Recorded in 1970, FOURTH was Soft Machine's first wholly instrumental release. The album pointed the way toward the Soft Machine's future. Robert Wyatt contributes no original material to FOURTH, his last album with the band (he would depart to form the pun-ily named Matching Mole), though his drumming is in top form.
With its suite-like construction, organist, electric pianist, and founding member Mike Ratledge's opening "Teeth" is reminiscent of Soft Machine's first two albums. As it had on FOURTH's predecessor, THIRD, the band works with an expanded frontline of horn players. Saxophonist Elton Dean also contributes "Fletcher's Blemish." String bassist Roy Babbington guests, adding further low-end sonorities. The primary composer this time out, though, is bass player Hugh Hopper, whose four-part "Virtually" constitutes half of the set. Hopper also created an important solo work around this same time, titled 1984.
Japanese remastered reissue packaged in a limited edition miniature LP sleeve. CBS/Sony. 2004.
Recorded at Olympic Studios, London, England in Autumn 1970.
Soft Machine: Elton Dean (alto saxophone, saxello); Mike Ratledge (piano, organ); Hugh Hopper (bass); Robert Wyatt (drums).
Additional personnel: Jimmy Hastings (alto flute, bass clarinet); Alan Skidmore (tenor saxophone); Mark Charig (cornet); Nick Evans (trombone); Roy Babbington (acoustic bass).
Uncut (p.102) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "FOURTH is all instrumental, but still contains mesmeric moments of confused jazz/rock."
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