Soft Machine Legacy - Soft Machine Legacy (2006) [2014] CD-Rip

Soft Machine Legacy was launched in October 2004 after changing their name from Soft Works by John Etheridge (replacing Allan Holdsworth), Elton Dean, Hugh Hopper, and John Marshall. A coalition of long-time members from different eras of the legendary Soft Machine, coming together for the first time as a unit.
In 2006 came the sad death of Elton Dean, whose place was taken by Theo Travis and when Hugh Hopper sadly passed away after a long illness in 2009, a decision was made to continue with Roy Babbington. The "Legacy" suffix was dropped in 2015 and the group continued as Soft Machine.

A powerful, rock-edged collaboration from the four legendary members of the seminal pioneers of jazz-rock, Soft Machine. The lineup features: the late, great free-jazzer Elton Dean on saxophones and Fender Rhodes; innovative, rock-solid bassist Hugh Hopper; virtuosic, pioneering guitarist John Etheridge, and; the intuitive, forceful drummer John Marshall.

Soft Machine Legacy's first studio album rocks as hard as any of the original group's efforts ever did, but there is still an ever-present magical chemistry at play with this band. Full of fire, energy, great chops and imagination, this "instant classic" self-titled studio debut proves itself to be well worth the wait.

Following on the heels of 2005's Live In Zaandam (SML's debut effort, and initial release for MoonJune Records), this smoking session combines new writing and spirited improvs with a fresh take on some classic Softs material. Soft Machine Legacy demonstrates that "spirit, not a style" is truly Soft Machine's greatest legacy. This is a hard-hitting effort that will not only appeal to fans of the original band, but to anyone who likes their fusion wide open, their jams loose and totally spontaneous, and their jazz combined with potent grooves and fiery energy.

Recorded in September of 2005 at East Cote Studios, London (UK) by Philip Bagenal.-

Tracks:

01. Kite Runner 6:57
02. Ratlift 7:56
03. Twelve Twelve 10:21
04. F & I 2:09
05. Fresh Brew 6:24
06. New Day 3:47
07. Fur Edge 2:50
08. Theta Meter 3:44
09. Grape Hound 6:57
10. Strange Comfort 6:27

Personnel:

ELTON DEAN: saxello, alto sax, Fender Rhodes electric piano
JOHN ETHERIDGE: guitar
HUGH HOPPER: bass guitar
JOHN MARSHALL: drums, percussion