The Soft Machine

The Soft Machine was a British psychedelic rock band formed in Canterbury in 1966 by Robert Wyatt, Kevin Ayers, Mike Ratledge, and Daevid Allen. The band's early sound was influenced by jazz, rock and roll, and avant-garde music, with Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd being notable contemporaries. The Soft Machine was a key part of the Canterbury scene, a loose collective of bands that also included Caravan, Hatfield and the North, and National Health. The band's music was often compared to that of Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention, with whom they shared a sense of experimentation and musical eclecticism.

History

The Soft Machine's history began in the mid-1960s, when Robert Wyatt and Kevin Ayers met while attending Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys in Canterbury. The band's early years were marked by frequent personnel changes, with Daevid Allen leaving the group in 1967 to form Gong with Gilli Smyth and Didier Malherbe. The Soft Machine's first album, released in 1968, was produced by Chas Chandler and Tom Wilson, and featured a mix of psychedelic rock and jazz influences, similar to the work of The Doors and The Velvet Underground. The band's live performances during this period were often chaotic and experimental, with Jim Morrison and The Doors being a notable influence. The Soft Machine also shared a sense of musical adventure with The Who, The Kinks, and The Animals, all of whom were pushing the boundaries of rock music in the late 1960s.

Members

The Soft Machine's membership changed frequently over the years, with Robert Wyatt and Mike Ratledge being the only constant members during the band's early years. Other notable members included Kevin Ayers, Daevid Allen, Hugh Hopper, Elton Dean, Lyn Dobson, and John Marshall. The band's later years saw the addition of Karl Jenkins, John Etheridge, and Allan Holdsworth, all of whom were influential jazz and rock musicians. The Soft Machine's members were also involved in various side projects, including Robert Wyatt's work with Brian Eno and Nick Mason, and Mike Ratledge's collaborations with Portishead and Talk Talk.

Discography

The Soft Machine's discography includes several influential albums, including The Soft Machine (1968), Volume Two (1969), Third (1970), and Fourth (1971). The band's later albums, such as Fifth (1972) and Six (1973), saw a shift towards a more jazz-oriented sound, with Karl Jenkins and John Marshall becoming key contributors. The Soft Machine's live albums, including Live at the Proms 1970 and British Tour '75], capture the band's energetic and experimental live performances, which were often compared to those of King Crimson and Yes. The band's music was also influenced by Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Thelonious Monk, all of whom were major figures in the development of jazz.

Musical Style

The Soft Machine's musical style was characterized by a blend of psychedelic rock, jazz, and avant-garde music, with a strong emphasis on experimentation and improvisation. The band's early sound was influenced by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who, as well as jazz musicians like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. The Soft Machine's later work saw a shift towards a more jazz-oriented sound, with Karl Jenkins and John Marshall becoming key contributors. The band's music was often compared to that of Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention, with whom they shared a sense of musical eclecticism and experimentation. The Soft Machine's sound was also influenced by classical music, with Mike Ratledge citing Béla Bartók and Igor Stravinsky as major influences.

Influence and Legacy

The Soft Machine's influence can be heard in a wide range of bands, from King Crimson and Gong to Radiohead and Porcupine Tree. The band's experimental approach to music has also been cited as an influence by Brian Eno, David Bowie, and Talking Heads. The Soft Machine's legacy extends beyond their music, with Robert Wyatt and Mike Ratledge being recognized as two of the most innovative and influential musicians of their generation. The band's music has been praised by John Peel, Nick Kent, and Robert Christgau, all of whom have recognized the Soft Machine's importance in the development of progressive rock and experimental music. The Soft Machine's influence can also be heard in the work of Can, Faust, and Neu!, all of whom were part of the Krautrock movement in Germany. The Soft Machine's music continues to be celebrated by fans of progressive rock and experimental music, with their albums remaining highly influential and widely admired. Category:British rock music groups