were, for the most part, very lively and upbeat, but the virtuoso-level playing and keen compositional skills (Serry contributed four pieces) of the members of Auracle lifted the album several steps above mundane schmaltz. Side two was especially sharp, with the dizzying, Zappa-informed percussion of "Sleezy Listening" and the complex interplay and soloing of "Kids' Stuff" and "Satori" being particular highlights.

This is another "surprise" that turned up during my regular rounds of trolling in the used rekkid bins. Something about the cover said "Check this out!" and Glider has certainly turned out to be a pleasant discovery. A little smooth around the edges, yeah, but extremely advanced in the harmonic sense, and a great-sounding piece of vinyl.