Record Reviews
35 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ A MIDSUMMER NIGHT`S DREAM
CAMINO 22 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
This album from 1997 presents a suite composed by Steve for a production of the famous Shakespeare`s play. Performed on acoustic guitar and accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, this is a magnificent achievement and something to enjoy for years to come.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ BAY OF KINGS
CAMINO 08 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Since leaving Genesis, Steve Hackett has been developing an illustrious solo career as writer and performer. A long series of solo albums on his own label (Camino Records) document the many sides of his musical genius. This one from 1983 features mainly his acoustic guitar, of which he has become a world renown master, with some flute work by his brother John and keyboards.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ BLUES WITH A FEELING
CAMINO 13 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
This album from 1994 presents Steve`s version of the blues, with a `normal` quartet. There is a lot of blues in there of course, but the originality of the approach give it a great `twist` which creates a fabulous feeling.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ CURED (EXPANDED EDITION)
VIRGIN 384415 (Barcode: 094638441526) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1981 Released: 2007
5th album, written while Steve HackettFind albums by this artist was recuperating in Brazil, following a grueling couple of years filled with concert appearances and studio recordings. Hackett disbanded his regular band, with which he toured supporting his earlier releases, and for this project he retained the services of one musician only – his keyboards player Nick MagnusFind albums by this artist. Hence this is basically a duet effort, with the only exception being Steve’s brother John HackettFind albums by this artist, who contributes his flute on one tune. This is also the first album featuring Hackett as a lead vocalist, something Hackett was trying to avoid for a long time. It turns out he is quite capable of carrying a tune and his vocal performances are perfectly acceptable. The music is as good as always, with a slightly “lighter” approach, but nevertheless this is still Hackett, who couldn’t make bad music even if he tried very hard. Especially the fantastic “The Air Conditioned Nightmare” instrumental, which is a Prog classic and remained for many years a regular feature of his concerts. In retrospect, considering this album was unavailable for so many years, it’s a pleasure to remember and a most enjoyable listening experience.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ DARKTOWN
CAMINO 17 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
This album from 1998 presents a set of new compositions brilliantly played by Steve and several guest musicians. As the title suggests, the atmosphere is `dark` and dense, but the music is crystal clear and very moving.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ DEFECTOR
VIRGIN 4018 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
4th album from 1980. Typical Hackett material with superb guitar playing in addition to support from his brother on flute and other master musicians. By this time Hackett established his unique voicing and the position of a Prog icon. Although some critics describe this album as one of his lesser acheivements, it is still a great Prog record and Steve`s fans surely would like it in their collection.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ DEFECTOR (EXPANDED EDITION)
VIRGIN 337209 (Barcode: 094633720923) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1980 Released: 2005
4th album. Typical Steve HackettFind albums by this artist material with superb guitar playing in addition to support from his brother on flute and other master musicians. By this time Hackett established his unique voicing and the position of a Prog icon. Although some critics describe this album as one of his lesser acheivements, it is still a great Prog record and Steve`s fans surely would like it in their collection.
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ FEEDBACK 86
CAMINO 21 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
This album from 1986, which stayed unreleased untill 2000, presents Steve in a rock setting with such guest musicians as Brian May (Queen) and Chris Thompson on vocals. Similar of course to the early solo albums.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ GENESIS REVISITED
REEF 704 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
On this 1996 recording Hackett, accompanied by a stellar cast of fellow musicians (Wetton, Bruford, McDonald, Levin just to mention a few) and the Royal Philharmonic, revisits material he originally recorded with Genesis. To many Hackett fans these version are by far superior to the original recordings and for sure the collective musicianship is by far more eclectic and mature.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ GUITAR NOIR
CAMINO 12 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
This album from 1993 presents again some outstanding solo guitar work, with a `dark` edge. The atmosphere is sustained from one piece to another with taste and strange somberness.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ HIGHLY STRUNG (EXPANDED EDITION)
VIRGIN 384418 (Barcode: 094638441823) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1982 Released: 2007
6th album by Steve HackettFind albums by this artist and the last one released on the CharismaFind albums on this label label (All the rest of Steve’s extensive catalogue is available on his privately owned label CaminoFind albums on this label Records, also available on this site). For this album Hackett expanded the duo format, which recorded Cured, into a trio with the addition of drummer Ian MosleyFind albums by this artist (future MarillionFind albums by this artist member) and a few guest musicians also participated. Together they created what is considered one of the best Steve Hackett albums, full of great melodies and excellent playing. Back to the Prog format and sound and including some of Hackett’s most memorable tunes like Camino Royale, this is a perfect summary of his early period. Future Hackett albums will slowly mark the transition into acoustic music and his dedication to the acoustic guitar, with only occasional ventures into the classic electric Prog. This is a beautiful album in every sense and a pleasure to revisit after all these years. Definitely a classic and highly recommended!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ LIVE ARCHIVE-03
CAMINO 33 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded during the 2003 `To Wath The Skies` tour all over Europe, this latest addition to the Hackett`s Live Archive series proves again that he is probably one of the most consistently brilliant figures on the Prog scene. The material includes, as usual, some new tunes from the latests albums, as well as some old favorites, performed flawlessly and with passion by Steve and the latest eddition of his band.
| | | CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ LIVE ARCHIVE-04
CAMINO 34 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded in Budapest, where Steve performs often lately, always before an enthusiastic audience, this is another superb document of his skills. The material covers mostly the latest releases, but also as usual some old favorites in a new arrangement. The entire band smokes and soars. You just can`t go wrong with Hackett`s releases, no matter how much you try.
| | | CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ LIVE ARCHIVE-05
CAMINO 36 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded in April 2005 at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London, this album presents the Steve Hackett Acoustic Trio (with brother John on flute and Roger King on keyboards), performing a beautiful `unplugged` show with lots of new music composed by Steve. The album features the acoustic side of Steve`s brilliant playing, introverse and delicate, but deeply rewarding. He just can`t go wrong and his consistency is a major asset.
| | | CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ LIVE ARCHIVE-NEARFEST
CAMINO 32 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Hackett`s performance at the Nearfest 2002 festival was to many of the festival`s participants the highlight of the entire event. Captured live in its complete form and released on this album, this music becomes a document to be shared my all those, who could not be there, which of course includes thousands of his loyal fans. Great band supporting Hackett and his performances are brilliant as ever.
| | | CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ METAMORPHEUS
CAMINO 35 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
A natural follow up to Steve`s earlier classical work (A Midsummer Night`s Dream) this classical suite for acoustic guitar and orchestra (recorded 2004) showcases Hackett again as a classical composer and player. Based on the Greek mythical story of Orpheus, the enchanting music follows the steps of his journey in the underworld. This is serious stuff, demanding undivided attention and peace of mind in order to truly appreciate the beauty of the music. A must for the serious listener and all Hackett fans of course!
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ MOMENTUM
CAMINO 10 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
This album from 1987 captures Steve absolutely `naked` with his acoustic guitar only (and some flute) proving again what a virtuoso player he really is.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ OUT OF THE TUNNEL`S MOUTH (SPECIAL EDITION)
INSIDEOUT 327 (Barcode: 5052205053881) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2009 Released: 2010
At a time when most contemporary Prog music crop proves that the genre has simply run out of steam (yet again!), guitarist / composer Steve HackettFind albums by this artist, one of the forefathers of the genre (GenesisFind albums by this artist) demonstrates that not all is lost and intelligent Prog is still alive and kicking. This album is one more addition to Hackett´s splendid legacy and a testimony to the fact that he ages incredibly well.
The album includes eight new beautiful songs, all composed by Hackett (with lyrics by various collaborators), exquisitely performed by a large group of Hackett´s usual cohorts, which include keyboardist Roger KingFind albums by this artist, his brother John HackettFind albums by this artist on flute, surprise appearances of guitarist Anthony PhillipsFind albums by this artist (Genesis) and bassist Chris SquireFind albums by this artist (YesFind albums by this artist) and several others. The performances are all first-rate and Hackett´s guitar playing remains simply stellar. The album is a continuous spellbinding experience, which although is not very innovative, presents the core of the Prog idiom, characterized by deeply melodic themes with improvised passages and multilayered rich arrangements. The last song on the album incorporates Middle Eastern folkloristic elements, which is the first for Hackett. He plays splendidly both acoustic and electric guitars throughout the album and his vocals are also excellent.
This special addition of the album adds a bonus CD, which presents six Genesis songs performed live, five of them by the Steve Hackett band and the last one with the Hungarian ensemble DjabeFind albums by this artist, which toured with Hackett as a guest in 2010 and recorded a 2CD live album during that tour. The bonus material is quite different from the studio album and shows Hackett primarily as a performer in a typical live Prog framework, which of course he stands up to with distinction.
