SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: STEVE HACKETT – FOXTROT AT FIFTY + HACKETT HIGHLIGHTS: LIVE IN BRIGHTON

STEVE HACKETT
FOXTROT AT FIFTY + HACKETT HIGHLIGHTS: LIVE IN BRIGHTON
INSIDE OUT MUSIC/SONY MUSIC

Steve Hackett continues to explore his career with this live recording from his 2022 tour in which he performed solo material, Genesis songs, and the classic Genesis album, Foxtrot,  in its entirety.  When anyone tackles a revered album, such as Foxtrot, there will be very high expectations, but he succeeds and, in some ways, exceeds expectations.

The first half of the concert is mainly Hackett visiting his own solo catalogue, which is not only underrated, but quite wonderful. “The Devil’s Cathedral” from 2021’s Surrender Of Silence, was co-written with King, and is quite majestic prog rock. It is fantastic. Other highlights include “Shadow Of The Hierophant” (from his debut solo album), which has the interesting history of being written for but never recorded by Genesis. As the story goes, it was intended for Foxtrot.  It is an interesting song, and performed live, there is an incredible energy that brings it to a whole new level.

Hackett’s solo material is strong and stands up extremely well, given the arrangements and performance of the band. Perhaps most fans will be mainly interested in his take on Foxtrot. It is a highly regarded album, with the classic Gabriel line-up of Genesis. Hackett is smart enough to not reinvent the wheel and performs album in order, not straying too far from the original. He does put his own spin on things, of course, but songs like “Time Table” are very close to the original. “Can Utility And The Coastliners” features some intriguing and excellent keyboard playing and Hackett’s guitar work is just fantastic. Of course, the wonderful “Supper’s Ready” comes off beautifully live and is worth the price of admission alone.

As an encore, Hackett brings out the classics “Firth Of Fifth” (Selling England By The Pound, 1973) and “Los Endos” ( A Trick Of The Tail, 1976). “Los Endos” comes off extremely well with some very inspiring drumming from Blundell. It is a perfect concert closer and sounds fantastic.

Foxtrot at Fifty + Hackett Highlights: Live in Brighton is a spectacular live album. He has come at this project very thoughtfully and it pays off. It is a brilliant set and one of which Hackett should be proud.

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