Fred Thelonious Baker (born 4 June 1960 in Tibshelf, Derbyshire) is an English jazz bassist and guitarist with deep roots in the Canterbury scene. He spent many years as the regular bassist in Phil Miller's In Cahoots and collaborated with Elton Dean, Hugh Hopper and Courtney Pine, among others. Since January 2022 he has held the bass chair in Soft Machine, a position he was handed by his predecessor Roy Babbington. Baker also teaches at Birmingham Conservatoire and the University of Huddersfield.
Soft Machine released the album Thirteen on 13 March 2026 via Dyad Records, with Baker as bassist - the thirteenth studio album in the band's sixty-year history.
Soft Machine announces an extensive UK and European tour in support of Thirteen.
Soft Machine announced Thirteen, recorded in April 2025 at Temple Music Studio in Surrey and produced by Theo Travis.
Soft Machine released Other Doors on 30 June 2023 - the first studio album with Baker as permanent bassist, also featuring former bassist Roy Babbington as a guest.
