NDR JAZZ WORKSHOP, GERMANY, MAY 17, 1973

This is practically a live version of "Six" that was released only a few months earlier and itself is recorded live in parts. So what's the point of investing in this release? Well, there are many reasons.

Firstly, the sound quality is far superior to "Six" that suffers from that typical, muddy sound that plagued CBS releases of that era. (Ah, for Heaven's sake, when can we have "Seven" remastered and made listenable???)

This version of "Six" is also more evolved and mature, containing hints towards the soon to be released "Seven". One can feel that Karl Jenkins - formerly of NUCLEUS, another great Jazz-Rock outfit - is establishing himself here. Bringing along two more members of his previous band, leaving Ratledge as the only founding member of Soft Machine present. Some people frown upon Jenkins for "hijacking" the original sound of SM - which wasn't that original by this stage, anyway. Both NUCLEUS and SM represent the finest of British Jazz- Rock of that era, partly due to Jenkins' involvement as a brilliant composer and performer.

Here, he plays his wind instruments with jaw-dropping ferocity that in itself is worth writing home about. Meanwhile Ratledge is doing what's the typical Ratledge approach, providing tasteful underlines on his keyboard. The rhythm section of Marshall and Babbington are also doing a fine job, although the latter appears to have difficulties with replicating Hopper's sound. He play the notes well, true to the original compositions, just can't make it sound like his predecessor. (Just like Steve Morse can't - for anything - do "Smoke On The Water" and sound like Blackmore.)

Special mention is due to the guest musicians. Art Themen on saxes is just incredible. A pure joy to hear when he takes center stage. Equally, Gary Boyle on guitar is doing very pleasant, Holdsworthian licks. (Interesting to note that Boyle later established his band ISOTOPE with no other, but Hugh Hopper on bass! This fine band was then - quite erroneously - likened to BRAND X, whose complexity they never really challenged.)

This performance is a "must have" to any collector of Jazz-Rock. Great sound, great delivery.

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