Record Reviews

SOFT MACHINE ~ FOURTH (REMASTERED) SONY BMG 687291 (Barcode: 828768729120) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene Recorded: 1970 Released: 2007 4th album, which finds Soft MachineFind albums by this artist back in the quartet format with Elton DeanFind albums by this artist as the new permanent member. Following the direction set on the previous album, SM moved even further away from their original psychedelic direction into experimental Jazz-Rock, which was groundbreaking and innovative to the extreme and aeons ahead of its time. In similar fashion to the previous album, the band used a horn-section to utilize a much more powerful sound and limitless sonic possibilities, which included the creme de la creme of (then) contemporary and burgeoning young UK jazz scene, including Roy BabingtonFind albums by this artist – acoustic bass, Nick EvansFind albums by this artist – trombone, Mark CharigFind albums by this artist – cornet, Jimmy HastingsFind albums by this artist – saxes and Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist – saxes. This expanded ensemble recorded one of the most beautiful and most sophisticated albums of the era, which is completely timeless and inspiring to this very day. This new direction created some tension (to put it mildly) between the jazz oriented trio and the band’s original drummer Robert WyattFind albums by this artist, which led to Wyatt’s departure from the band by mid-1971 (to start Matching MoleFind albums by this artist), before the next album would be recorded. Therefore this was to be the last SM album to feature his extraordinary drumming skills. This beautiful new remaster finally (for the first time ever) gets rid of the muddy and hollow sound from which this album suffered badly, obscuring much of the music it contained. Absolutely essential! Visitors' Comments Christopher  Brice It´s great to hear this properly at last - I have been listening to it over and over again since I broke the seal last night!

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

SOFT MACHINE ~ FOURTH / FIFTH COLUMBIA 493341 ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene 4th & 5th albums (recorded 1971 & 1972) by this legendary band, which shaped the future of music by transforming from a psychedelic pop to Jazz Rock Fusion and Free Jazz in a matter of just a few short years. Fourth was the last album to feature the founding drummer Robert Wyatt, who was replaced by Phil Howard (a free jazz player) on the next album. The music is vibrant and exciting, flowing freely between composed themes and almost free improvisations, with all band members contributing extended brilliant solos. The emphasis is however on `group improvisation`, which makes the entire band to play in a thelepatic unison, similar to the atmosphere of Miles Davis group on `Bitches Brew`. Absolutely essential!

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend