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Steve Hackett - Voyage of the Acolyte CD (album) cover

VOYAGE OF THE ACOLYTE

Steve Hackett

 

Eclectic Prog

4.25 | 1572 ratings

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UMUR
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
3 stars Voyage Of The Acolyte is the debut solo album from Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett. Itīs no secret that Steve Hackett is one of my big heroes and sources of inspiration when it comes to guitar playing. His innovative approach to the use of a guitar is praised by many and his contributions to Genesis sound is invaluable.

Voyage of the Acolyte was recorded while Steve Hackett was still a member of Genesis in the turbulent time after Peter Gabriel had left the band and Genesis was in search for a new singer. This meant that the members had time to concentrate on other projects for a while and Steve Hackett decided it was time for a solo album. He is helped by his brother John Hackett on flute, Arp synthetizer and bells and his Genesis collegues Mike Rutherford on bass guitar, bass pedals and Fuzz 12-String and Phil Collins on drums, vibes, percussion and vocals. There are also contributions from John Acock, Sally Oldfield, Robin Miller, Nigel Warren-Green, Percy Jones, Johnny Gustafson, Steve Tobin. Steve Hackett plays electric & acoustic guitar, Mellotron, harmonium, bells, autoharp, effects and sings lead on the song The Hermit.

Voyage Of The Acolyte turned out to be a big succes both among fans and critics and as a consequence Steve Hackettīs desire for a solo career and full control over his music grew to a point where he couldnīt see himself as part of a band anymore. He stayed with Genesis for two more albums ( A Trick of the Tail and Wind & Wuthering) but then decided to leave.

The music on Voyage Of The Acolyte is very dynamic progressive rock. There are loud symphonic parts with lots of mellotron and Steve Hackettīs signature electric guitar leads and soft parts with flute and acoustic guitar. Besides that there are also a few fusion elements on the album.

Ace Of Wands starts the album in melodic fusion mode. Itīs a rather challenging song but very memorable and melodic. Hands of the Priestess Part I is a beautiful soft song with flute from John Hackett. A Tower Struck Down which is my favorite here is probably the most experimental song. Itīs in fusion territory with some extraordinaire bassplaying. Hands of the Priestess Part II is just a short interlude before the calm The Hermit where we hear vocals for the first time on the album. Steve Hackett sings lead on that song. Star of Sirius has Phil Collins on lead vocals. The Lovers is just a short beautiful song before the Epic Shadow of the Hierophant where Sally Oldfield sings lead. Itīs a 11:44 minute long symphonic song with both calm parts and bombastic symphonic ditto.

The musicianship is great and the production is good.

Many reviewers have written praising reviews of this one but I must admit that even though I do enjoy Voyage Of The Acolyte I donīt think itīs a very cohesive album and the full picture suffers because of this IMO. This is good music but I fail to see it being excellent and therefore I will only rate this 3 big stars. Genesis fans will have an interest here, but like me ( and Iīm a giant Genesis fan) itīs not certain that they will be more than partially satisfied with Voyage Of The Acolyte.

UMUR | 3/5 |

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