Hackett Steve

In November 2019, at a sold-out show in London's Hammersmith Apollo, Steve Hackett performed the legendary Genesis album "Selling England by the Pound" in its entirety. Steve and his band also played tracks from "Spectral Mornings" (celebrating its 40th anniversary), "At the Edge of Light" and "A Trick of the Tail"…

One has to admit that legendary guitarist Steve Hackett has carved out quite a career, easily the most prolific and consistent of all the former Genesis maestros. Eschewing commercial fame and fortune, this consummate artist has always remained faithful and committed to a progressive rock experience defined by his unique and pioneering style…

Though you will see Till We Have Faces often mentioned as the first rock album to draw from world music influences, that's not quite true. Santana, John McLaughlin, Os Mutantes, the Police, Jade Warrior, and others were doing it long before. That said, the album was done before Paul Simon ushered it in as a trend with Graceland. Recorded in Rio de Janeiro and mixed in London, it's a step away from the progressive rock he'd become recognized for and is a mostly successful venture. A couterie of Latin percussionists flesh out the almost all Brazilian band that graces the album, adding layers of complex rhythms. These rhythms are the core of the album and make such songs as "A Doll That's Made in Japan" and "What's My Name" more exotic and interesting; they creatively juxtapose Oriental and South American styles…

Steve Hackett's later material is somewhat different from his '70s and '80s work, in that the guitar playing tends to be less progressive and lengthy, verging more on rock-blues and basic string arrangements. The emergence into this style is showcased on Guitar Noir, as Hackett displays a more mature side to his instrumental prowess. Each song is given one line of interpretation from Hackett in the liner notes, as the songs range from the life of a prostitute to the onslaught of television in the household. Only two of the 12 songs are without vocals, but words have no affect on Hackett's beautiful passages anyway…

In 1983, Steve Hackett fought an uphill battle for the release of Bay of Kings, his first album of solo acoustic guitar pieces. He ultimately did find a distributor, after several months. Rather than becoming disconcerted by the experience, Hackett determined never to shy away from his classical impulses in the future, and in 1988 he returned with Momentum, another album of mostly original acoustic guitar passages. As the title suggests, this album finds Hackett gaining confidence and proficiency in his guitar playing; he manages to play several complex pieces in a seemingly effortless manner. The songs are pleasant, evoking delightful imagery. Any admirer of acoustic guitar music will find this thoroughly enjoyable.

Soon after completing work on Watcher of the Skies, Steve Hackett conceived of a series of concerts involving many of the musicians from the Genesis project, to be recorded for a special live release. This two-disc set from a December 1996 performance in Tokyo is the end result…

Steve Hackett's last release for Charisma Records in Britain is one of his strongest efforts. Hackett once again handles all the lead vocals, but sounds more assured in the role than he did on Cured. This album spawned Hackett's one and only solo hit single, "Cell 151," which charted in Britain…