STEVE AND JOHN HACKETT - (2000) SKETCHES OF SATIE

STEVE AND JOHN HACKETT - (2000) SKETCHES OF SATIE


Studio Album, released in 2000

Another excellent offering, this time from the Hackett brothers. Their interpretations of classical composer Erik Satie are subtle, atmospheric and interesting. Twenty tracks here, but none are very long, and I won't go into individual pieces, as they all blend and meld together exquisitely to make one satisfying whole. It is John who takes the lead on most of the pieces, his flute work delicate and considered. Steve backs him wonderfully, remaining in the background for the most part, his guitar providing the soundscapes and counterpoints to the flighty, almost fairy-like flute parts. This record is just another example of Steve's and John's diversity and wonderful ability to make superb music, whether it be original compositions or distinctive interpretations of some of their major influences. A must have for fans of both Hacketts. This album is especially effective when listened to in the dark, or semi-dark on winter nights. Beautiful. Four stars, even though the music isn't mainstream.

Track Listings

01. Gnossienne No. 3 (2:24)
02. Gnossienne No. 2 (1:56)
03. Gnossienne No. 1 (3:18)
04. Gymnopédie No. 3 (2:36)
05. Gymnopédie No. 2 (2:52)
06. Gymnopédie No. 1 (3:55)
07. Pièces Froides No. 1 Airs À Faire Fuir I (2:46)
08. Pièces Froides No. 1 Airs À Faire Fuir II (1:36)
09. Pièces Froides No. 2 (2:05)
10. Avant Dernières Pensées Idylle ÀDebussy (0:57)
11. Avant Dernières Pensées Aubade À Paul Dukas (1:11)
12. Avant Dernières Pensées Méditation À Albert Roussel (0:54)
13. Gnossienne No. 4 (2:41)
14. Gnossienne No. 5 (3:20)
15. Gnossienne No. 6 (1:41)
16. Nocturnes No. 1 (3:31)
17. Nocturnes No. 2 (2:14)
18. Nocturnes No. 3 (3:36)
19. Nocturnes No. 4 (2:49)
20. Nocturnes No. 5 (2:27)

Total Time: 46:49
Line-up/Musicians

- Steve Hackett / guitar
- John Hackett / flute

Steve Hackett - (2006) Wild Orchids

Steve Hackett - (2006) Wild Orchids

Studio Album, released in 2006

Track Listings

Standard Edition (CAMCD38):
1. A Dark Night In Toytown (3:42)
2. Waters Of The Wild (5.35)
3. Set Your Compass (3:38)
4. Down Street (7:34)
5. A Girl Called Linda (4:44)
6. To A Close (4:49)
7. Ego & Id (4:08)
8. Man In The Long Black Coat (5:07)
9. Wolfwork (4:49)
10. Why (0:47)
11. She Moves In Memories (5:00)
12. The Fundamentals Of Brainwashing (3:01)
13. Howl (4:31)

Total Time: 57:25

Special Edition (CAMCD38SE):
1. Transylvanian Express (3:44)
2. Waters Of The Wild (5:35)
3. Set Your Compass (3:38)
4. Down Street (7:34)
5. A Girl Called Linda (4:44)
6. Blue Child (4:25)
7. To A Close (4:49)
8. Ego & Id (4:08)
9. Man In The Long Black Coat (5:07)
10. Cedars Of Lebanon (4:02)
11. Wolfwork (4:49)
12. Why (0:47)
13. She Moves In Memories (5:00)
14. The Fundamentals Of Brainwashing (3:01)
15. Howl (4:31)
16. A Dark Night In Toytown (3:42)
17. Until The Last Butterfly (2:29)

Total Time: 72:05
Line-up/Musicians

- Steven Hackett / guitars, electric sitar, harmonica, psaltery, optigan & voices
- Roger King / keyboards & programming, rhythm guitar
- John Hackett / principal flute & riff guitar
- Rob Townsend / saxes, principal flute, Alto flute, tin whistle & bass clarinet
- Nick Magnus / keyboards

The Underworld Orchestra:
- Christine Townsend / principal violin, viola
- Richard Stewart / cello
- Dick Driver / double bass
- Colin Clague / trumpet
- Chris Redgate / oboe, cor Anglais

