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| Steve Hackett - Voyage Of The Acolyte |
 Released: 1975 / 1991 Label: Charisma/Chrysalis / Blue Plate/Caroline Cat. No.: 1176/1112 / CAROL-1863-2 Total Time: 40:52 | |
Reviewed by: Eric Porter, October 2004 It’s a rainy Saturday afternoon, and as I was going through my collection, an old gem crossed my eyes and went straight into the player - Steve Hackett’s Voyage Of The Acolyte. As I looked through Hackett’s extensive catalogue on my shelf, this jumped out as the quintessential recording to me. From Kim Poor’s haunting cover art, to the amazing eclectic nature of the music, this recording stands up close to 30 years after its initial release. Hackett’s guitar work shines throughout the mostly instrumental recording, yet even at this early stage he shows that he as much a composer as he is a guitarist. The way he shapes his songs, the use of the keyboards, the variety to sounds and arrangements are spectacular. Lovers of the mellotron must drool while listening. The highly complex and energetic "Ace of Wands" opens the CD with some great guitar work, and is immediately followed with the beautiful melodies of "Hands of the Priestess Part I" (part II is equally stellar) with brother John featured on the flute. "A Tower Struck Down" is almost clumsy and schizophrenic in its presentation, but somehow seems to work. Hackett brings out the acoustic guitar for "The Hermit," a mystical track with minimal instrumentation in comparison to the other tracks, but is strong in its sparse arrangement. The melodies are mesmerizing, and though I have not listened to this CD in awhile, everything immediately comes back. Hackett’s many acoustic recordings are a treasure, but there is something about the atmosphere of this CD that is not contained on the other recordings. It is also interesting that Hackett chose to use Collins and Rutherford on this record, yet felt stifled by the band due to what he felt was a lack of his material appearing on the bands recordings. "Star Of Sirius" features Collins on vocals (he also plays drums on the disc), and the song is for the most part a quiet track, but builds at the end to a frantic finish. "Shadow Of The Hierophant" is an amazing ending to this disc. If you listen closely to this in the middle, you might think Eddie Van Halen made a guest appearance. Not only is Hackett using the tapping technique (prior to Van Halen's debut), the melody at times is strangely similar to Van Halen's signature "Eruption." Regardless, this track is a moving piece of music that sends shivers up my spine. It does not get better than this for Hackett fans. Hackett has achieved many musical triumphs in his career, and is still recording strong original music to this day. But, if my back were against the wall, and a favorite must be chosen, Voyage Of Tthe Acolyte wins hands down. [See also Steph's and Tom's reviews -ed.] More about Voyage Of The Acolyte: Track Listing: Ace Of Wands 5:23 / Hands Of The Priestess Part I 3:28 / A Tower Struck Down 4:53 / Hands Of The Priestess Part II 1:31 / The Hermit 4:49 / Star Of Sirius 7:08 / The Lovers 1:50 / Shadow Of The Hierophant 11:44 Musicians: Contact: Website: www.stevehackett.com Discography
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