"Six" is the sixth studio album by the English jazz-rock band, Soft Machine, released in 1973. Comprising a mix of live recordings and studio pieces, it is a blend of progressive rock and jazz fusion elements that showcases the band's unique sound.
The album is notable for being divided into two distinct halves. The first half is filled with live tracks recorded in concerts from August to October 1971, offering an engaging exploration of their original blend of jazz and rock. The second part of the album consists of complex studio work, reflecting the band’s continued experimentation and evolution of their sound.
Members during this time were Mike Ratledge (keyboards), Hugh Hopper (bass), John Marshall (drums), and Karl Jenkins (reeds). Elton Dean was the saxophonist on the live half of the album but departed before the studio recordings.
Upon release, "Six" received appreciation and acclaim for its experimental style and received the Melody Maker British Jazz Album of the Year award in 1973. Despite its complex nature and sprawling structures, the album marked a major turning point in the Soft Machine's career and is considered a significant release in the jazz-rock genre.
