PLEASE DON'T TOUCH!

Unlike its predecessor 'Voyage of the Acolyte' which has a relatively consistent stylistic approach throughout (dark, symphonic and pastoral), 'Please Don't Touch' covers such a lot of stylistic ground within its 38 minutes, that it causes many critics to complain at its eclecticism. Not this listener ...

Steve has demonstrated throughout his career an adventurousness to explore whatever music interests him and in this world of play-safe one trick ponies he must be heartily applauded. He makes every diverse production his own. 'Please Don't Touch' is the start of the process of him stretching out into all sorts of musical territories.

The album has incredible production with a wonderful diversity of textures and excellent playing - the acoustic playing (classical and steel string) is crystal clear throughout and is an especially beautuful aspect of the whole album. There is an inspired choice of vocalists, especially Richie Havens and Randy Crawford (whose contribution 'Hoping Love Will Last' is incredibly touching). There is the beautiful impressionistic Satie-esque vignette, 'Kim' and the menacing fury of the title track (which is Classic Hackett). And, with the final track's coda ending the whole 'experience' with moving grandeur, one pauses in the silence after listening and marvels at what Steve has pulled off with this record...

A wonderful classic and one of Steve's finest.... I love this record...