RAILS LIVE

While the remaining Genesis core stepped into popular fields more and more ... Steve Hackett kept it rolling, less commercial but surely more interesting in general. 'Rails' sums this up excellently. You'll listen to a collection of songs recorded live in Paris, London and New York around 2009/2010. Some of them of course are from the former Genesis catalog. This proves him open-minded. The great majority though represent his further steps, which includes the almost complete last studio setting 'Out Of The Tunnel's Mouth' from 2009.

I have to admit that I never had a preference on exploring his solo stuff 'til these days. So first of all I'm surprised about his compositional skills really - secondly I want to highlight the fantastic band supporting him on the tour, including bass player Nick Beggs (formerly Kajagoogoo). Every Day fairly represents the spirit of the live recordings - the opener from the highly praised 'Spectral Mornings' album holds some Genesis reminiscent moments for sure, comes releatively innocent right from the start, but then the song evolves to something impressive step by step due to Hackett's wonderful solo guitar.

This is followed by a trilogy taken from 'Tunnel's Mouth' - perfectly orchestrated, partially mellow, with smooth saxophone, piano and great polyphonic vocals, but heavier rocking too, often accompanied by Hackett stepping into the foreground - very very nice compositions. The second part of the recordings is thoroughly mixed with Genesis references. Firth Of Fifth appears prominent of course as well as the fulminant highlight Los Endos which is the starting point to rrrrrock the house finally towards the end of the concert.

'Rails' represents a song collection based on a symphonic background, entertaining due to great variety in mood and execution. Prog fans who are not familiar with his solo stuff should reserve enough time definitely in order to realise the special depth which qualifies his compositions. So overall this an excellent overview if you are keen on exploring Steve Hackett's work during his career of 40 years so far - on solo steps as well as with Genesis both.