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| Steve Hackett - The Tokyo Tapes |
 Released: 1997 Label: Camino Cat. No.: 1 5567 2 Total Time: | |
Reviewed by: John "Bo Bo" Bollenberg, November 2000 “What would it sound like if occasional members of Genesis, King Cirmson, Asia, Yes, Zappa and Weather Report all got together to form a unique team just for one night?” That was the question asked by Steve Hackett when he was approached to perform in Japan. One night eventually became more than one night, highlights of the shows recorded on 16th and 17th december 1996 being transferred onto this double disc. Although most of the material comes from the Hackett output, whether solo or with Genesis, the addition of the extra members certainly justifies the inclusion of other prog "classics" as well, which makes for a diverse and pleasant journey. Opening with the majestic sounds of the glorious mellotron in “Watcher Of The Skies,” the audience, and you at home, certainly are in for a treat. Some other Genesis highlights included are “Firth Of Fifth,” “In That Quiet Earth," “Los Endos,” and “I Know What I Like.” The inclusion of Ian Mc Donald introduces King Crimson classics such as “The Court Of The Crimson King” and “I Talk To The Wind” both sporting some great flute playing by Ian. Having John Wetton at hand obviously adds not only a great bass player to the line-up, but also some of the best vocals in the domain of prog. Here Wetton choses his very own “Battlelines” and an all-time Asia favourite “Heat Of The Moment.” And all the rest of the material is solo Hackett stuff. The balance between pure band product and solo highlights makes this a wonderful album to enjoy. Just marvel at the acoustic beauty of “Horizons.” Whilst each and every musician really shines on this album, getting in the spotlight more than once, Julian Colbeck is the only one not really having a solo piece. Maybe that’s why Hackett has "used" Colbeck’s lush symphonic arrangements on “Walking Away From Rainbows”? The ominous “Shadow Of The Hierophant” also includes a drum solo by Chester Thompson here before evolving into “Los Endos,” which also incorporates a rather jazzy, avantgarde sax solo from Ian Mc Donald. Once again these "hard" sounds get the counterbalance of an acoustic piece with “Black Light.” Subtle flute playing introduces the sombre bass guitar and wall of mellotron that forms the backbone for “The Steppes.” The actual live recording closes with a funky version of “I Know What I Like” which we could already witness on the Genesis Revisited album. From a vocal point of view it sounds a bit like a rush job, which is a shame as this really is one of the classics here. The set closes with two new studio recordings of Steve along with Aron Friedman on keyboards and programming. Although “Firewall” starts with a rather "cheap sounding" drum machine the guitar picks up a great melody in order to change the direction of the song. Towards the end some nice piano is added as well. The closing song, “The Dealer,” has Jeff Beck written all over it! It has Hackett flirting with new sounds and new rhythms to make this a very interesting track indeed. The Tokyo Tapes is not only a great asset to any progfan’s collection, it’s also an ideal introduction to the wonderful world of prog for those who are just getting to know the genre because it includes so many highlights of the Genesis, King Crimson, Asia and John Wetton vaults. Certainly worth investigating (and having)! More about The Tokyo Tapes: Track Listing: CD 1: Watcher Of The Skies / Riding The Colossus / Firth Of Fifth / Battlelines / Camino Royale / The Curt Of The Crimson King / Horizons / Walking Away From Rainbows / Heat Of The Moment Musicians: Contact: Website: www.stevehackett.com Discography
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