Review by Ralph Greco, Jr.
Photos courtesy of IconPhoto
A passionate precision in all things — that’s what I felt after seeing Steve Hackett. Whether as lead guitarist of Genesis or on the many brilliant solo albums he has released, Hackett is a master, a man who can coax sweet trills as well as play searing leads on his instrument. Of late, he’s has been playing the music of Genesis with this cracker-jack band, which he brought into Manhattan this night.
Opening with the one-two punch of “Dance On A Volcano” and “Squonk,” both from the Trick Of The Tail album, it was apparent from the start that Hackett and his band were up to the task of recreating this complex music.
Vocalist Nad Sylvan has a powerful range and works his dramatic stage persona wonderfully, while drummer Gary O’Toole has the unenviable job of playing those tricky Phil Collins drum parts. I love the inclusion of reedman Rob Townsend in the mix too, not only for providing those Peter Gabriel flute parts but also adding clarinet to the overall aural collage.
The set covers the golden era of Genesis — from Nursery Cryme, we were treated to “The Fountain Of Salmacis,” a wonderfully raucous “The Return Of The Giant Hogweed” and “The Musical Box,” that had the crowd on its feet for the first of many standing ovations.
“Dancing with the Moonlit Knight” “Firth Of Fifth” and “I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)” were plucked from Selling England By The Pound. On to The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway and “Fly on a Windshield,” where Hackett wowed us all with his slide work and bassist Nick Beggs played the Chapman Stick. O’Toole took lead vocal on “Broadway Melody 1974,” and we also got “The Lamia” and “Lilywhite Lilith.”
“The Knife” got things really rocking and Hackett played some beautiful classical guitar on “Horizons.” The centerpiece of the regular set, however, was “Supper’s Ready.” Keyboardist Roger King, who managed sly and subtle tickles of Tony Bank’s best moments, was especially alive here. He provided a soft backing behind Hackett’s 12-string guitar and Slyvan and O’Toole’s harmonizing.
“Super’s Ready” is probably one of the best songs to feature the wide range of what Steve Hackett can do. From those controlled volume pedal swells where you barely hear what he’s playing to big aggressive single-note rocking, Hackett led his band in this tour de force.
The encore of “Watcher Of The Skies” and “Los Endos” (the middle section featured Hackett and Townshend trading licks) had the crowd on their feet the minute the band started up again.
I was hoping to see Hackett come over to the States with this show. If this spectacular evening of music is coming your way, you best get out to see it! I can’t remember the last time I saw a concert this good!
