SPECTRAL MORNINGS

The third release from Steve Hackett finds him recording with an actual touring band, instead of using guest musicians like on the first two. His brother John plays flute and Nick Magnus plays keyboards (formally with THE ENID). This record is very diverse with different musical styles.

I thought of GENESIS right away as I heard the keyboard sound early on the first song "Every Day". The highlight though is the inspiring guitar solo from Hackett that lasts about 3 minutes, and as someone else said this is probably the best solo he's done since on "Firth Of Fifth". "The Virgin And The Gypsy" is a beautiful ballad with harmonies and flute. "The Red Flower Of Tachai Blooms Eveywhere" is an oriental sounding song with mellotron.

"Clocks-The Angel Of Mons" contrasts the ticking clocks with mellotron that is dark, with the upbeat melody that is light. There is also some crazy drum playing as well. We have the silly song next, followed by "Lost Time In Cordoba" that features flute and classical guitar. "Tigermoth" shows me a side of Hackett's guitar playing I don't think i've heard before. I like the dark beginning and ending of this tune that features mellotron, but the 2 minutes of silliness in between i could do without.The final song "Spectral Mornings" is the best song I have ever heard from Hackett, the guitar playing is amazing throughout, in fact the guitar melodies are some of the best i've ever heard ! The keyboards provide a nice contrast when the guitar playing stops.

Obviously an excellent release that I highly recommend.