THERE ARE MANY SIDES TO THE NIGHT

Steve Hackett is, well,-------- a living legend! He is absolutely my favorite guitaristist. I have owned 18 albums that he has played on and therefore I consider myself a big fan of his. Steve has influenced so many other musicians that it is like he is some sort of a father figure in the prog realm. I am also influenced by his style. I just love his classical playing to no end. It is wonderful and flawless. He is a master musician as anyone with ears can hear.

I first heard this album on a satellite radio station about four years ago. I was immediately impressed. He has come a long way from the "Bay of Kings" release. I was fortunate to pick the CD up at a second time around store fairly cheap, so I got it right away.

Steve just sucks you right in with the "Horizon's" song. This is the best version I have heard him play. Like I said before, he is flawless. I have got to say that there is not one bad tune on the whole CD. That being said, there are about 3 songs that you have to listen to a few times before they sink in and make you enjoy, but when you do, you will find that they are beautiful as are the other songs contained herein.

The standouts are: "A Blue Part of Town," because Steve doesn't play the guitar at all. He is playing the harp, just as good as he plays the axe. Jullian Colbeck is also excellent, I might add. Others are, "Time Lapse at Milton Keynes, Beja Flor, Baccus, End of Days, Black Light, Ace of Wands," to name just a few.

Another thing is the volume of material he is offering to the listener. Think of it, 18 quality tunes that are timeless and wonderful. This is certainly a must have recording for even classical enthusiasts. Steve Hackett is immaculate here! Classical music is the genesis of prog in the first place, no pun intended, so I can confidently give this one five stars. You will be hard pressed to find anything better musically. I wouldn't be afraid to say that he could keep up with classical guitar great Leona Boyd. He is that good!