Soft Works - 2003 - Abracadabra

(79:03; Moonjune Records [2025 Edition] )






















Here is the third in the series of reissues where the tracks have been remastered by Mark Wingfield. It was recorded (in just two days) in June 2002, mostly in single takes, and on this reissue, we are also treated to two additional live cuts recorded in Tokyo the following year. I am not going to try and explain the history of the band in full, but apart from a few brief reunions in the early Eighties, Soft Machine disbanded in 1978. Hugh Hopper (bass) and Elton Dean (alto saxophone, saxello, Fender Rhodes) formed Soft Heap, which lasted  for a while, and then in 1999 they formed Soft Ware with former Soft Machine drummer John Marshall and keyboard player Keith Tippett. After Tippett left and was replaced by former guitarist Allan Holdsworth (who also brought in his famous synth axe) the name was changed to Soft Works. All four members had played in Soft Machine, although not all at the same time, and it was this band which eventually changed its name to Soft Machine Legacy before dropping “Legacy” and revitalising the original.

In many ways this feels like a Dean-led version of the band as opposed to a group of equal members, and two of the tracks had already appeared on his ‘Moorsong’ album which had been released the year before this was recorded. Holdsworth was also experimenting greatly with his synth axe, so we get sounds which are less guitar and more keyboards. Although being recorded live, the band seems somewhat restrained when compared to what can be heard on the ‘Abracadabra In Osaka’ release which was recorded the following year. Elton Dean is relishing his role as band leader, ensuring he is the centre of everything, but this was not previously his role within the Softs and perhaps it is no surprise that this is the only studio album they ever recorded.

Sadly, all four members of Soft Works have passed away, but if it wasn’t for this coming together then it is unlikely Soft Machine would have resurfaced, as it was through this that the current version came together over time. Soft Machine continues, and this is very much part of that heritage, although I must confess I much prefer the live album. 

Kev Rowland, September 2025

Links:
https://softmachine.org/
https://moonjune.com/

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