For the many Hackett fans around the world this is definitely a must, but any Prog enthusiasts getting this album will find their money very well spent. Wholeheartedly recommended!
| | Updated: 26/08/2020Posted: | CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ PLEASE DON`T TOUCH
VIRGIN 4012 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
2nd album from 1978 and the first after he left Genesis in 1977. Although quite different from the debut `Acolyte` and more song oriented, this is still a splendid example of Hackett`s talents as player and composer. A plethora of guesting stars spice the album with their additions and the result is altogether excellent.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ RAILS
INSIDEOUT 339 (Barcode: 5052205055281) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2010 Released: 2011
This album by veteran guitarist / composer Steve HackettFind albums by this artist documents the concerts performed by him and his band during the 2010 European tour. As usual the performances include a mixture of Hackett´s material from his solo material as well as classic GenesisFind albums by this artist sagas. The overall level of performances is extremely high, the band operates like a well oiled perfectly tuned machine and Hackett still has his chops together, like only very few musicians of his generation can display today. Although there are basically no revelations, surprises or groundbreaking steps taken here, everything is done perfectly, with good taste and a lot of passion and incredible talent. The band includes reedman Rob TownsendFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Roger KingFind albums by this artist, bassist Nick BeggsFind albums by this artist, drummer Gary O´TooleFind albums by this artist and guitarist / vocalist Amanda LehmannFind albums by this artist.
Hackett is one of the classic Rock and especially Progressive Rock veterans (the term dinosaurs it truly stupid in reference to veteran musicians) who kept his dignity and full capacity as a musician over four decades after his initial success. None of his Genesis band mates and most ex Prog superstars left the stage quite a while ago and those stubbornly clinging to past glory are simply pathetic or ridiculous, with a very few exceptions. Hackett always expanded his musical horizons, embracing the acoustic guitar as a separate musical entity, in addition to the electric Rock oriented sound he became famous for. His ventures into Classical and contemporary Classical music as well as his versatile Rock outings were always top notch. In retrospect he created over the years an impressive body of work, which is in many areas unparalleled by no other musician of his generation.
This is timeless music, which would have sounded great if it was performed in the 1970s and sounds every bit as impressive today. Good music is good music, even if we hear it all before. Classic Rock enthusiasts will definitely have a field day with this album, regardless if they are or not Hackett fans. Those who only now come to be introduced to his majestic music can embrace it wholeheartedly, starting with this album, which is as good entry point as anyone can imagine. Superb stuff!
| | | CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ SPECTRAL MORNINGS
VIRGIN 4017 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
3rd album from 1979. With time Hackett turns more and more introvert and plays more acoustic guitar, whch is soon to become his main instrument. Beautifully crafted melodies and delicate arrangements make this album another success for this greatly talented musician. A must for all Hackett fans.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ SPECTRAL MORNINGS (EXPANDED EDITION)
VIRGIN 337241 (Barcode: 094633724129) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1979 Released: 2005
3rd album. With time Hackett turns more and more introvert and plays more acoustic guitar, whch is soon to become his main instrument. Beautifully crafted melodies and delicate arrangements make this album another success for this greatly talented musician. A must for all Hackett fans.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ THE TOKYO TAPES
CAMINO 15 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
This live album from 1996 is considered as one of the best live Prog albums ever recorded. With a stellar group including John Wetton and Ian McDonald, the group performs many favorites from Genesis and King Crimson material as well as Steve`s originals. A true must!
| | | CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ THE TOKYO TAPES
CAMINO 15D ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
This live concert from 1996 is considered as one of the best Prog performances ever recorded. With a stellar group including John Wetton and Ian McDonald, the group performs many favorites from Genesis and King Crimson material as well as Steve`s originals. Lots of DVD additional material.
