TILL WE HAVE FACES

Speaking for general music buffs, this one was a significant drop compared to "Spectral Mornings". It's not that all tracks are bad but it represented Steve Hackett's musical push towards what so called "world music" which the term itself has confused me even until now. It seems to me whenever a music is full with percussions than it is called "world music". It also happened with Peter Gabriel fourth album when he used percussions in many of his compositions in that album, people called it world music. I disagree with this narrow definition as the world music should not always be limited to the extensive use of percussions but it should also cover the extent to which ethnical music elements that are used in the composition for example Balinese gamelan,etc. Germany musician Eberhard Schoener had explored the world music style in his "Bali Agung" album sometime in the nineties. No one called it as world music but actually it is.

For this album Steve tried to embrace the Brazilian music into his compositions using local Brazilian musicians. All works were done in Brazil but the final mixing was done back in the UK. The fallacy, I would say, that Steve has made with this album was that he took the Brazilian music nakedly. He did not really polish them and combine it smoothly with his music style. What's the point of having this CD if we are only offered with a pure Brazilian music. It's better purchasing the real Brazilian music. It happens to the opening track "What's My Name" that comprises percussion work and it's so boring. Sadly, this is an album opener.

But, don't get me wrong; there are good tracks here. "Let Me Count The Ways" is Steve's interpretation and love of blues. "A Doll That's Made In Japan" is another good track worth listening to. "Myopia" is a rocking track with stunning guitar work. "Taking The Easy Way Out" is another good one.

One chief reason for me purchasing this CD was: I love Steve' guitar work and music; so I have to complete all albums he has ever released. For me this is a good album even though not essential - of course! Suggestion-wise, I don't think I would recommend you to purchase this CD - unless you are completionist. BTW, I also love the cover design and artwork by Kim Poor, Steve's wife. This album was dedicated by Steve to Kim - it's a very personal album for him, I guess. My CD is an enhanced CD that contains additional 20 bonus MP3 tracks and video footage. This album is good for collectors only and it's not a bad album. Keep on proggin' ..!

Progressively yours, GW