Record Reviews

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:

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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!

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