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Progland was founded by John Gabbard in 2005. It's purpose has been to provide you, the music community with the latest music and dvd reviews. It will continue to be your link to the most popular music reviews in the progressive world.

 

Steve Hackett - "Wild Orchids"

Reviewed by: Kevin Cloe
Genre: Prog Rock
Country: England
Language: English
Length: 57:25
Release Date: September 12, 2006
Band Members: Steven Hackett / guitars, electric sitar, harmonica, psaltery, optigan & voices Roger King / keyboards & programming, rhythm guitar
  John Hackett / principal flute & riff guitar Rob Townsend / saxes, principal flute, Alto flute, tin whistle & bass clarinet
  Nick Magnus / keyboards
     
Track Listing: 1.)- A Dark Night In Toytown (3:42) 8.)-Man In The Long Black Coat (5:07)
  2.)- Waters Of The Wild (5.35) 9.)- Wolfwork (4:49)
  3.)- Set Your Compass (3:38) 10.)-Why (0:47)
  4.)-Down Street (7:34) 11.)-She Moves In Memories (5:00) The Fundamentals Of Brainwashing (3:01)
  5.)- A Girl Called Linda (4:44) 12.)-The Fundamentals Of Brainwashing (3:01)
  6.)-To A Close (4:49) 13.)-Howl (4:31)
  7.)-Ego & Id (4:08)
     
The Review

I have never been much into solo albums from members of bands I liked. I usually find them simplistic and, well, sounding like an album made from one person. Like most progheads, I own "Voyage of the Acolyte", but it is the only Hackett I had heard other than Genesis until listening to this album. I think I've been missing out. For those who are like me - be aware this is, of course, nothing like the good old days with Genesis, but more modern sounding stuff. To be honest - I think much of this album sounds like Camel's more recent output (Rajaz, A Nod and a Wink). That is to say, rather mellow sounding with low-end vocals, great guitar work, and not necessarily a bad thing at all!

This album is varied - many genres represented, and yet it is all good. I have really been surprised and find myself going back again and again. To start, we have "A Dark Night in Toytown", which, as the name implies, is dark, with strings cutting the background in a rather ominous fashion. Here is some major Rajaz-sounding influence. Next up is "Waters of the Wild" which changes gears into a more indian/arabic flavored tune, some great sitar here. Hackett's work is so fluid - he has only gotten better over the years. "Set Your Compass" follows, which, to me, harkens back to "Entangled" from Trick of the Tail. What an awesome track! Beautiful vocal melodies and acoustic guitar. Hackett is the master of the 12 string.

"Down Street" is kind of weird, with Hackett talking most of the track in a weird voice, ending in a great jazzy jam. Following this is some canterbury with "A Girl Called Linda" - sounds like early Camel or Hatfield with awesome flute. "To a Close" is possibly the most beautiful song I have heard all year - similar to "Set Your Compass" but better! I may end up playing this as a lullaby for my son when he is born.

Then comes the weaker section of the album: "Ego and Id" is not that great of a track to me - a bad attempt at heavy metal sounding guitar. "Man in a Long Black Coat" is a Bob Dylan cover, although I never have heard the Dylan version. Sounds more like Camel again to me, but the acoustic guitar has a bluesy feel. To me, "Wolfwork" is another weaker track, just feels sort of uninspired. "Why" is a throw away filler tune of 46 seconds. Next is a tune of simply strings in classical fashion that sounds like a reworking of "To a Close" called "She Moves in Memories". The last 2 tracks are great. They again echo recent Camel in a great way and perhaps some David Gilmour or Floyd as well. The tracks flow into one another for a great instrumental ending.

So - overall some hits and some misses - but more of the former. I am impressed and will be seeking out more of his solo work soon.

Rating: 3.5 stars.

Note: This review is of the standard edition. There is also a special edition with 4 extra tracks. From what I have heard - they are all very good songs that could have been included on the release.

 

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