Record Reviews
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  | FUSION SYNDICATE ~ BEAUTIFUL HORIZON
PURPLE PYRAMID 4685 (Barcode: 889466468520) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2012 - 2023 Released: 2023
This is the third album by the Fusion SyndicateFind albums by this artist, a brainchild of American guitarist / composer / producer Fernando PerdomoFind albums by this artist, who assembled a group of Fusion / Prog superstars to record (mostly) his compositions with various lineups, which change from track to track. The collective lineup includes guitarists John EtheridgeFind albums by this artist and Robby KriegerFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Brian AugerFind albums by this artist, bassists Jah WobbleFind albums by this artist and Alphonso JohnsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Chester ThompsonFind albums by this artist, among others. The album presents seven tracks, all original compositions by Perdomo.
The album also presents three bonus tracks produced and composed by bassist / composer Billy SherwoodFind albums by this artist, which originate from the debut eponymous album by Fusion Syndicate from 2012, which is difficult to find these days. It features such Fusion giants like bassist Percy JonesFind albums by this artist, guitarist Steve MorseFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jim BeardFind albums by this artist, drummer Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist and others. These bonus tracks were newly remastered and with the four bonus tracks added to the “A Speedway On Saturn`s RingsFind albums with this title” album, constitute a reissue of the debut album.
Although featuring excellent musicians, the album has nothing new to offer musically and has no coherent concept per se. There is plenty of excitement and excellent soloing by the participants, as expected, but sadly it confirms the notion that Fusion, following a relatively brief period of creativity and Artistic productivity during the Golden Decade (1965-1975) has been mostly dormant, if not dead since.
Overall, this is a well-played typical Fusion album, which adds nothing new to the genre’s illustrious past, but offers a pleasant listening experience to the genre’s hard to die fans.
| | Updated: 11/12/2023Posted: 11/12/2023 | CD 1 Digipak Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | SOFT MACHINE ~ ALIVE & WELL: RECORDED IN PARIS (EXPANDED EDITION)
ESOTERIC 2234 (Barcode: 5013929733428) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1977 Released: 2010
By 1974 the legendary Soft MachineFind albums by this artist 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 (for the time being).
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, the group´s 1st formal live album, was the third of the Harvest albums, with the Soft Machine lineup comprising of Jenkins, violinist Rick SandersFind albums by this artist, guitarist John EtheridgeFind albums by this artist (who replaced Allan HoldsworthFind albums by this artist), bassist Steve CookFind albums by this artist and drummer John MarshallFind albums by this artist. It was recorded live at the Parisian "Theatre Le Palace, Monmartre". The music includes material from the two previous Harvest albums, as well as previously unrecorded tunes. There is plenty of improvisation by the players, but it´s much more settled and well organized.
Overall, in retrospect this is still a very solid album by a great band and an absolute must to all Soft Machine fans. This expanded edition includes a whole second CD of previously unreleased material recorded at the same concert dates.
| | Updated: 06/07/2024Posted: | CD 2 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | SOFT MACHINE ~ HIDDEN DETAILS
MOONJUNE 093 (Barcode: 692287909321) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2017 Released: 2018
This is the 11th studio album by the iconic British group Soft MachineFind albums by this artist, recorded after a thirty-seven years’ gap since their previous studio album “Land Of CockayneFind albums with this title” from 1981. It is also their first album since the interim Soft Machine LegacyFind albums by this artist name was dropped in order to return the original name. The group comprises of SM veterans: drummer John MarshallFind albums by this artist, guitarist John EtheridgeFind albums by this artist and bassist Roy BabbingtonFind albums by this artist, with saxophonist / keyboardist Theo TravisFind albums by this artist completing the lineup. The album presents thirteen tracks, including new interpretations of older SM pieces, all composed by the group’s members. The album was recorded at the Temple Studio owned by the lamented Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist, and engineered by him.
The music is a natural / organic continuation of the Soft Machine tradition, with a somewhat updated sound and ambiance, but easily recognizable as much as likeable by the groups many fans, who cling to the fond memories. The music of SM was always completely timeless and as such does not need to search for new pastures. It lost perhaps some of its Avant-Garde tendencies, which were dominant at the early days, but gained more melodic and harmonic richness and of course the experience of half a Century of music making, which leaves a significant mark on the music.
