Do you like to hear Allan Holdsworth rip? If so, then enjoy this archival live footage from Germany, recorded on January 29th, 1975. No matter how many times I hear Alan play, he never ceases to dazzle me. The band provides a sound footing for Holdsworth’s solo explorations. Holdsworth brings out the violin on “The Man Who Waved at Trains”, a moody track without much variation. I do wish we heard Allan more on the violin, but a little is better than nothing. This bleeds into “Peef” and the energy level climbs as they jam away.
Unfortunately, there are moments of self-indulgence (10:00 drum solo) and the noodling during “North Point” (a more apt title; Noise Point). The overly repetitive song structures at times can be forgiven due to the band’s energy level, and “Hazard Profile” (although the fade out is disappointing) is a great example along with “Riff III”. This is a worthwhile listen for Holdsworth-era Soft Machine fans.
Tracks:
1. The Floating World
2. Bundles
3. Land of the Bag Snake
4. Ealing Comedy
5. The Man Who Waved at Trains
6. Peff
7. North Point
8. Hazard Profile Pt 1
9. J.S.M
10. Riff III
11. Song of Aeolous
12. Endgame
13. Penny Hitch
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
