Description
Other Doors is Soft Machines first studio album since 2018s Hidden Details and marks a new chapter in the history of the legendary progjazzfusion band – both an ending and a beginning – for this unique group that has now been in existence for 55 years. pThis studio album sees the final studio appearance of drum legend John Marshall who played his heart out on this album and since completing the recording and aged 81 has decided to retire because of ongoing health issues. The album also sees the introduction of bass player Fred Baker to the band following the retirement of Roy Babbington who has played with the group since 1970. pThe album features much great new music and inspired playing as well as the reimagining of two Soft Machine classics – Penny Hitch (from Seven) and Joy of a Toy (from the first album). Atmospheric improvisations psychedelic free jazz burning jazz rock screaming guitar hypnotic looped alto flutes fretless bass grooves powerful drums and experimental electronic music… Soft Machine continues to pursue its musically ambitious wide ranging jazz based music without boundaries. To create the most ambitious and adventurous heartfelt music the band can imagine. pThe band is lead by John Etheridge from the celebrated 70s version of the legendary group which recorded the acclaimed Softs album in 1975 and co lead by outstanding saxflute star Theo Travis (Robert FrippDavid GilmourSteven Wilson). Since 2021 Roy Babbington retired from public performance and his chosen successor on the bass is Fred Thelonious Baker who has been a musician on the Canterbury scene for over 30 years – being a regular collaborator with the late Elton Dean with Hugh Hopper and with guitarist Phil Miller. pJohn Etheridge guitars brTheo Travis saxophones flutes Fender Rhodes piano electronics brFred Thelonious Baker fretless bass guitar brJohn Marshall drums and percussion brSpecial guest Roy Babbington (additional) bass guitar on tracks 2 9 pbPressb p Crooked Usage is the jazziest thing here – its as poignant as a Thelonious Monk ballad and proves as tentative and mind blowing as Monk at his most compelling. Etheridge on Whisper Back delivers poignancy by the kleenex box load on The Stars Apart. For bass riffery head to Now! Is The Tine but Back in Season sums up the passing of time best of all and the august floating sense of the spheres this lovable record evokes. – b Marlbankb pOther Doors does a fine job of balancing the past with the present and also whats to come…Travis intuitive sense of purpose works well within the framework of this incarnation in which the fluidity of the interplay between himself and the great John Etheridge is breathtaking at times. – bProgb pDespite being around for 55 years now the band still press forward constantly seeking new frontiers to explore and this album is accomplished and impressive while still retaining the defining essence and heady mix of influences and styles that is quintessentially Soft Machine. – bThe Afterwordb pTime catches up with all of us and Marshall and Babbington leave the band with an album that will delight Soft Machine fans. Whats also clear is that with Travis and Etheridge at the helm the future of Soft Machine is in good hands. – bJazz Viewsb pThe result is a lush widescreen and instrumental adventure bathed in spacious sonic light. Whether youre a longtime fan of Soft Machine or youre just discovering them for the first time youre sure to be impressed by the sheer musicianship and live ensemble feel on display. In short Soft Machine is a band thats still going strong and are totally relevant judge for yourself. – bBlues Soulb
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