← Back

Six

by Soft Machine

Released: February 13, 1973

Jazz fusion

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Experimental Album.

The Album

The second part of the album consists of complex studio work, reflecting the band’s continued experimentation and evolution of their sound. "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.

Inside the Recording

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.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

Elton Dean was the saxophonist on the live…

Elton Dean was the saxophonist on the live half of the album but departed before the studio recordings.

The album is notable for being divided into…

The album is notable for being divided into two distinct halves.

Members during this time were Mike Ratledge (keyboards)…

Members during this time were Mike Ratledge (keyboards), Hugh Hopper (bass), John Marshall (drums), and Karl Jenkins (reeds).

Despite its complex nature and sprawling structures, the…

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.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Soft Machine - Six

Open in Albums Gallery

Then

Reception

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.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"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.