Overall, this is a most welcome “comeback” of sorts, although there was a continuous presence of Soft Machine in one way or another during the years, mostly by the numerous reissues of their live recordings, admittedly of varying quality, as well as solo recordings by the band members and various “related” projects. This is a first rate new material, every bit as satisfying as everything the group recorded in the past, different but familiar, exactly what the many fans of the group love to hear.
| | Updated: 30/06/2024Posted: 30/06/2024 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | SOFT MACHINE ~ LIVE AT THE BAKED POTATO
MOONJUNE 102 (Barcode: 692287910228) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2019 Released: 2020
This is the 2nd live album (original, not one of the myriad of archive / bootleg / etc. live releases in circulation) by the iconic British group Soft MachineFind albums by this artist, recorded after a forty-two years’ gap since their debut live album “Alive & Well: Recorded In ParisFind albums with this title” from 1978. It is also their first live album since the interim Soft Machine LegacyFind albums by this artist name was dropped in order to return the original name. The group comprises of SM veterans: drummer John MarshallFind albums by this artist, guitarist John EtheridgeFind albums by this artist and bassist Roy BabbingtonFind albums by this artist, with saxophonist / keyboardist Theo TravisFind albums by this artist completing the lineup. The album presents twelve tracks, which are mostly parallel to the tracks on the “Hidden DetailsFind albums with this title” studio album, recorded a year earlier, all originals by current or former SM members. As usual in such case, these live versions are somewhat more expanded and feature more improvisations and soloing, than the studio versions of the same tunes.
The music is a natural / organic continuation of the Soft Machine tradition, with a somewhat updated sound and ambiance, but easily recognizable as much as likeable by the groups many fans, who cling to the fond memories. The music of SM was always completely timeless and as such does not need to search for new pastures. It lost perhaps some of its Avant-Garde tendencies, which were dominant at the early days, but gained more melodic and harmonic richness and of course the experience of half a Century of music making, which leaves a significant mark on the music.
Overall, this is a most welcome “comeback” of sorts, although there was a continuous presence of Soft Machine in one way or another during the years, mostly by the numerous reissues of their live recordings, admittedly of varying quality, as well as solo recordings by the band members and various “related” projects. The musicianship is absolutely first rate, proving that age is almost meaningless, as far as these brilliant performers are concerned.
| | Updated: 06/07/2024Posted: 06/07/2024 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | SOFT MACHINE ~ OTHER DOORS
MOONJUNE 130 (Barcode: 692287913021) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2022 Released: 2023
This is the 3rd album by the iconic British Jazz / Fusion band Soft MachineFind albums by this artist, following their return to the original moniker in 2015, after dropping the “Legacy” suffix. It follows the 2018 studio album “Hidden DetailsFind albums with this title” and the 2020 live album “Live At The Baked PotatoFind albums with this title”. The lineup includes guitarist John EtheridgeFind albums by this artist, saxophonist / flautist / keyboardist Theo TravisFind albums by this artist, bassist Fred Thelonious BakerFind albums by this artist and drummer John MarshallFind albums by this artist. Bassist Roy BabbingtonFind albums by this artist, who retired from the band by the end of 2021 and was replaced by Baker, guests on two tracks. It is the last album featuring Marshall, who died in 2023 a few months after this album was released and was replaced by Israeli drummer Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist. The album presents thirteen tracks, a mixture of old and new compositions, seven of which were composed or co-composed by Travis and four composed or co-composed by Etheridge.
The music is the usual wonderful amalgam of Jazz and Fusion, based on beautiful melodic themes and brilliantly performed by these exceptional veteran musicians. Despite the fact that there is no attempt to innovate or revolutionize anything, which was the modus operandi of Soft Machine in their early days, the music played here is a synthesis of decades of experience and an attempt to keep the flame ablaze, without looking back.
