Other Doors

Soft Machine's first studio album since 2018's Hidden Details is Other Doors, marking a new chapter in the history of the legendary prog/jazz/fusion band. This album serves as both an ending and a beginning for the group, which has been in existence for 55 years.

This studio album features the final studio appearance of drum legend John Marshall, who played passionately on this album. Following the completion of the recording, Marshall, aged 81, decided to retire due to ongoing health issues. Additionally, the album introduces bass player Fred Baker to the band, replacing Roy Babbington who had been with the group since 1970.

Other Doors includes new music and reimagined versions of two Soft Machine classics - "Penny Hitch" (from 'Seven') and "Joy of a Toy" (from the first album). The album showcases atmospheric improvisations, psychedelic free jazz, burning jazz rock, screaming guitar, hypnotic looped alto flutes, fretless bass grooves, powerful drums, and experimental electronic music, highlighting the band's commitment to musically ambitious, jazz-based music without boundaries.

Lead by John Etheridge from the celebrated '70s version of the group, which recorded the acclaimed 'Softs' album in 1975, and co-lead by outstanding sax/flute star Theo Travis (known for collaborations with Robert Fripp, David Gilmour, and Steven Wilson), Soft Machine continues to push the boundaries of their music.

In 2021, Roy Babbington retired from public performance, paving the way for bassist Fred Thelonious Baker to join the band. Baker, a musician on the Canterbury scene for over 30 years, had previously collaborated with the late Elton Dean, Hugh Hopper, and guitarist Phil Miller.