Steve Hackett - (2003) To Watch the Storms

Steve Hackett - (2003) To Watch the Storms

Studio Album, released in 2003

Track Listings

1. Strutton Ground (3:03)
2. Circus Of Becoming (3:47)
3. The Devil Is An Englishman (4:26)
4. Frozen Statues (2:57)
5. Mechanical Bride (6:38)
6. Wind, Sand And Stars (5:06)
7. Brand New (4:39)
8. This World (5:17)
9. Rebecca (4:18)
10. The Silk Road (5:23)
11. Come Away (0:57)
12. The Moon Under Water (5:22)
13. Serpentine Song (5:48)

Bonus tracks on Special Edition:
14. Pollution B (3:11)
15. Fire Island (2:12)
16. Marijuana, Assassin Of Youth (6:50)
17. If You Only Knew (6:25)

Total Time: 74:18
Line-up/Musicians

- Steve Hackett / vocals, guitar
- Roger King / keyboards
- Rob Townsend / brass, woodwind
- Terry Gregory / basses, vocals
- Gary O’Toole / drums, vocals
- John Hackett / flute (13)
- Ian McDonald / saxophone (7)

Guests:
- Jeanne Downs / backing vocals
- Sarah Wilson / cello
- Howard Gott / violin

Steve Hackett - (2002) The Genesis Files

Steve Hackett - (2002) The Genesis Files

Boxset/Compilation, released in 2002

2CD Genesis Files = Genesis Revisited + tracks from other Hackett albums, as stated in the track list. There is nothing older than two pieces from '83 acoustic guitar album Bay of Kings (except 'Horizons' from it appeared originally in Foxtrot, and 'Steppes' from Tokyo Tapes live album in Defector '80). Each song is served with liner notes and thus clearing the 'Genesis' concept also in tracks that at first seem to have nothing to do with it. To be honest, some don't. Two instrumental tracks from '99 Darktown? As well or better could have been some (new versions perhaps) from earliest solo albums that are closer in style to Genesis. But this kind of limited compiling principle suits well. The sense of compilation is almost absent if you haven't heard all the source albums. It's principally just an extended version of "Watcher of the Skies - Genesis Revisited" (96) and it works as that. ...Sorry such lecturing: call it The Premiere Review Syndrome.

Genesis revisitations were made with a large amount of guests. John Wetton in 'Firth of Fifth' and 'Watcher of the Skies', wow! Colin Bluntstone's tender 'For Absent Friends' accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic is dangerously close to oversweetness. 'Your Own Special Way' as a Rutherford tune has Paul Carrack from Mike+Mechanics, and I must say the nature of the song fits better to that polished style than to Wind & Wuthering. 'Fountain of Salmacis' sung by Steve is a good example how he manages to add new excitement even to such dramatic classics. It's almost TOO full. 'Waiting Room Only' is an atonal curiosity based on the Lamb track. The Tokyo concert with a superb all-stars lineup seems really great.

Here and there this music feels a bit overproduced & highly strung, and makes me miss the more peaceful side of Hackett's music. But worth getting if you missed Genesis Revisited.

Track Listings

Disc 1
1. Firth Of Fith (Genesis Revisited)
2. Watcher Of The Skies (Genesis Revisited)
3. Riding The Colossus (Genesis Revisited (Jap. Ed.))
4. Rise Again (Darktown)
5. Valley Of Kings (Genesis Revisited)
6. Time Lapse At Milton Keynes (Bay Of Kings)
7. Your Own Special Way (Genesis Revisited)
8. The Fountain Of Salmacis (Genesis Revisited)
9. For Absent Friends (Genesis Revisited)
10. Twice Around The Sun (Darktown)

Disc 2:
1. Horizons (Bay Of Kings)
2. Prizefighters (Feedback '86)
3. Camino Royale (The Tokyo Tapes)
4. I Know What I Like (Genesis Revisited)
5. Deja Vu (Genesis Revisited)
6. Waiting Room Only (Genesis Revisited)
7. Dance On A Volcano (Genesis Revisited)
8. The Steppes (The Tokyo Tapes)
9. In That Quiet Earth (The Tokyo Tapes)
10. Los Endos (The Tokyo Tapes)


