Soft Machine was an English progressive rock band formed in Canterbury, Kent, in 1966. The band's original lineup consisted of Kevin Ayers on bass and vocals, Robert Wyatt on drums and vocals, Daevid Allen on guitar and vocals, and Mike Ratledge on keyboards. The band's name was derived from the title of William S. Burroughs' novel "The Soft Machine," which was a term used to describe the human body.
Soft Machine was one of the most influential bands of the British progressive rock scene in the late 1960s and early 1970s. They were known for their unique blend of jazz, rock, and experimental music, and their use of unconventional time signatures and improvisation. The band was also known for their intricate instrumental compositions and their use of unusual instruments such as the electric piano, saxophone, and flute.
The band's debut album, "The Soft Machine," was released in 1968 and featured a mix of original compositions and covers of jazz and pop songs. The album was well received by critics and helped establish the band as a major force in the progressive rock movement. The band's second album, "Volume Two," was released later that same year and featured a more experimental sound, with longer and more complex compositions.
Soft Machine went through several lineup changes over the years, with Ayers leaving the band after their first album to pursue a solo career. Allen also left the band in 1969 to form his own group, Gong, and was replaced by Elton Dean on saxophone. Wyatt left the band in 1971 to form his own band, Matching Mole, and was replaced by Phil Howard on drums.
Despite these changes, Soft Machine continued to evolve and experiment with their sound, releasing a series of albums that combined jazz, rock, and avant-garde music. Their 1970 album, "Third," is widely considered to be one of their best and features a mix of jazz and classical influences, with complex instrumental arrangements and experimental electronic sounds.
Soft Machine's influence can be heard in the work of numerous other progressive rock and jazz fusion bands, including King Crimson, Yes, and Weather Report. Their legacy continues to be celebrated by music fans and critics around the world, and their innovative approach to music continues to inspire new generations of musicians.
