Soft Works - Abracadabra [Yellow]

It’s jazz fusion with a sprinkle of sorcery. Abracadabra brings together four absolute legends of the Canterbury scene for one wild, magical ride – now remastered and pressed on eye-catching yellow vinyl. Originally released in 2003, this is the only studio album from Soft Works, the short-lived but unforgettable supergroup featuring Elton Dean, Allan Holdsworth, Hugh Hopper, and John Marshall.

From the very first notes of “Seven Formerly,” you're hit with intricate grooves and soaring solos that prove this quartet wasn’t here to play it safe. Holdsworth’s unmistakable guitar tone dances around Dean’s fiery saxophone lines, while Hopper and Marshall lay down the kind of rhythm section that’s pure jazz-rock gold. Tracks like “Elsewhere” and the sprawling title track “Abracadabra” show just how tightly these musical minds could lock in, even while pushing boundaries.

This remastered edition breathes new life into the album, giving every shimmer, slide, and syncopated beat the clarity it deserves. Whether you’re a longtime Soft Machine aficionado or just discovering the deep well of British prog-jazz, this album is a stellar listen.

Pressed on vibrant yellow vinyl, Abracadabra is more than a reissue – it's a celebration of four visionaries conjuring magic together. Don’t blink – this one’s a collector’s dream.

Tracklist

1. Seven Formerly
2. First Trane
3. Elsewhere
4. K Licks
5. Baker's Treat
6. Willie's Knee
7. Madame Vintage
8. Abracadabra
9. Has Riff - Live in Tokyo (Bonus Track)
10. Facelift - Live in Tokyo (Bonus Track)