Line-up/Musicians:

- John Wetton / bass, vocals
- Bill Bruford / drums
- Ben Fenner / keyboards, programming
- Tony Levin / bass
- Julian Colbeck / keyboards
- Hugo Degenhardt / drums
- Doug Sinclair / bass
- Roger King / programming, keyboards, virtual drums
- Aron Friedman / keyboards, piano
- Billy Budis / bass
- Nick Magnus / keyboards, programming
- Jerry Peal / keyboards, programming
- Paul Carrack / vocals
- Chester Thompson / drums
- Alphonso Johnson / bass
- John Hackett / flute
- Colin Blunstone / vocals
- Bonnie Tyler / vocals
- Chris Thompson / vocals
- Terry Pack / bass
- Ian McDonald / flute, keyboards
- Pino Palladino / bass
- Will Bates / saxophone
- The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Steve Hackett - (1981) Time Laps Live

Steve Hackett - (1981) Time Laps Live

Time Lapse is the tenth solo album by guitarist Steve Hackett, and his first live album. The album is drawn from live performances at the Savoy Theater in New York City (during the Cured tour) and at Central TV Studios in Nottingham.
Tracks 1-5, 13 & 14 recorded at Central TV Studios, Nottingham, October 1990.
Tracks 6-12 recorded at the Savoy Theater, New York, November 1981.
Produced by Steve Hackett and Billy Budis.

It opens with the classic 'Camino Royale', played here flawlessy and at a superb tempo. Its complicated structure holds no fear for the band or its leader, and this epitomises the entire album. The musicians, as always with Hackett, are all top notch, and it's especially nice to see two excellent drummers, Fudge Smith and Ian Moseley, from Pendragon and Marillion respectively, providing the backbone and rhythm to some excellent playing. 'Please Don't Touch' is another wonderful live piece, and this is followed by one of Hackett's best songs, the brilliant 'Everyday', 'In That Quiet Earth' is another seemingly effortless brilliancy, bringing back to the listener all those wonderful Genesis-inspired days of the seventies, whilst 'Depth-Charge' is, yet again, memorable; a wonderful mid- paced instrumental. Two favourites from the Defector album follow, the upbeat and sunny sounding 'Jacuzzi' and the sombre and majestic 'The Steppes', each of them powerfully played and well recorded. John's flute always adds something special to both his brother's and his own work. 'Ace Of Wands' is another live gem, and this is followed by 'Hope I Don't Wake'. 'The Red Flower Of Tachai' is just as atmospheric live as it is on record. Only the first part of 'Tigermoth' is played here. 'A Tower Struck Down' has all the drama and dynamics of the original, being one of Steve's heavier pieces. 'Spectral Mornings' is as wonderful as it always has been, with superlative playing from Steve and the band. Finally, 'Clocks' ends the record in fine style. He is one of the few musicians who can cut the mustard both in the studio and live. For those wishing to explore his material, this would serve as a good introduction to his earlier work.

Track Listings

01. Camino Royale (Highly Strong) (8:42)
02. Please Don't Touch (Please...) (4:38)
03. Everyday (Spectral Mornings) (7:00)
04. In That Quiet Earth (3:50)
05. Depth Charge (3:22)
06. Jacuzzi (Defector) (4:28)
07. The Steppes (Defector) (5:57)
08. Ace Of Wands (Voyage..) (7:34)
09. Hope I Don't Wake (Cured) (4:14)
10. The Red Flower Of Tachai Blooms Everywhere (Spectral Mornings) (2:43)
11. Tigermoth (Spectral Mornings) (3:22)
12. A Tower Struck Down (Voyage...) (2:58)
13. Spectral Mornings (Spectral Mornings) (5:19)
14. Clocks-The Angel of Mons (Spectral Mornings)(4:55)

Total Time: 67:29

Line-up/Musicians

- Steve Hackett / guitar, vocals
- John Hackett / flute, guitar, bass, pedals

In Nottingham, with:
- Ian Ellis / bass, vocals
- Julian Colbeck / keyboard, vocals
- Fudge Smith / drums
In New-York, with:
- Chas Cronk / bass, vocals
- Nick Magnus / keyboards
- Ian Mosley / drums

