LIVE ARCHIVE 83

Live Archive 83 features an acoustic performance by Steve and his brother John Hackett, recorded in the same year as Steve's first acoustic album Bay Of Kings was released. Naturally, the set list features most of the songs from the Bay Of Kings album including some that originally appeared elsewhere such as the eternal Horizons from Genesis' Foxtrot album and Kim from Please Don't Touch. Other numbers were drawn directly from Steve's solo albums up to that point including Hands Of The Priestess, Ace Of Wands and Jacuzzi. Whilst the first of these is a pleasant but unsurprising choice, the latter two are among the more interesting selections here as they were originally Rock numbers that have here been transformed into acoustic pieces. However, though these are interesting versions I do prefer the original, electric versions.

There are some very nice acoustic pieces performed here, several of which are definite Hackett classics and have become mainstays in Steve's acoustic repertoire until the present day. In addition to those mentioned above, I count the lovely Tales Of The Riverbank, Second Chance and the folky Jazz On A Summer's Night. The latter has a very Ian Anderson-like flute sound. But there are also several numbers that meander and just feel like endless acoustic strumming without enough in the way of a memorable melody. I would say that about half of this live album ranges from good to very good and about half is transportation with some moments even being rather lifeless and dull.

A nice addition for fans, especially fans of Steve's acoustic side, but like most of his acoustic releases this one too is by no means essential.