Record Reviews

SOFT MACHINE ~ SOFTS ESOTERIC 2202 (Barcode: 5013929730243) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene Recorded: 1976 Released: 2010 By 1974 the legendary Soft Machine switched record labels from CBSFind albums on this label / ColumbiaFind albums on this label (after releasing five magnificent albums on that label) to EMIFind albums on this label´s progressive HarvestFind albums on this label label, on which they would release the band´s last four albums before their epic story would finally come to an end. But the label switch was in fact only an exterior manifestation of the deep changes that the group was experiencing at the time. In retrospect, the four Harvest albums mark a completely new phase in the band´s musical direction, leaving behind the Free Jazz / Improvised Music extremes in favor of more structured and composed music, with strong melodic elements and almost mainstream Jazz-Rock sound. The most significant factor, which brought about the change, was Elton DeanFind albums by this artist´s replacement by oboe, saxophone and piano player Karl JenkinsFind albums by this artist, who also became the most prolific composer of the band´s new material. The second factor was the decision to include a permanent guitarist into the band´s ranks, which was to change the sound significantly from Jazz to Jazz-Rock. This was the second of the Harvest albums, with the Soft Machine lineup comprising of Jenkins, saxophonist Alan WakemanFind albums by this artist, guitarist John EtheridgeFind albums by this artist (who replaced Allan HoldsworthFind albums by this artist), bassist Roy BabbingtonFind albums by this artist and drummer John MarshallFind albums by this artist. The last founding member of Soft Machine, keyboardist Mike RatledgeFind albums by this artist left in the midst of recording of this album and his contribution here are minor. The music is a continuation of the direction set by its predecessor, based upon shorter and beautifully composed melody lines. There is still plenty of improvisation by the players, but it´s much more settled and well organized. In retrospect this is still a very solid album by a great band and an absolute must to all Soft Machine fans.

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend