Soft machine

Definition

Soft Machine is a British band formed in 1966, known for its influential role in the development of progressive rock and jazz fusion. The band's sound is characterized by experimental compositions, intricate arrangements, and a blend of rock, jazz, and psychedelic influences, which helped shape the progressive rock genre during the late 1960s and 1970s.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Soft Machine started as part of the underground music scene in London and was heavily associated with the counterculture movement of the 1960s.
2. The band's lineup underwent numerous changes over the years, featuring notable musicians like Robert Wyatt, Mike Ratledge, and Hugh Hopper.
3. Soft Machine's early albums included 'The Soft Machine' (1968) and 'Volume Two' (1969), which showcased their innovative use of instrumentation and non-traditional song structures.
4. They were among the first bands to merge rock with jazz elements, paving the way for future genres like jazz fusion.
5. Their influence can be seen in the work of later progressive rock bands, as well as in modern experimental music.

Review Questions

• How did Soft Machine contribute to the evolution of progressive rock music in the late 1960s?
  • Soft Machine played a crucial role in the evolution of progressive rock by incorporating experimental compositions and intricate arrangements into their music. Their innovative blending of rock with jazz elements helped set a precedent for other bands within the genre. By pushing the boundaries of traditional song structures and embracing improvisation, they paved the way for future artists to explore more complex musical ideas.
• Discuss the significance of Soft Machine's association with the Canterbury Scene and how it shaped their musical identity.
  • Soft Machine's association with the Canterbury Scene was significant because it placed them at the heart of an avant-garde movement that prioritized artistic experimentation. This connection influenced their sound and allowed them to collaborate with other innovative musicians from the scene. The eclectic mix of styles inherent in the Canterbury Scene encouraged Soft Machine to explore diverse musical territories, further solidifying their identity as pioneers in progressive rock.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of Soft Machine on modern music genres and how their approach continues to influence contemporary artists.
  • The lasting impact of Soft Machine on modern music genres can be seen in the continued relevance of their experimental approach to composition and performance. Their pioneering fusion of rock and jazz elements has inspired countless contemporary artists across various genres. By challenging conventional song structures and embracing improvisation, Soft Machine set a benchmark for artistic freedom that resonates with today's musicians, who often seek to push creative boundaries in their own work.

Related terms

Progressive Rock: A genre of rock music that emerged in the late 1960s, known for its experimental structures, complex rhythms, and incorporation of various musical styles and influences.

Jazz Fusion: A genre that combines elements of jazz with other musical styles, including rock, funk, and R&B, characterized by improvisation and complex time signatures.

Canterbury Scene:

A musical movement originating in Canterbury, England, in the late 1960s, known for its avant-garde approach to music and a distinctive sound that blends rock with jazz influences.