Overall, this is an amazing piece of music, which should be a lighthouse of inspiration to the dozens of young Fusion bands, who sadly are not getting a right whiff of things. One can depend on these musicians to get it perfectly right, and to inspire and amaze the listener by their talents and acquired experience, continuing the six decades of well earned respect with pride.
| | Updated: 08/06/2024Posted: 08/06/2024 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | SOFT MACHINE ~ RUBBER RIFF
GONZO 020 (Barcode: 5060230860480) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1976 Released: 2010
The collection of tunes composed by Karl JenkinsFind albums by this artist and recorded by the last Soft MachineFind albums by this artist lineup with guitarist John EtheridgeFind albums by this artist, bassist Roy BabbingtonFind albums by this artist and drummer John MarshallFind albums by this artist (Karl´s wife Carol BarrattFind albums by this artist plays keyboards as well) was never intended to be released as an album. It was recorded shortly following the recording sessions of "SoftsFind albums with this title", the band´s 9th album, and presents more or less the same musical patterns, with less space for improvisation or extended solo passages. This music was intended as "library music", a term used for music recorded by many British artists, which was intended to be used later by TV and cinema productions. Many of the most important British composers and musicians used this mechanism as an alternative source of income and in retrospect some truly incredible music was recorded for the vaults of many music libraries. Later on some of these recordings were released as albums, exactly like in the case of this album. In retrospect this album is every bit as strong as the rest of the late Soft Machine recordings. Although usually dismissed by music critics as feeble and even worthless, the truth is that it is quite interesting as much for the compositional aspects as for the excellent performances captured here. Let the critics say what they wish, but any true Soft Machine fan will find this music worthy of their attention and perhaps be quite surprised in case this is the first time he hears this little gem. Definitely worth investigating!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | SOFT MACHINE ~ SEVEN (REMASTERED)
SONY BMG 768729 (Barcode: 828768729229) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1973 Released: 2007
7th album, which was the last recording Soft MachineFind albums by this artist did for CBSFind albums on this label. Following the release of SixFind albums with this title veteran SM member Hugh HopperFind albums by this artist announced his departure from the group. Hopper was not happy with the direction the group was taking, namely the less adventurous and jazz oriented Jazz-Rock, which dominated Six. Being a bold innovator and restless explorer, Hopper’s idea of well-organized and structurally sound music was unacceptable, and he decided to leave. For the third time in a row the band enlisted to their ranks a replacement from the band NucleusFind albums by this artist, this time the bass player Roy BabbingtonFind albums by this artist (who already participated on FourthFind albums with this title and FifthFind albums with this title). He switched from his acoustic bass to a six-string bass guitar and his integration into the band was completely smooth and natural, as he was already familiar with John MarshallFind albums by this artist and Karl JenkinsFind albums by this artist. The music, written mostly by Jenkins and Mike RatledgeFind albums by this artist, is more Jazz-Rock than ever, with rather shorter, but extremely well structured and perfectly executed pieces. The keyboards duets and quirky rhythm patterns are the familiar Jazz-Rock devices used, similar to other groups which played similar music at the time. Contrary to the general opinion, which states that this album is not as strong as the previous SM releases, I personally completely disagree and consider this to be as essential as all the other CBS recordings with some of the best and most memorable SM tunes on it. After this album SM switched to the Harvest label, recording several Jazz-Rock albums featuring guitar players Allan HoldsworthFind albums by this artist and later John EtheridgeFind albums by this artist, all of which are still waiting for proper remaster. Essential!
| | | CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | 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 |
  | SOFT MACHINE LEGACY ~ STEAM
MOONJUNE 016 (Barcode: 692287901622) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 2006 Released: 2007
Following the death of Soft MachineFind albums by this artist veteran member Elton DeanFind albums by this artist, the Soft Machine LegacyFind albums by this artist drafted a younger, but well established British saxophonist Theo TravisFind albums by this artist into their ranks to continue the band´s path and quest to commemorate the original Soft Machine tradition. This, their 3rd album, includes also the band veterans John EtheridgeFind albums by this artist on guitar, Hugh HopperFind albums by this artist on bass and John MarshallFind albums by this artist on drums, playing a mixture of new compositions and older Soft Machine material, freely switching between Jazz-Rock Fusion and freely improvised passages, always with gusto and incredible musicianship. Travis, although in an incredibly tough spot to follow the great Elton Dean legacy (a legacy inside a legacy so to speak) does a fabulous job and fits in as if he was always there, which is of course nothing short of a miracle. There is hardly any need to tell people how good this music is; anybody familiar with these musicians knows that their "no bullshit" attitude has been their motto for years, so just lay back and enjoy! Absolute must for every Soft Machine fan and hopefully an ear opener for the younger generation, less familiar with the veterans.
| | | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
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