Soft Machine - Drop

Take a trip back to peak experimental fusion with Drop, a phenomenal live document from Soft Machine’s 1971 German tour. Capturing the raw intensity of their Fifth era, this release is an essential piece of the jazz-rock puzzle. Recorded live while the band was touring in support of their pivotal album Fifth, Drop showcases the group at their most freeform and fearless. With Elton Dean’s alto sax and electric piano weaving around Hugh Hopper’s deep, fuzzed-out basslines, and the always precise Phil Howard on drums, this performance is full of daring interplay and cerebral grooves. The improvisations are dense and exploratory, pushing the boundaries of structure while keeping the rhythm tight and infectious. The energy is palpable—this isn't just a show, it's a sonic expedition. Pressed on vinyl for fans of progressive rock, avant-garde jazz, and improvisational mastery, Drop is a dynamic live cut that reveals the heart of Soft Machine's evolution.