Soft Machine/London, UK 1971

A high quality audience recording of a benefit concert at the Roundhouse on February 7, 1971. Although the sound quality is slightly distorted, it is an ideal sound that matches the band’s tone very well. (Co-stars were Daevid Allen & Friends, Kevin Ayers & The Whole World, Elton Dean Quartet, Symbiosis, Ivor Cutler, and Ralph McTell.) This was just after the completion of “Fourth” released on February 28, so the jazz elements are quite strong, and the members’ improvisational playing that keeps the tension going is truly speechless. (On March 11th, they performed a live show for “In Concert” at BBC as “Soft Machine & Heavy Friends”) The special atmosphere that only this band has permeates the entire album, and the driving band ensemble is overwhelming, with songs such as Teeth, which has a vivid 9/8 beat development, Kings And Queens, which has an impressive band swell with a simple two-chord sound, Fletcher’s Blemish, which has a cool free jazz approach (the very well-balanced and exquisite combination of Rutledge and Hopper is the best), and Virtually, which has an interesting contrast between the sharp duo (unison) of Rutledge and Elton and the improvisation of the rhythm section. Hugh Hopper’s 4-beat bass running, which can be heard everywhere, is also vivid. This is a comprehensive live recording of Soft Machine at their most Soft Machine-like during the period when their jazz-rock connections with Keith Tippett Group, Nucleus, etc. were rapidly expanding! (Only at this wonderful time has the radio recording been officially released) Enjoy the original psychedelic sound world of Canterbury’s finest Soft Machine. Live at the Roundhouse, Camden, London, UK 7th February 1971 TRULY AMAZING SOUND 1. Improv. 2. Facelift 3. Virtually 4. Slightly All The Time 5. Fletcher’s Blemish/Out-Bloody-Rageous 6. Hope For Happiness 7. Eamonn Andrews 8. All White/Kings And Queens/Teeth 9. Pigling Bland 10. 10:30 Returns To The Bedroom/Noisette Mike Ratledge – Keyboards, Piano Robert Wyatt – Drums, Vocals Hugh Hopper – Bass Elton Dean – Saxophones, Piano