SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: STEVE HACKETT – LIVE MAGIC AT TRADING BOUNDARIES

STEVE HACKETT
LIVE MAGIC AT TRADING BOUNDARIES
CENTURY MEDIA RECORDS

It has become a tradition for Steve Hackett to perform at Trading Boundaries, in Sussex, UK. He usually schedules shows every year between Christmas and New Year. This is a beautiful, picturesque venue in the English Countryside and a perfect location for Steve Hackett. It gives Hackett a chance to strip down his band, and his sound, and perform an intimate, acoustic concert for his fans. Live Magic At Trading Boundaries is a compilation of performances. Listening to this album may make one book a flight for next year to catch the shows.

Live Magic At Trading Boundaries is a brilliant walk through Hackett’s musical career, with a few added bonuses, like the opening song, “Improv”. A beautiful acoustic piece that demonstrates just how talented and melodic Hackett is. It is a beautiful way to introduce what is coming for the next hour or so. The song blends nicely into an astounding version of Genesis’s “Blood On The Rooftops”, which shows the beauty of the song. The excerpt from “Supper’s Ready” is equally stunning and a welcomed addition.

Hackett dips into his own solo catalogue as well and presents lovely versions of songs, such as “Ace Of Wands” and the classical piece “Black Light” which is exquisite. It has a melody and tune that moves one and is extremely beautiful. He gives “Jacuzzi” (from his 1980 album Deflector) a new and lovely arrangement. And there are some deep cuts, like “Walking Away From Rainbows” which features a great sax solo from Rob Townsend. And Rob King gets his moment in the spotlight with his beautiful organ playing on “Poulenc Organ Concerto (Excerpt)”, a moving classical piece.

Listening to Hackett on acoustic is an absolute treat. His electric and prog rock music is outstanding as well, but Live Magic At Trading Boundaries offers a very different glimpse into this man’s art and ability. From beginning to end, the album (and I am sure each individual concert) just flows. Listening to the album, the ambience of the venue can almost be heard, which adds to the overall atmosphere of the music. The production and sound of the album is top notch. Live Magic At Trading Boundaries is an incredible album, and one that is perfect for long, dark winter nights. It creates warmth all by itself.

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