TRICKS OF THE TRADE
A HALF CENTURY since joining the band with which he will be forever associated, Steve Hackett remains the keeper of the truly progressive Genesis flame while maintaining remarkable success as a solo recording artist and concert draw. His new album, Under a Mediterranean Sky (InsideOut), is his first acoustic effort since 2008’s Tribute, and the orchestral setting is a spectacular platform for his unique approach to the nylon-string. It’s difficult to name another renowned electric player from a famous rock band that is as virtuosic and prolific in the classical realm, which is particularly interesting given that Hackett describes himself as an “instinctive player that never had any guitar lessons.” The self-taught maestro has always been highly respected by guitar zealots and his peers, and among his myriad credits players have a special appreciation for GTR, the ’80s-era double-guitar dynamo he performed in with this month’s cover artist, Steve Howe. Trying to further encapsulate Hackett’s 50-year contribution to music is kind of like trying to fit Moby Dick into a goldfish bowl. The full saga can be found in his autobiography released last year, A Genesis in My Bed (Wymer Publishing).
Interestingly, Hackett’s early. The album is a superlative acoustic statement that takes the listener on a sonic journey around the fabled region. Ironically, it was brought about by travel restrictions.