| | | DVD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ THERE ARE MANY SIDES TO THE NIGHT
CAMINO 14 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
This album from 1994 presents Steve in concert playing again acoustic guitar and accompanied by keyboards only. A beautifully recorded, gentle and intelligent music.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ TILL WE HAVE FACES
CAMINO 09 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
This album from 1983 features Steve HackettFind albums by this artist in a setting with some great Brasilian musicians and his regular group at that time, playing a fabulous mixture of rock and world music. Some thrilling performances here!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ TIME LAPSE
CAMINO 11 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
This album from 1990 captures Steve live in a `normal` Prog setting, recorded at two fantastic concerts and playing favorites from his solo albums. Amazing sound and brilliant performance.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ TO WATCH THE STORMS
INSIDEOUT 127 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Hackett`s long awaited rock album (recorded 2003), after several classically oriented releases, meets all the hopes and expectations. He and his wonderful backing musicians come up with a wonderfully ballanced, intelligent piece of music, which is both intelligent and artistic. The performances and the compositions are excellent with no exceptions. This material served Hackett as the basis for his extensive touring done following this release. A must to all Hackett fans of course.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ VOYAGE OF THE ACOLYTE
VIRGIN 1111 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
1st album from 1975 recorded while Hackett was still a member of Genesis. Considered by many as one of the best Prog albums of all times and an absolute classic. John is supported by fellow Genesis members (Collins & Rutherford), his brother John and Sally Oldfield on vocals. A concept album of sorts pointing to the direction Hackett will take in his solo career.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | GARY HUSBAND ~ DIRTY & BEAUTIFUL VOLUME 1
ABSTRACT LOGIX 027 (Barcode: 700261307053) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2010 Released: 2010
This is the first of two albums by British drummer / keyboardist / composer Gary HusbandFind albums by this artist recorded with a host of friends, all of which are superstars of British and international Jazz, Rock and Jazz-Rock Fusion, like guitarists Allan HoldsworthFind albums by this artist, John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist, Robin TrowerFind albums by this artist, Steve HackettFind albums by this artist and Steve ToppingFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jan HammerFind albums by this artist, violinist Jerry GoodmanFind albums by this artist and bassists Jimmy JohnsonFind albums by this artist, Steve PriceFind albums by this artist, Mark KingFind albums by this artist, Laurence CotileFind albums by this artist and Livingstone BrownFind albums by this artist. The various lineups perform twelve pieces, seven of which are original compositions by Husband and one is co-composed by him.
The music, as expected after reading the lineup, ranges from Rock via Fusion to Jazz, presenting a coherent picture of musical virtuosity and compositional elegance. In contrast to many other similar projects based on the same idea of recording an album with many superstars, which usually fail miserably to achieve any substantial musical value, this attempt works wonderfully from start to finish with no dull moments to spare. The stylistic variety and the different atmospheric vistas present a superb collage of intelligent and fascinating music, which is a pleasure to listen to.
As expected, the album is full of exceptional soloing. Husband keeps it all together with his dynamic and powerful rhythm drive, contributing a few keyboard solos on the way. The main point here is the mutual respect these stellar musicians have for each other, putting any competition and ego trips out of the way and concentrating on the final result. Husband turns out to be a wonderful catalyst here, able to create ad hoc lineups that sound as if they were playing together for ages.
In short this is not only Fusion heaven, but a comprehensive overview of the genre in the most open minded approach possible, which encompasses everything between Rock and Free Jazz. Husband´s openness towards similarly remote sub genres was always one of his most remarkable qualities. This is definitely a must for all Fusion lovers, but every connoisseur of good music should be able to enjoy this immensely!
| | Updated: 06/07/2016Posted: 06/07/2016 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | PFM ~ I DREAMED OF ELECTRIC SHEEP
INSIDEOUT 580 (Barcode: 194398537429) ~ ITALY ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2021 Released: 2021
This is an album by veteran, legendary Italian Prog band PFMFind albums by this artist, which follows their previous album “Emotional TattoosFind albums with this title” from 2017. Co-led by original members: vocalist / drummer Franz Di CioccioFind albums by this artist and bassist Patrick DjivasFind albums by this artist, the band also includes guitarist Marco SfogliFind albums by this artist, violinist Lucio FabbriFind albums by this artist and keyboardists Alessandro ScaglioneFind albums by this artist and Alberto BravinFind albums by this artist. Prog icons Ian AndersonFind albums by this artist and Steve HackettFind albums by this artist guest on one track. The album presents ten tracks, three of which are instrumentals and seven have lyrics. Same as on the previous album, this album also consists of two CDs, one with English and the other with Italian lyrics, with the identical instrumental background.
The music is classic Symphonic Prog, which sound like something that might have been recorded in the early 1970s, and offers the typical Italian Prog mixture of lush lyrical, highly melodic music, which has a unique sonic signature, that no other Prog bands from outside of Italy are able to reproduce.
Of course the CD with the Italian lyrics sound way better that the one with the English lyrics, since the Italian language is simply highly musical on its own and fits the instrumental background perfectly. This is true as far as every Italian bi-lingual album ever released, and there are quite a few of those.
There is absolutely nothing innovative or different on this album that was not already stated fifty years earlier, but it still sounds great, at least to me, and infinitely better than anything Neo-Prog has to offer in the years that followed. This is like tasting a piece of cake your Grandmother baked when you were a toddler, which you never tasted again since.
Overall, this is a solid / classic Italian Prog album, which offers a pleasant trip down the memory lane, and which will be obviously loved unconditionally by the fans of the genre. I had an absolute blast listening to this album and I am sure many other true Prog lovers will share the same kind of experience. Hats off to these two musicians in their mid-seventies, who carry playing what they believe in.
| | Updated: 16/05/2023Posted: 16/01/2022 | CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
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