Happy Birthday

I found myself writing a short section about guitarist Steve Hackett yesterday for my Genesis book, and when checking a few family details on Wikipedia discovered that it was his birthday. 76 yesterday! So, happy birthday Steve Hackett.

I acquired my first record player in 1979 or 1980 from a friend of the family, and took it with me to university in September 1980. The very first LP that I bought was Spectral Mornings, Hackett’s third solo album. By then I was a confirmed fan of Genesis, Hackett and related individuals, so Spectral Mornings and its follow-up Defector were required purchases. Hackett’s first four albums had quite a gothic edge to them, especially in the heavy instrumentals, but he could also write fantastic songs, which were sung by an array of famous guests, among them Randy Crawford and Richie Havens. His brother John, a superb flautist, was also present.

By the time of his fifth album, Cured, Hackett had decided to sing his own songs, and I dipped out for a while. Since then I have bought a few of his albums, but found them mixed. Metamorpheus, an orchestrated epic, is quite exceptional, but Wild Orchids I couldn’t stand because of the tortured electric guitar sound he used. I liked the Mediterranean album he released recently, though there wasn’t much oud on it, and his recent rock album The Circus & The Nightwhale is pretty good.

This is a guitarist unafraid to explore, progress and try unusual things. Respect is due. I might not like all his music, but I like his style. It gives me hope for the future…

P.S. It's Peter Gabriel's birthday today!