SOFT MACHINE LEGACY — Burden Of Proof (review)

SOFT MACHINE LEGACY — Burden Of Proof album cover Album · 2013 · Fusion Buy this album from MMA partners
3/5 ·
js
Soft Machine and/or Soft Machine Legacy is one of the longest running acts in the world of fusion, with its founding members working together in various groups since the mid 60s. “Burden of Proof” is the latest from Legacy, and finds these jazz veterans offering up a wide smorgasbord of styles, its as if they are giving us a sampler of all the different flavors modern fusion can be these days. Interestingly enough, after years of changing members and musical visions, this album has a few moments that recall the classic III and IV albums from the early 70s, a sound that has not showed up for the Machine in a while. In fact, when this CD opens with ambient tape looped Fender Rhodes piano, it sounds like a direct tribute to their third album.

Although all of the players on here are technically proficient, there is a nice subtle approach to this music, the best versions of Soft Machine were not about flash as they were more about atmosphere. Still, when its time for an intense solo, guitarist John Etheridge and woodwind player Theo Travis do not hesitate to bring it on. Another interesting aspect about this CD that recalls their earlier days is the bands reliance on free-form jamming. Many tunes develop into free sessions that vary from intense and busy, such as on “The Brief”, to more quiet and spacey as on several other tracks.

One of the best tracks on “Burden” is “Kings and Queens”, which recalls classic Soft Machine with its repeating laid back bass line backed by atmospheric keyboards and topped with an excellent flute solo by Travis. Overall, long time fans of this group will probably want to pick this up, it’s a fairly solid disc from a group of veterans who have managed to maintain their creativity and enthusiasm over the years.
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