Band: Soft Machine Legacy
Band Website:
Label: Moonjune Records
Label Website: www.moonjune.com
Release Date: 2007
In the progressive rock world we have what have come to be known as the “Big Six”, the first big bands that established the genre, namely Yes, Genesis, Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull, King Crimson and ELP. Just outside of this select group are a host of other very notable bands however and one that was there right from the beginning is Soft Machine. Recently four legendary members of the original band reunited to create Soft Machine Legacy and released a new CD under the same name. The music they make is some of the rockiest ever made by Soft Machine of any formation.
Soft Machine Legacy consists of Elton Dean (saxophone, Fender Rhodes), John Etheridge (guitar), Hugh Hopper (bass), and John Marshall (drums). The four take some old material and mix it up with some new tunes. The compositions fall clearly in the jazz-rock or perhaps fusion field, but what distinguishes them this time around is a distinct rock edge. In addition the four members, matured by time seem more interested in working together within each composition. There is a concerted effort to take each piece and use it to support an almost singular musical direction, rather than riding off in all four directions at once. This is not to say there aren’t many moments of extended soloing or improvisation, there’s lots of that. The music goes from fiery, odd time-signatures into some wonderful rock-themed grooves. The ten tracks here clock out to just about an hours worth of music that displays some great sax, wonderful guitar, and solid rhythm from the bass and drums. Many of the songs in typical fashion are longer, allowing for plenty of sonic dynamics. A piece will incorporate some soft and even delicate passages before moving off into an extended jam, then coming back into a groove before allowing one or more of the instruments to solo in free-form fashion. For Soft Machine Legacy the two worlds of rock and jazz are really linked together and you get plenty of both. Musical passages of minor note dissonance are followed by solid group melody.
As has been the case since their inception, Soft Machine Legacy will not appeal to everyone’s musical tastes. The music is more challenging to get into than much of what’s out there. In this case I think the name says it all. Sadly this was Elton Dean’s last recording. He passed away in February of 2007. So in many respects Soft Machine Legacy is a fitting final tribute to his plentiful talents and musical contribution to this legendary outfit’s musical catalog. The band has since recruited a new member and plan to carry on. Fans of all-things Soft Machine or jazz-rock in particular will have no problems getting into the music here.