The Music of Soft Machine, featuring Hugh Hopper
Since initially being formed in 1984, the Delta Saxophone Quartet has never sought or found a need for a comfort zone. 2007's "Dedicated To You, But You Weren't Listening" is a case-in-point. While most bands would deal with major personnel changes by merely trying to solidify an existing repertoire and style, DSQ's two new members -- tenorist Tim Holmes (formerly of sax quartet Itchy Fingers), and Australian soprano player Graeme Blevins -- have encouraged the quartet to move still further in new directions.
Their fresh retakes of Soft Machine classics on this CD offer more than ample proof, in that regard. Assisted by the late Hugh Hopper on one cut ("Facelift"), this effort is indeed a rare gem full of pleasant surprises.
This most enjoyable album offers intriguing, very imaginative rearrangements -- yielding alternate visions of popular Softs compositions, as interesting facets are revealed in a number of classic gems. A refreshing find for fans of free jazz, smokin' brass and, of course, Soft Machine.