*Includes full cover and booklet scan*

Steve Hackett - (1980) DEFECTOR

STEVE HACKETT - (1980) DEFECTOR

Studio Album, released in 1980

It is always illadvised to think the loss of an individual isn't felt in a band, or that the deficit will be easily filled and unnoticed in the material. The reverse is also true; to assume a single musician's own work, reaching out with a more internal vision, will be less accomplished is frequently proven wrong. Often liberating, these solo projects can be a much more personal and intimate expression of an artist and for 'Defector', Steve Hackett demonstrates this with the same quiet expertise he brought to Genesis. The album suffers at times from an early 80s techno-box quality that cheapens the sound (including a few flirtations with outright disco), but mostly this is one of Hackett's better albums and it fixes a hole where the rain gets in.

Steve Hackett had been making solo records since 1975, so regardless of his tenure with his 'other' band, it was nothing new. And though both 'Voyage of the Acolyte' and 'Spectral Mornings' are first-rate sessions, 'Defector' is a touch more clear-headed and concise in its vision, and no less ambitious. 'The Steppes' opens on a soothing flute, rumbling awake with Dik Cadbury's bass and a most pleasing melody of layered guitars from our host, expanding over a grand landscape. 'Time to Get Out' tastes of later Genesis with springy arpeggios, bright pop appeal and a countrified solo, abruptly pushed aside by the militant 'Slogans' which features a hornet's nest of guitar pyrotechnics and Hackett's sense of restraint and musicality. Highly prog and full of movement, it seamlessly transitions to the sweet-sounding 'Leaving', a reflective vocal harmonic. The master's nylon-strings are showcased in the delicate 'Two Vamps as Guests', and 'Jacuzzi' is prime Hackett, handling the synths as well as guitars for some great symphonic rock that could easily be mistaken for Genesis circa 1973. 'Hammer in the Sand' is a tearful lament on piano, 'The Toast' is slow, drunken sentiment which becomes a salute to Erik Satie and refreshes the soul with its simple beauty. 'The Show' curbs this even flow with a cold dance beat and funky bass sounding like a play for radio appeal, and the hilarious 'Sentimental Institution' creaks with 1930s Americana, Victrola atmosphere and early jazz crooning.

Though bumpy at times and giving a sense of a work unfinished , 'Defector' was one of the best prog offerings of 1980 and proves why Hackett's absence in his former band was deeply felt. Very nice.

Track Listings

Side 1
1. The Steppes (6:04)
2. Time to get Out (4:11)
3. Slogans (3:42)
4. Leaving (3:18)
5. Two Vamps As guests (1:58)
Side 2
6. Jacuzzi (4:35)
7. Hammer in The Sand (3:09)
8. The Toast (3:41)
9. The Show (3:40)
10. Sentimental Institution (2:32)

Total Time: 36:50
Line-up/Musicians

- Steve Hackett / guitar, vocal, Optigan, Roland GR 500
- Nick Magnus / keyboards
- John Hackett / concert and Alto flute
- Pete Hicks / vocal
- John Shearer / drums & percussion
- Dik Cadbury / bass, vocal

