KARL JENKINS: RUBBER RIFF

Rubber Riff is mystic Soft Machine's album, recorded in 1976 (more or less at the same time as Six),but never released as band's album till 1994.There were plenty of different rumors circulated in Soft Machine fans circles about this release ,some bootleg tapes were available as well.Reality is quite prosaic - initially this album wasn't recorded as band's release,even if musicians line-up is very similar to Soft Machine's line-up of that time (the last musician from Soft Machine's classic line-up Mike Ratledge left the band already and is mentioned as "guest" on album's cover).

Rubber Riff was first of all demonstration of Karl Jenkins composer abilities, and in 1976 was recorded as "library music" album under the name Karl Jenkins - "Rubber Riff" (on UK label De Wolfe). Many years later,on the peak of Soft Machine's archival re-releases fashion,it was re- released by Blueprint as Soft Machine studio album.

Musically it contains what you should expect from album of such concept - relaxed fusion- based pleasant music,very close to new age. It could be used perfectly as back-up music for weather broadcasts,geographic documentaries,etc, but hardly is interesting as independent musical release.

After commercial release of this album it became obvious where from real last Soft Machine's album " Land Of Cockayne" roots comes - first new age fashion was demonstrated by Karl Jenkins-led Soft Machine incarnation still in year 1976!

Album strictly for completionists.