Steve Hackett’s Genesis Revisited Live: Seconds Out & More is another live document of the legendary guitarist and his band — keyboardist Roger King, sax, flutist, percussionist and keyboardist Rob Townsend, bassist and 12-string guitarist Jonas Reingold, vocalist Nad Sylvan, drummer Craig Blundell, and guest vocalist Amanda Lehmann — performing iconic Genesis tunes and selections from Hackett’s solo albums. The set here was captured during Hackett’s 2022 UK tour with the band “revisiting” Genesis’ 1977 live album Seconds Out — in full and in sequence. The ensemble delivers Genesis classics like the well-oiled machine they are. But it’s not so much that they are revisiting the songs, but more how they add subtle personal touches to make these songs their own.
Townsend often mirrors Hackett’s specific inner song riffing on his tenor sax, a doubling that truly adds color, like on “Squonk” and “Firth Of Fifth.” Sylvan capably angles his way around the very distinct and weird lyrics on “The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway,” “Cinema Show,” and especially the bombastic “Supper’s Ready,” one of the highlights and a staple in Hackett’s live show for a while now.
Roger King is ever-present, playing those complicated Tony Banks keyboard parts perfectly, He dashes across those distinctive piano trills of the aforementioned “Firth of Fifth,” one of Hackett’s admittedly favorites from his time in Genesis, with ease and finesse. “Shadow Of The Hierophant,” from Hackett’s debut solo album, Voyage of the Acolyte, is always spectacular and chilling, and features Blundell’s teetering-on-the-edge-of-a-cliff drumming and Lehmann’s soaring vocals.
The one-two punch of “Dance On A Volcano” and “Los Endos” has Hackett positively wailing and riding feedback, showcasing heavy moments and light touches on his Les Paul. Available as a double CD set, as well as on vinyl, DVD and Blu-ray Disc, Genesis Revisited Live: Seconds Out & More accurately shows where Steve Hackett has been and where he’s going — all in grand style.
~ Ralph Greco., Jr.
