Share favorite songs from the Canterbury scene

[AdamDamon]

The Canterbury scene refers to music that emerged from Canterbury, England in the late 1960s and early 1970s, where musicians blended elements of jazz fusion, progressive rock, and psychedelic rock.

One of my favorite songs that resulted from this “scene” is “Hazard Profile, Pt. 1” from Soft Machine’s Bundles album (1975):

https://open.spotify.com/track/71E5jV5AfPrZAkSTyqd6zb?si=3eee6324adb140f7

Soft Machine formed in 1966 in Canterbury and had already released several albums prior to Bundles, but this album (and this track in particular) are my favorites, perhaps because jazz fusion guitarist Allan Holdworth joined the band for this release, and I think his guitar work is amazing here! I also think that “Hazard Profile, Pt. 1” is an incredible composition as a whole, though.

My other favorite song from the Canterbury scene that I’ll share is “Heavy Tune” from Gong’s Expresso II album (1978):

https://open.spotify.com/track/5qNHt6PPCmSC1vFehpDhJA?si=46b494c6224646a5

Although also associated with the Canterbury scene (guitarist and vocalist Daevid Allen was one of Gong’s forming members as well as Soft Machine’s), Gong was formed in Paris, France in 1967. Their earlier albums are mostly representative of psychedelic rock, but in the mid-70s, Gong underwent some lineup changes and went into a more jazz-rock direction, including creating this particular song. I think one of the reasons that I appreciate “Heavy Tune” is the diversity of percussion instruments such as glockenspiel, vibraphone, and marimba, which interlock together to create an awesome groove.

Do you enjoy listening to any music associated with the Canterbury scene as well? If so, feel free to share your favorite respective tracks!

[PvP1]

Thank you for your post. Nice to read there are more people who like the Canterbury Scene. Personally I prefer Soft Machine's first album, especially the following track:

https://open.spotify.com/track/3b9nUNdxKxn0nkAjPoF0ii?si=f9e8e481e7494c0e

[AdamDamon]

Thanks for sharing, @PvP1; great track! I especially like the organ solo starting at ~2:45 in “A Certain Kind,” with its spectral yet powerfully evocative sound. Cheers!

[miraniimk]

Moon in June" by Soft Machine: This dreamy, flute-driven masterpiece is a cornerstone of the scene, showcasing Robert Wyatt's unique vocals and the band's improvisational flair.