1984

Absolutely surprising HUGH HOPPER´s first solo record between a SOFT MACHINE impasse. After listening the first chords on Miniluv, you know that what is going to happen will be, at least, uncommon.

Because HUGH HOPPER considered he has a lot more to explore in music apart from SOFT MACHINE, he created a work where he could explore all the possibilities of his instrument and the technologies of taht moment. This atitude is clearer in "Miniluv" and "Miniplenty", absolue avant garde compositiions only serving to a bass that is explored throughout its limits. In this musical voyage he is accompanied by the great John Marshall on percussions (superb work in the first section of "Miniplenty").

Apart form this great innovative pieces, there are also some samll pieces which bring some light in a very dark record. Over those I should emphasize "Minipax I" and "Minitrue (reprise)", very fresh both and let us rememeber where the artist comes from. Canterbury in an abbreviated format.

Well, it´s hard to rate such a particular record. Of compulsory listening for canterburian sounds and for those interested in innovative palying, but maybe a little harder for those who are more into more melodic sounds. In innovation and creativity, 5 stars. The record as a whole, IMHO, is a bit inconsistent due to the presence of lighter music that maybe could have had another place to be released. So then, I give it 4.5 stars