Steve Hackett-The Total Experience Live In Liverpool

Steve Hackett has just released another dvd/cd combo called ‘The Total Experience Live In Liverpool’, what sets this apart from previous releases, is that on this he tries to cram as many of his solo hits as well as Genesis favourites into a show lasting a little under three hours, and that proves a lot more difficult than it sounds. From his very first solo album ‘Voyage Of The Acolyte’ to his latest offering ‘Wolflight’ Steve takes the listener and watcher on a magical journey through time.

The set list has been hand-picked by Steve, his idea was to incorporate both old and new, as well as the fan favourites. Easier said than done, as no matter how many tracks he plays, somebody will always leave disappointed that he didn’t play their favourite.

After an atmospheric introduction to ‘Corycian Fire’ Steve and the band really kick this concert off with the title track from one of his most commercially successful albums ‘Spectral Mornings’. Next Steve takes the mic for his most recent release, the rocky Wolflight, this is quickly followed by ‘Love Song To A Vampire’ also taken from Wolflight.

Steve then goes all acoustic, strumming away on a 12 string on ‘The Loving Sea’ while later on Steve duets with his brother John, who adds his flute on ‘Jacuzzi’. As good as Steve’s solo work is, it his time with Genesis, and the songs he has chosen to play that really brings this gig to life, ‘The Musical Box’ has  been in the set list for the previous two years, this performance is as dynamic and theatrical as it ever was back in the Genesis early days.

The performance of ‘Shadow of the Hierophant’ is stunning, every note is played with passion, this is without doubt one of the most powerful performances I’ve seen of this song, both from Steve and the band.

Steve’s band are tighter than a Yorkshireman on holiday in Lancashire, from Amanda Lehmann who gives an amazing  vocal performance on ‘Hierophant. Roger King, a very understated keyboardist, uncanny Gabrial/collins sound-a-like vocalist Nad Sylvan through to Gary O’Toole on drums, Roine Stolt on bass and Rob Townsend on sax, each bring their own unique formula to add to the blend.

‘The Cinema Show’ and the ever popular the ‘Lamb Lies Down On Broadway’ allows Steve the space to show us what an inventive guitarist he was then, and still is. The concert closes with his signature tune ‘Firth of Fifth’.

The extras on this release include a behind the scenes and rehearsal documentaries, interviews with Steve and the band. A collection of music videos are also squeezed on.

In terms of production, this has been shot more with a static point of view in mind, with a thoughtful use of the multi camera angles available, rather than quick edits and multi zooms. This is all about the music more than anything, and the direction shadows this.

The video is shot perfectly and the audio is crisp and clear, it really does sound like it was recorded live, there and then on the night and not redone in a studio later, the video and audio complement Steve’s ( and his band ) performance effortlessly.

Steve Hackett – Guitar, Vocals
Roger King – Keyboards
Nad Sylvan – Vocals, Tambourine
Gary O’Toole – Drums, Percussion, Vocals
Rob Townsend – Saxophone, Woodwind, Percussion, Vocals, Keyboards, Bass Pedals
Roine Stolt – Bass, Variax, Twelve String, Vocals, Guitar

With Special Guests: John Hackett, Amanda Lehmann.

2CD+2DVD Digipak, out now on the insideoutmusic label.
CD 1:

1. Corycian Fire Intro
2. Spectral Mornings
3. Out of the Body
4. Wolflight
5. Every Day
6. Love Song to a Vampire
7. The Wheel’s Turning
8. Loving Sea
9. Jacuzzi
10. Icarus Ascending
11. Star of Sirius
12. Ace of Wands
13. A Tower Struck Down

CD 2:

1. Shadow of the Hierophant
2. Get ’em Out by Friday
3. Can-Utility and the Coastliners
4. After the Ordeal
5. The Cinema Show
6. Aisle of Plenty
7. The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway
8. The Musical Box
9. Clocks
10. Firth of Fifth

DVD 1

1. Corycian Fire Intro
2. Spectral Mornings
3. Out of the Body
4. Wolflight
5. Every Day
6. Love Song to a Vampire
7. The Wheel’s Turning
8. Loving Sea
9. Jacuzzi
10. Icarus Ascending
11. Star of Sirius
12. Ace of Wands
13. A Tower Struck Down
14. Shadow of the Hierophant
15. Get ’em Out by Friday
16. Can-Utility and the Coastliners
17. After the Ordeal
18. The Cinema Show
19. Aisle of Plenty
20. The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway
21. The Musical Box
22. Clocks
23. Firth of Fifth

DVD 2
Live in Liverpool – Behind the Scenes

Somewhere South of the River – Rehearsal Documentary

Videos:

– Corycian Fire

– Wolflight

– Love Song to a Vampire

You can find the Steve Hackett website here: www.hackettsongs.com/

He is also on Facebook and tweets as @HackettOfficial

The Inside Out website is at insideoutmusic.com/