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Soft Works: Abracadabra
Soft Works is an assemblage of former Soft Machine alumni gathered together for an improv session. The rhythm section of John Marshall (drums) and Hugh Hopper (bass) lay the foundation for Saxophonist Elton Dean and Guitarist Allan Holdsworth to jam over. The album was released in 2003 and has been remastered with bonus tracks for this edition.
Dean and Holdsworth get plenty of time in the spotlight, and their solo explorations are interesting and explosive. Both soloists shine, and hearing Holdsworth do his thing never fails to bring a smile to my face. “Elsewhere” is one song that had an immediate impact, more straight ahead jazz during Dean’s solo. Holdsworth lights it up, amazing playing, phasing and his feel, it doesn’t get better than that! I do wish the rhythm section was as adventurous as the soloing, but it seems to be more about finding the right groove and atmosphere for Dean and Holdsworth. They do control the tempos and will ramp up the energy at the appropriate times.
“Willie’s Knee” lightens the mood a bit while offering us some of Allan’s best work. Holdsworth is unleashed on “Madame Vintage” and with only drums to accompany him, he goes to town and ends with those atmospheric volume swells. The last two tracks were recorded live in Tokyo and are the perfect ending to the album, this is music best created and experienced live. I do wish we had more Holdsworth, although Dean seems to get the nod a bit more often, there is plenty of guitar to sink your teeth into…enjoy it.
Track Listing
1. Seven Formerly
2. First Trane
3. Elsewhere
4. K Licks
5. Baker’s Treat
6. Willie’s Knee
7. Abracadabra
8. Madame Vintage
9. Has Riff (Live)
10. Facelift (Live)
Added: August 25th 2025 Reviewer: Eric Porter Score:     Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp Hits: 105 Language: english
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