Band : Steve Hackett
Album title : Live Rails
Label : Inside Out Music
Distributor : Inside Out Music - EMI
Release Date : 26/04/2011
Release : CD

The name Steve Hackett might not immediately ring a bell, but if I mention vintage Genesis, the period of their classic line up with Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks you probably get the picture.

To say that Steve is a talented musician is an understatement.  Not only has he played with Genesis, but he’s also released solo albums, and in the mid eighties was part of yet another super group GTR, together with Steve Howe.
This live album shows all his talent.  Whilst I am familiar with some of the older Genesis era songs, I really don’t know his solo work, and, judging from this album, that’s a shame.  If you’re a fan of great melodies, admirably performed, then this is meant for you.  This is the finest symphonic/prog.
Of course it’s not pure rock music, for that the music that influenced Steve is far too diverse. You hear classical, as well as jazz influences.  I’m really looking forward to discovering more of Steve’s wok. I’m already imaging this band playing this set live and being there.

Whereas disk one is more centered towards his later work, on disk 2 it’s more of a mix of his solo work and some of the old Genesis era music. But both disks are equally good.

96/100

Erik Morren.