SOFT MACHINE — The Soft Machine (review)

SOFT MACHINE — The Soft Machine album cover Album · 1968 · Jazz Related Rock Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
snobb
Soft Machine's debut isn't fusion album,but this release is one of cornerstones of later Canterbury scene of psychedelic jazz fusion and progressive rock.Soft Machine's roots are deep in British psychedelic pop of late 60-s: Robert Wyatt was a member of quiet successful Canterbury psychedelic soul/pop band The Wild Flowers, bassist/vocalist Kevin Ayers was one time The Wild Flowers member as well.

Wyatt founded Soft Machine in 1966 with Ayers, keyboardist Mike Ratledge and Australian guitarist Daevid Allen, who left before debut album was released (because of problem with British visa and stayed in France,where he founded successful band Gong).

Debut band's album, recorded without Allen,obviously are influenced by his psychedelic vision and sound.Music there is psychedelic soul/pop of The Wild Flowers reworked under free jazz and psychedelic rock of the time influence. Even if songs are mostly melodic, there are plenty of complex arrangements and compositions' structures,unusual for psychedelic pop/rock of the day. Music is still far not jazz rock, but the most important step is done - the album is one of cornerstones of the territory will be named as Canterbury Scene very soon.Wyatt's singing and drumming are seriously jazz influenced,and of course this still their pre-fusion release (as well as their second album)had build strong basis for their great jazz fusion period,which starts with their classic "Third" album.
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