John Etheridge (born John Michael Glyn Etheridge in London on 12 January 1948) is an English jazz fusion guitarist, composer, bandleader and educator known for his eclecticism and broad range of associations in jazz, classical, and contemporary music. He is best known for his work with Soft Machine from 1975 to 1978, 1984 and 2004 to present.
Primarily self-taught, Etheridge formed his first notable band, Rush Release, with Robert Lipson (the future drummer of Gracious!) in the mid 1960s. In 1967, Etheridge left London to study History of Art at Essex University. Upon returning to the London scene in the early 1970s, Etheridge briefly worked with the Deep Purple offshoot Warhorse, followed by a stint with Icarus during the final stages of recording their album The Marvel World of Icarus.
In late 1972, Etheridge joined Curved Air violinist Darryl Way's band Wolf, which went on to record three albums. Following Wolf's break-up, Etheridge briefly played in the Global Village Trucking Company for a UK tour supporting Gong in early 1975, before a recommendation from fellow guitarist Allan Holdsworth led to him joining Soft Machine, now in full fusion mode having just released Bundles. Etheridge went on to record two albums with the band, Softs (1976) and Alive & Well: Recorded in Paris (1978).
The late 1970s saw Etheridge form the band 2nd Vision, with fellow Soft Machine member, violinist Ric Sanders.
The 1980s saw Etheridge remain very active on the live front - including a reunion with Soft Machine for the band's final series of concerts at Ronnie Scott's club in 1984.
In 1982, Etheridge played solo concerts in Australia and duo dates with bassist Brian Torff in the US.
