Soft Machine - Noisette (1970)

Tracklist

01. Eamonn Andrews
02. Mousetrap
03. Noisette
04. Backwards
05. Mousetrap(reprise)
06. Hibou, Anemone And Bear
07. Moon In June
08. 12/8 Theme
09. Esther's Nose Job
10. We Did It Again

personnel :

Robert Wyatt - Drums, Lead Vocals
Mike Ratledge - Piano, Organ
Hugh Hopper - Bass
Elton Dean - Alto Sax , Saxello
Lyn Dobson - Soprano Sax, Flute, Vocals

Soft Machine is one of the most interesting bands that came out of England in the '60s. From the group's beginnings as a quirky psychedelic-rock band, Soft Machine evolved into one of the most unique and vital ensembles of fusion (known in the late '60s/early '70s as "jazz-rock fusion"). Soft Machine's sound was a synthesis of the hard-bop (Freddie Hubbard), avant-garde (Ornette Coleman, Rahsaan Roland Kirk) and early-electric (Miles Davis) movements in jazz and the dark, unusual textures of (then) forward-looking rock (King Crimson). Keyboardist Mike Ratledge incorporates the feel of both jazz giant Herbie Hancock and minimalist composer Terry Riley; Hugh Hopper's bass is dense, fuzzed-out, and aggressive; saxophonists Lyn Dobson and Elton Dean enthrallingly weave melodic lines both hypnotic and unsettling; and drummer/singer Robert Wyatt thunders throughout in a manner that would make Tony Williams proud. NOISETTE is especially valuable to fans of the group (and contemporary jazz) as it documents the (previously unrecorded) five-member edition of the band. For fans, essential; for the curious, a good introduction.