1984

One of the leading figure of Canterbury scene bassist Hugh Hopper is well known mostly by his work in "classic" Soft Machine's line-up. But besides of that, he participated in many projects and released all the line of solo recordings.

"1984" is his solo debut,inspired by George Orwell's book with pictures of totalitarian future. Recorded when Hugh still was a Soft Machine's member, this album contains much more experimental side of Hopper's musical vision.One of really rare experimental album,released by major label (CBS released the album, but didn't pay for studio time,etc, so in fact it was in big part Hopper's self-release), this album for me has strong parallel with Hancock's Mwandishi's recordings (even if music is very different on both of them).

Album has quite unusual structure, containing two long Hopper's solo compositions (with overlays,loops and minimal help of Marshall on percussion)and five shorter jazz-rock songs in between and around them.

Two Hopper's solo pieces are continued fuzzing bass, electronics,mellophone and loops drones with some percussion added. Dark and futuristic, they sound as great illustration for future by Orwell. Shorter songs are in contrast very groovy, much warmer,r'n'b based and even funk influenced with Coxhill/Windo/Evans brass sections on arrangements and even on free- jazz soloing!

As a result album sounds as two very different pieces of music, combined in one eclectic and far not easy listening.Most experimental Hopper's work never attracted much attention, but till now it stays one of really interesting evidence of European creative jazz fusion era.

My rating is 3,5 rounded to 4.