Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Soft Machine: Switzerland 1974
Soft Machine: Switzerland 1974
ByThe initial pressing of Bundles was one of the most disappointing presentations ever, since the music itself was so damn good. The soundstage was thin and lacked detail, but the audio characteristics of this live recording are surprisingly better than adequate. Here, the ensemble operates in tenth-gear, consummated by its agility, grace and Herculean power. And Holdsworth is ablaze as his exceptional technique is prominently highlighted; offsetting the sax and keys etched melodic content, immersed in the 70s majestic and stylistic British Canterbury progressive rock and jazz scene.
Ratledge's signature jazz-based fluency on the Lowrery organ is intact, along with drumming great, John Marshall's propelling beats and sweeping polyrhythmic fills. Most of the tracks from Bundles are performed, yet the musicians raise the bar from an improvisational standpoint. However "The Floating World," tempers the flow via a dreamland-like keys ostinato, followed by bassist Roy Babbington's titanic hybrid distortion-laden and standard electric bass soloing on "Ealing Comedy."
"The Man Who Waved at Trains" outlines Ratledge's sleek and shifty lines interweaving among the gorgeous melody, leading to a swift up-tempo breakout and topped off by Karl Jenkins' blithe soprano sax phrasings, where the rhythm section is on fire throughout. Incidentally, on Marhsall's solo piece "LBO," he generates a pulsating tone poem by darting across small cymbals and executing fluent toms patterns, followed by the audience's thundering applause. Simply stated Switzerland 1974 is a vital document that breathes anew and an essential acquisition for the group's legion of fans and staunch Holdsworth disciples.
< Previous
Restive Soul
Next >
12 Points 2015
Comments
About Soft Machine
Instrument: Band / ensemble / orchestra
Related Articles | Concerts | Albums | Photos | Similar ToTags
Soft Machine
CD/LP/Track Review
Glenn Astarita
Cuneiform Records
United Kingdom
London
Elton Dean
Allan Holdsworth
John Marshall
Roy Babbington
Karl Jenkins
Switzerland 1974