Often when band decides to do another band's material they miss the mark. No matter how technically or otherwise proficient the "cover" band is, they can never capture the inspiration, intent and emotional content of the original material. This can be even truer when a whole album's output is dedicated to another band. Nothing could be further from the truth here.

How such an amazing band as the Delta Saxaphone Quartet could escape my musical radar for over 20 years is a mystery to me. Having formed in 1984, the band currently consists of Chris Caldwell (baritone sax), Pete Whyman (alto sax), Tim Holmes (tenor sax) and Graeme Blevins (soprano sax). Thankfully, with the addition of the two newest members (Holmes & Blevins) the quartet saw fit to take on the music of one of my personal obsessions, The Soft Machine.

From the opening notes of "Dedicated" you can hear the care and respect the DSQ is bringing to this project. These boys are master arrangers and players. They sail through a myriad of Softs compositions making each one their own. On "Facelift" they seem to quantify the melody and at the same time breathe a very 21st century air into it. Hugh Hopper is the guest bass player and he takes a very supportive role. It's a very different tact from the role he often played with SM. At times their playing on this (and other sections of the CD) remind me of another great sax quartet, The World Saxophone Quartet. That's not to say you've heard all this before - you haven't. Even if you are familiar with the original material, you'll hear something new and inspired. On "Aubade", you can almost feel the gentle Welsh breeze and smell the cow patties in the fields. "Floating World" is amazing.... almost better that the original and, in my opinion, blows away the recently released title cut of the Soft's 1975 live recording Floating World Live, also on MoonJune. The gentle sloping of the winds on "Dedicated To You" can almost bring tears to your eyes, it's that elegant simple and beautiful.

There isn't a bad cut in the bunch. If you are a Soft Machine fan, fear not: your idols and their material have been well cared for and represented. If you are not a Soft Machine fan, fear not: this is first rate arranging and playing, the level of which is only reached by the most accomplished and dedicated players. If you are a fan of the Delta Saxophone Quartet, fear not: this newest chapter in the band's output is as strong (if not stronger) than those that preceded it. As for me, I'm a longtime Soft Machine fan, and a new Delta Saxophone Quartet fan.