Steve Hackett - (1978) VOYAGE OF THE ACOLYTE

STEVE HACKETT - (1978) VOYAGE OF THE ACOLYTE

Studio Album, released in 1975

No real point in annointing this immense talent and huge guitar innovator any further , I still remember rewiring my jaw (after picking it up off the concert floor) subsequent to Genesis' show in Montreal in 1974. "A flower?" blooming amazing guitar display that was. This debut album is still justly viewed as a glowing icon of melancholia-infused progressive rock. With most of his Genesis bandmates on board, Hackett is in obviously comfortable surroundings and hence, positively shines throughout the tracks , effusively flowing guitar forays searching for new tonal horizons , dazzling atmospheres wonderfully coloured by the ubiquitous mellotron cascades, rivers of liquid flute runs and an occasional stream of vibrant cello. The supporting cast does well to further enhance the fragile delicacy of the arrangements , namely the pulsating Rutherford Rickenbaker combining deftly with the marvelous Collins drumming (they were a very underrated rythm section ), a burping Percy Jones fretless bass cameo and the glimmering voice courtesy of Sally Oldfiled . The tracks have been already dissected by my esteemed colleagues, so I will reserve my comments to the closer, where the disc spirals effortlessly into the upper reaches of nirvana (no, not the band) , an unmitigated classic that easily rivals or even surpasses any prime Genesis tune, proving conclusively that Steve's departure was the final progressive moment in Genesis' existence. The next chapters of their history has only further confirmed the obvious. Tied with Spectral Mornings but a slightly more precious overall package (Beautiful cover to boot). 5 stars, with "no reply at all".

Track Listings

1. Ace Of Wands (5:23)
2. Hands of the Priestess Part I (3:28)
3. A Tower Struck Down (4:53)
4. Hands of the Priestess Part II (1:31)
5. The Hermit (4:49)
6. Star of Sirius (7:08)
7. The Lovers (1:50)
8. Shadow of the Hierophant (11:44)

Total Time: 40:52

Line-up/Musicians

- Steve Hackett / electric & acoustic guitar, Mellotron, harmonium, bells, autoharp, vocal, effects
- John Hackett / flute, Arp synthetizer, bells
- Mike Rutherford / bass guitar, bass pedals, Fuzz 12-String
- Phil Collins / drums, vibes, percussion, vocals
- John Acock / Elka, Rhapsody, Mellotron, harmonium, piano
- Sally Oldfield / vocal
- Robin Miller / oboe, cor Anglais
- Nigel Warren-Green / solo cello
- Percy Jones / extra bass on "Tower"
- Johnny Gustafson / bass on "Star"
- Steve Tobin / parrot and cough

Steve Hackett - (1978) PLEASE DON`T TOUCH

STEVE HACKETT - (1978) PLEASE DON`T TOUCH

Studio Album, released in 1978

#78: 1978. The first Hackett album I heard - perhaps in '87 - and definitely among the favourites. The other song sung by Steve Walsh (Kansas), 'Racing in A', is the only track I don't like, but 'Narnia' is a great opener full of energy and fairytale delight, and probably helped me to find Kansas too. Some say that Richie Havens and Randy Crawford are out of place guesting on a prog album - NOT AT ALL! Mrs Crawford's emotional 'Hoping Love Will Last' is a wonderful example how entertainment vocal music and prog can be brought together. Very beautiful. Havens' bluesy voice fits surprisingly well into Hackett's sound. More guest singers that fine and various on your later albums too, please!

Like most Hacketts, a good deal is instrumentals, but as always, full of drama and colour. 'The Voice of Necam' refers to a computer, and also some sounds of entertainment park's machines and crowd are heard. This must be the most dramatic and exciting of his albums; it rushes into very many directions but does not quite yet suffer from it. 'Carry On Up The Vicarage' is a hilarious tribute to Agatha Christie detective stories, and the treated vocals (by Steve) add nicely to the peculiar feel. 'Kim' is a serene Satie-like piece with flute and guitar. Even with a short length (38:38) and one unpleasant song I can reward this with 5*.

Track Listings

1. Narnia (4:06)
2. Carry On Up the Vicarage (3:11)
3. Racing In A (5:07)
4. Kim (2:14)
5. How Can I? (4:40)
6. Hoping Love Will Last (4:09)
7. Land of a Thousand Autumns (1:57)
8. Please Don't Touch (3:39)
9. The Voice of Necam (3:11)
10. Icarus Ascending (6:21)

Total Time: 38:38
Line-up/Musicians

- Steve Hackett / guitars, vocals, keyboards, percussion

WITH:
- John Hackett / flutes, piccolos, bass pedals, keyboards
- Steve Walsh / vocals
- Richie Havens / vocals, percussion
- Randy Crawford / vocals
- Dave LeBolt / keyboards
- John Acock / keyboards
- Tom Fowler / bass
- Chester Thompson / drums, percussion
- Phil Ehart / drums, percussion
- James Bradley / percussion
- Graham Smith / violin
- Hugh Malloy / cello