snobb
After his departure from Soft Machine, Hugh Hopper collaborated with many different musicians. "Hugh Hopper Band" was his most straightforward fusion project. They released three albums, but "Carousel" is their only studio release.
Everyone familiar with Hopper's solo works may knows his interest in complex, often avant-garde jazz. "Carousel" is very different from all that.
The music on here is classic fusion, very melodic and upbeat. Nothing is particularly complex or twisted, just a lot of sunny atmosphere (reggae and Caribbean rhythms),quite heavy rock-like drumming, plus various tempos and moods. Another plus is guest trombonist Robert Jarvis, who adds some nice solos. Even if in moments the music sounds like Hugh Hopper-era Soft Machine, this album's main atmosphere is simpler and more catchy (still no way pop-related though).
Not the best Hopper solo work, but this album is his most accessible. Music for classic fusion fans.