Soft Machine Bassist Hugh Hopper Dies at 64

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    Hugh Hopper, bassist for prog-rock pioneers Soft Machine, passed away last Sunday in Kent, England after a battle with leukemia. He was 64.

    Hopper was influential in melding different styles of playing, most notably in what would become known as fusion jazz and progressive rock. Initially, he started out as the road manager for Soft Machine before being recruited for full time duties for the band before leaving in 1973. The band was instrumental in launching the "Canterbury scene," a group of acts from Canterbury, Kent, England. Soft Machine alums Robert Wyatt and Kevin Ayers have recently seen a rise in interest in their careers, but Hopper consistently remained under the radar.

    In a recent interview with the New York Times, Cuneiform Records owner Steven Feigenbaum, who released Hopper's solo efforts, described his abilities as uniquely distinct: "He wasn't the most chops-aholic guy. But if you heard three notes, you knew it was either him or someone imitating him."

    Hopper remained active in his later years, touring with former Soft Machine players under the moniker Soft Works and as part of Brainville, a trio consisting of Soft Machine guitarist Daevid Allen and drummer Chris Cutler. He was diagnosed in June 2008 with Leukemia and underwent chemotherapy. He is survived by two daughters and his wife, Christine, who he married just two days before his death.

    Dearly Departed Musicians

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      Stephen Bruton, May 9: The guitarist and songwriter, who worked with the likes of Kris Kristofferson, Bonnie Raitt and Willie Nelson, died from complications of throat cancer in May 2009. He was 60.

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      Ean Evans, May 6: The Lynyrd Skynyrd bassist died in May 2009 after what the band called "a valiant battle with an aggressive form of cancer."

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      Bud Shank, April 2: The alto saxophonist and flutist died at age 82. He was most famous for his work with acts like the Mamas and the Papas and his flute work can be heard on their song 'California Dreamin'.'

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      Hal Durham, March 29: He was a fixture on the Grand Ole Opry stage, working at the famed country music institution for 32 years. He was 77.

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      Dan Seals, March 25: The singer, who scored a number of pop and country hits, died at 61 of leukemia. Seals was half of the pop duo, England Dan and John Ford Coley, best known for the ballad, 'I'd Really Love to See You Tonight.'

      Beth Gwinn, Retna

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