Soft Machine - looking for more complicated musical ideas... - Record Mirror - October 25, 1969

The Soft Machine don't look on themselves as a pop group, although they are usually booked out as one. They would rather record than perform publically.
"The first album we made was more or less a rehearsal record," drummer Robert Wyatt said. "We're looking forward to the day when somebody will say to us, 'here's a studio - get on with it in your own time'.

"Some people have referred to us as 'underground'. But what is underground ? Words like that fall into a trap. At one time Thunderclap Newman's single was more underground than Jethro Tull's because his was in 5/4 and Jethro Tull's was in 4/4."

ECLECTIC

The trio's music is eclectic - their influences ranging from modern jazz to modern classical music. Ornette Coleman, Don Ellis, Hindemith and Bartók, all figure in their musical make - up. Electronic sounds also plays a big part.

From listening to older forms of music, Soft Machine have learnt the use of dynamics - something which many groups haven't even heard of.
"Although we do play loudly, we use dynamics and are as supple and as varied as we know how," explained Robert.
"The people who've influenced me in my music are Duke Ellington, Charlie Mingus and Gil Evans.

"Continuity in music is what we're doing. We're involved in the more demanding points of continuity so it goes on and on and the music builds.

"We're aiming for more complicated ideas whereby the structure changes throughout a piece." Mike Ratledge added. "The jazz pianist Cecil Taylor, has influenced me in terms of his energy and attack in his music. Miles Davis was an influence when he went through his modal thing."

HARPSICHORD

Hugh Hopper plays bass, acoustic guitar and alto with Soft Machine. Robert takes vocals and Mike plays flute in addition to piano, organs and harpsichord.

Although Soft Machine are one of the most progressive groups around, they haven't lost sight of pleasing their audiences. With this in mind, they should be around in entertain us for some time to come.

Ian Middleton