A journey to York to see a classic band. It doesn’t get much better. The Crescent is a lovely community venue that presents some great acts. This is the nearest place in the North-East that Soft Machine were appearing. So off I went on a little trip with Jan and Jackie, my two carers for the evening. The first part of the journey is a taxi ride to Durham station where we pick up a direct train to York. I must have spent many hours over the years waiting for trains at York station, and each time I would pop into the station pub , The Tap, for a swift drink (picture of The Tap courtesy of Wikimedia Commons). So how could I resist. A glass of red wine and a sausage roll start the evening off well. Then we resume our adventure with a short walk down to the Crescent.
I have seen Soft Machine a few times over the years since the early 1970s. The last time I saw them was at Kendal Arts Centre, another lovely venue. So, I figured it was time to renew my acquaintance with Soft Machine and their music.
The Crescent proudly announces the band thus: “Soft Machine is one of the greatest UK avant/jazz-rock bands of all time. Their work, from their earliest performances as a psychedelic band, who were contemporaries of, and shared stages with Syd Barrett’s Pink Floyd and the Jimi Hendrix Experience, all the way to being one of Europe’s best known ‘fusion’ bands has influenced several generations of bands, and continues to be name-checked by today’s hip experimentalists.
Whilst the line-up of Soft Machine may have changed many times since the heady days of the late 1960’s, the band’s spirit of musical adventure, and the ease with which it freely avoids being pigeon holed and can move from powerful progressive jazz fusion to atmospheric psychedelia to free improvised jazz-rock to ambient loop music continues to make it both unique and totally contemporary.”
Soft Machine were formed in mid-1966 by Robert Wyatt (drums, vocals), Kevin Ayers (bass, guitar, vocals), Daevid Allen (guitar; who would go on to form Gong) and Mike Ratledge (organ). The band members would change many times over the years with Mike Ratledge fronting Soft Machine up until the mid-1970s when guitarist John Etheridge joined and became front man. The current line-up features John Etheridge on guitar, Asaf Sirkis on drums, Theo Travis on saxophones and Fred Thelonius Baker on bass. We take our seats close to the back with a great view of the entire stage.
The concert starts at 8:15 p.m. and is in two parts. The music is, as expected, all instrumental, quite jazzy and moves effortlessly from guitar led tracks during which John Etheridge takes to the fore and flute or saxophone led tracks featuring Theo Travis. All pleasant, challenging, mood provoking with many twists and turns. Fred Thelonius Baker takes front stage for some thundersome bass during some tracks and new drummer Asaf Sirkis (who has only recently joined the band, stepping into the shoes of John Marshall a member since 1972) also takes some solos. After a short interval and time for a lovely double Drambuie, the band return to the stage.
The music draws heavily from the mid-70s period, but also features selections from their current album. They also take us right back to 1967 and the band’s first single “Joy of a Toy” written by Kevin Ayers. Fantastic. The whole evening is highly enjoyable and both Jan and Jackie agree that the music is pleasant and find some of the tracks slightly familiar. We have to leave for our train back to Durham just as the band return for an encore. Then our friendly taxi driver is waiting for us at Durham station. We arrive at 12:13 a.m. Back home around 1 a.m. Another great visit to a lovely venue in a lovely city.
‘Soft Machine were the grooviest, coolest psychedelic band of the era…’Phil Manzanera (Roxy Music)
Setlist (something like this): First Set: Penny Hitch; Open Doors; The Visitor at the Window; The Tale of Taliesin; Broken Hill; Fourteen Hour Dream; Gesolreut.
Second Set: Bundles; Joy of a Toy; One Glove; Fell to Earth; Kings and Queens; Out-Bloody-Rageous; Drum Solo; Hidden Details; Hazard Profile.
Encore: Chloe and the Pirates
Thanks to Jan for taking the photos. Thanks to the friendly guy on the door who gave me a poster on the way out of the venue.
Vintagerock's Weblog. 
Posted by Jay M on June 25, 2023 at 8:06 pm
You forgot to mention that Andy Summers was with SM between May – July or so in 1968! Andy of THE POLICE fame! — Separately, I left you a repeat inquiry on your Tubular Bells post from mid-70s on that page. If you’d possibly be at a point you could part with that ticket stub, I hope I might be the first person you’d reach out to! 😉 Thx!
Posted by vintagerock on June 26, 2023 at 11:32 am
Hi Jay yes you are correct. The band has a great heritage to build upon and treat with respect. As usual my reply is as always, there will never be a point where I can part with any of my tickets. I’m afraid I could not comprehend bringing myself to do so
So thank you again but sorry I am too much of a collector and a hoarder to sell anything I own. I trust you understand Peter
Posted by David Glyn Davies on June 25, 2023 at 10:02 pm
Very nice review. I saw them many moons ago around 78’ I think! A lot of alcohol has gone under the bridge since then! They played a monster version of Hazard Profile. Cheers.
Posted by vintagerock on June 26, 2023 at 11:25 am
They remain a classic rock jazz fusion band Peter
Posted by John on June 26, 2023 at 7:15 am
Another inspiring review👍. The Crescent is the nearest venue to my house (along with the Barbican) but I didn’t make this gig. It is indeed a smashing setting. My last trip was to see the rather excellent Nearly Dan a few weeks ago. Glad you like the station pub too. 😃
Posted by vintagerock on June 26, 2023 at 11:23 am
Thanks John. I love going to York. I have spent many happy evenings in the Crescent, Fibbers, the Opera House, the Barbican and the Duchess. A lovely city with some wonderful venues. Happy days Peter