Fifth

“Fifth” was the first Soft Machine album recorded after the departure of founding member Robert Wyatt and continued the band’s progression away from their original blend of psychedelic and progressive rock towards jazz fusion. Wyatt’s replacement was Phil Howard who contributed to the 1971 sessions that comprise side one, after which he left and was replaced by John Marshall for the 1972 recordings that make up side two. Future member Roy Babbington played double bass on side two, as a session musician. Unlike the previous two albums, Elton Dean’s saxophone is not augmented by a brass and reeds section composed of session musicians.

For sale here is an original pressing from 1972 on CBS. The sleeve and vinyl have visible wear, check out the photos.