Softs is the ninth studio album by the jazz rock band Soft Machine, released in 1976.
Overview John Etheridge replaced Allan Holdsworth on guitar shortly after the release of the previous album, Bundles, and Alan Wakeman, cousin of Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman, took over saxophone duties from Karl Jenkins. Karl would play keyboards exclusively from this point onward. During the recording of the album, the group's last remaining original member, Mike Ratledge, left the band.
In 2019, Etheridge told Ed Masley that:
Ed Masley, 'Hendrix Tourmates Finally Return to Phoenix' Arizona Republic 31 January 2019, p. C1
Two tracks recorded during the early sessions with Ratledge were included on the album. Wakeman and bassist Roy Babbington left the group not long after the album was released, Wakeman having been a member for less than six months.Calyx band profile The album was originally to be titled One Over the Eight, a reference to this being the band's ninth album, but this title was eventually rejected.
Track listing All compositions by Karl Jenkins except where indicated.
Personnel Soft Machine Roy Babbington – bass guitar John Etheridge – acoustic and electric guitars John Marshall – drums, percussion Alan Wakeman – soprano and tenor saxophones Karl Jenkins – piano, electric piano, Hohner Pianet, Minimoog and string synthesizers, orchestrations
Additional musician Mike Ratledge – synthesizer (3, 4)
References
External links Soft Machine - Softs (1976) album review by Dave Lynch, credits & releases at AllMusic Soft Machine - Softs (1976) album releases & credits at Discogs Soft Machine - Softs (1976) album credits & user reviews at ProgArchives.com Soft Machine - Softs (1976) album to be listened on Spotify Soft Machine - Softs (1976) album to be listened on YouTube Soft Machine discography (info about the albums) at Calyx