Search - Steve Hackett :: Hangarian Horizons

In One Word: Great!!

Peter H. Kistemaker | Helmond, Noord Brabant Netherlands | 09/29/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Recorded in early 2002, Steve Hackett is joined onstage by his brother John Hackett on flute as well as Roger King on keyboards. The concert is not just about Steve Hackett expressing himself on acoustic guitar, but space is given to all instruments and the result is sublime. Musically, the concert incorporates everything that has been a major part of Hackett's career, including both Genesis and GTR, as well as a number of classical influences from Giuliani to Vivaldi and of course Satie, in whose honour both Hackett brothers released an album. Something else that I feel should also be mentioned is the warmth of this concert which "finally" includes the onstage dialogue between various numbers allowing the development of a rapport between Steve Hackett and the listener. This is something which I felt was sorely lacking on all other live albums from Steve Hackett and omitting this feature from the acoustic concerts would have resulted in a very cold run through the numbers. Describing each an every track would be madness, especially when a number of them involve no more than snippets of the original track. One could dissect the live album into the various styles that one can come across on the album. Of course one should start with the classical pieces which dominate the whole of this live recording, and one should also mention that the pieces normally associated with a "rock" presentation are given a classical makeover. Hackett has professed an interest in Eric Satie, so much so that he released an album with his brother John dedicated to the works of this composer. The Gymnopedie #1 and Gnossienne #1 are played out flawlessly together with the three humoresque "encores" Idyll, Aubade and Meditation. The set is augmented by pieces by Bach (Bourée), Debussy (Syrinx), Vivaldi (Concerto In D), Giuliani (Andante In C) and Carcassi (Etude In A min.), all of which show Hackett's prowess on the guitar and many a times also serving as a showcase for his brothers' flute playing. The Genesis days are also revisited with snippets from Firth of Fifth, Blood On The Rooftops, Hairless Heart as well as Horizons, played out as it was always intended to be played and heard! Even GTR is given a mention with Imagining. However, the highlights on the album are most definitely Hackett's solo compositions. Some pieces already had a strong classical mood such as Cavalcanti, Kim and By Paved Fountain to mention a few but my favourites have to be Ace Of Wands which sees the whole of the band blending in perfectly whilst pieces such as Concert for Munich and Walking Away from Rainbows sound so delicate and touching. The music has all been played before and is definitely owned in one form or another by anyone who can boast to be a progressive rock lover. On the other hand, the music has never been presented in this format before and the listener will be taken aback at how works can be overhauled and yet still sound fresh and interesting. So what about the DVD? Everything about it is fantastic from the various camera angles to the lighting to the intriguing short documentary which gives an insight to the hectic life of a musician. We tend to think that it is all about partying and then playing the gig. In fact it is a demanding lifestyle especially for dedicated musicians such as Steve Hackett and his crew. The concert itself is an excellent work incorporating most of the styles that have made this guitarist one of rock's real legends. A must for your collection!"

Steve Hackett in an Evening of Tranquility.

Louie Bourland | Garden Grove CA | 07/26/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is beyond doubt that Steve Hackett is one of the worlds most influential and extraordinary guitarists. Besides being an innovative electric player, Hackett is also a virtuoso at playing nylon-string classical guitar.
The DVD "Hungarian Horizons" is a 110 minute acoustic concert recorded in early 2002 in Budapest, Hungary. Steve plays nylon guitar exclusively here and shows flawless technique and versatility. Joining him are his brother John Hackett on flute and Roger King on keyboards. Both John and Roger provide an unparalelled accompaniment for Steve during his performance. The flute/guitar duets between the Hackett brothers is nothing short of jaw-dropping.
Throughout this wonderful concert, Steve performs his own original material both solo and with John and Roger-some of which was written specifically for nylon guitar and some which was adapted. He also throws in snippets of material from his years with Genesis and GTR. These parts of the show get the most applause obviously. Also, Steve shows off his Classical side by performing works by Erik Satie, J.S. Bach, Debussy, Vivaldi and Giuliani. All of which are beautifully interpreted.
Also included is a bonus mini-documentary which includes behind-the-scenes footage, soundcheck performances and interviews with Steve, John and Roger.
"Hungarian Horizons" is a definite must for any Steve Hackett fan. The music as well as the concert itself provokes a warm, tranquil feeling. It's also amazing to watch Steve's effortless guitar technique in full motion here. He never once uses a pick or plectrum. It's complete finger technique and nothing more.
"Hungarian Horizons" is also available as a DVD/CD set which includes the audio portion of the DVD reproduced onto two audio CDs. I recommend the DVD/CD set over the separate DVD.
After performing and playing for over 30 years, Steve Hackett still has his spark. "Hungarian Horizons" is the solid proof of this. Just Watch, Look and Listen."

For all who love acoustic guitar

Patrick Barr | Pasadena, California | 08/01/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is impossible to be objective in naming the "world's greatest" at anything and when it comes to music there are many fine guitarists but I can't think of anyone besides Steve Hackett who is as comfortable and often so brilliant on both electric and acoustic guitar. He is also blessed with inexhaustable melodic invention. This is not a concert of pleasant, background music; the songs are richly inventive with arresting arrangements. Steve is joined by his brother John on flute and keyboardist Roger King, who also plays on Steve's other video, the excellent, rocking "Somewhere in South America." The music here shimmers, and the sound is warm and lively. Video quality is sharp and colorful. Even the stage design and lights are beautifully done."