OTHER DOORS

"Other Doors by Soft Machine is easily a five star rating. It's everything you would expect from this great, great, band.I think the band is improving with ageless grace. Let me begin: "Carless Eyes" flute intro; pensive guitar; notes echo over. keyboard vibes in heavy echo. This piece is short; somewhat like Jade Warrior's later work. A very tranquil third world atmosphere which leads into "Penny Hitch" (previously on "Seven"). The tempo i slower with ample space for each instrument to solo in former bassist Roy Babbington plays on this track and "Now, is the Time." The new bass player is Freddy Baker who adds his own rhythmic spins to the music. Freddy could possibly be Fred Baker (previously played with Dave Stewart, In Cahoots, and other releases. Maybe. "Other Doors" begins with guitar intro followed by horn from Theo Travis (previously played w/Fripp, Tangent). The pace is measured, relaxed with John Marshall's drum fill accents. Theo's horn solo is terrific - very bouncy and Elton Dean like. "Crooked Usage" is a dreamy echo jazz fusion arena. Everyone gets loose; then snaps together at the end in a regimented cascade of purposeful notes of oblivion. "Joy of a Toy" (which originally appeared on their first album) The music stays true to the original sound; except there is added counterpoint and background rhythm. The entire song is a delight. "Whisper Back" shows John Ethridge's guitar work has become more adventurous and stately. "The Stars Apart" Begins like "The Song of Aeolus" and has that similar overall feel. The bass solo is outstanding and emotive. The keyboard chords punctuate the piece with a dynamic punch that leads the music along. Excellent Softs. Regal. "Now, is the time" allows Roy Babbington to shine as he leads this piece with his characteristic rhythmic swing. Good stuff! "The Visitor At the Window." An atmospheric piece with a deep echo - of varying depths. Theo gestures notes of flute and sax solos that dance and swim across the depths. Nice guitar doodling from Etheridge. "Maybe Never." Begins like a sci-fi horde of bees awakening. Keyboard bleeps, chatter and computer noises add to the musical wash of space. "Back in Season." Begins with a piano riff, cymbals, and restraint. Another piece with a measured flow. The music would fit nicely on other earlier Soft Machine albums. Killer flute toward the end with an overlaid guitar blast in and out of the mix. Jazzy free, and beautiful finish to an outstanding release by this Soft Machine. Wonderful. Keep it up, Please!