BUNDLES

This is a unique record by Soft Machine standards,mainly because it features Alan's guitar playing more than keyboard ,bass or drums as in earlier recordings of Soft Machine.This said ,I commend the band for paying notice to an emerging fresh vibrant virtuostic and original voice on guitar. Also I do not believe this record was recorded in 1975 ,I believe it was recorded in 1973 or early 1974 because this was done before he played with Tony Williams Lifetime's "Believe It " and " Million Dollar Legs" which came out in 1974 and 75 .I am fairly certain about this, however I if I am incorrect please let us know definitively... What makes this record so great ,is that to my knowledge , it is the first record of Alans' that features him playing both acoustic and electric guitar. His legato style phrasing and tone completely changed the voice, approach, velocity and sophistication of both jazz and rock at the same time . When I heard Hazard Profile for the first time I had to check my turntable to see if it was playing at the right speed because I had never heard a player so clean ,clear, uninhibited ,tender ,furious, unpretentious and sublime all at the same time. Also ,the chord voicings he used were very deep,sensitive and unlike anyone in this field. There are so few records of Alans' acoustic work which is unique,and phenomenal .I have never heard anyone play acoustic with his legato style with such deliberation and intensity while at the same time not seeming as if he is playing at the edge of his ability.He never seems harsh or as if he's trying to prove something about his musical status. This man has good things in his heart,mind and soul.I'm sure this record might tax the common persons ability to be challenged by his awesome talent. For fans of Alans' this record is an absolute must have.If you are bored by this type of playing you might want to check and see if you have a pulse...and brain while your at it. As for the rest of the fellas in the band, the playing is at least above average for that period . Whoever was responsible for involving Alan definately had an ear for talent and a will to progress.Also my understanding is that it was upon the hearing of this recording which landed him the gig with Tony Williams. This is a great guitar record , and a very unique and interesting Soft Machine record. This is my favorite record of Soft Machine.