SPECTRAL MORNINGS

This is the first band album Steve did and it is very well done. This one is superior to his previous stuff, with one exception.

You are sucked right in with "Every Day." I just loved it to no end. Good guitar work and the vocals are very pleasing, being handled aptly by Pete, no not Gabtriel, but Hicks. Steve made some good choices, as far as band members go.

One of my favorite songs on the album is the 2nd one, entitled "The Moth and the Gypsy." It is absolutely breathtaking to hear! So moody and mysterious. Wonderful ear candy!

"The Red Flower" transports the listener to Japan. You would think Steve is Japanese by the song content. It is excellent!

"Clocks'' is another killer tune. The drummer, John Shearer is a real stanout on this.

I have to say that I also liked "The Ballad of the Decomposing Man"a lot. Steve does a vocal cameo and his singing is good. It seems like Steve finally got material that suited his voice.

"Lost Time in Cordoba" and "Tigermoth" are connected. Steve does some pretty cool stuff on "Lost."

"Spectral Mornings" is a great piece of music, except Steve seems like he is somewhat stagnant as far as musical ideas are concerned. I was disappointed that he wasn't putting more into this semi epic tune. It was about three minutes too long for me. Other than that, Steve Hackett has a killer record that many fans,and those that aren't familar with him,will enjoy. I can only give it 4 stars because of "Spectral Mornings."