Search - Steve Hackett :: Sketches of Satie (Mlps)

Haunting and hypnotic

Eddie Konczal | 01/09/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Sketches of Satie" is a collection of Erik Satie's compositions for piano, rearranged and performed by Steve Hackett (guitar) and his brother John (flute). The songs translate so well to flute and guitar, it's hard to believe they weren't originally composed for these instruments. Fans of early Genesis won't be surprised by Hackett's virtuosity; the revelation here is John Hackett on flute. John's playing is so natural and fluent, it seems almost divinely inspired. On the first six tracks (Gnossiennes 3, 2 and 1 and Gymnopédies 3, 2 and 1), Steve provides subtle and steady accompaniment, allowing John's flute to handle the melodies. The next three tracks (the "Pièces Froides") highlight Steve on guitar, but John rejoins him for the rest of the album. The performances exhibit a hypnotic, haunting, and exotic beauty. Steve Hackett again demonstrates why he's one of the world's best and most versatile guitarists; by ceding the spotlight to his brother, he exhibits admirable modesty and restraint.You don't have to be a fan of Satie or Hackett to enjoy this - just someone who enjoys gentle instrumental music that stimulates the mind while calming the soul."

Buy It Now

miguel hiraldo | 10/12/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow. I thought I'd heard it all. As a Steve Hackett fan since 1971, I knew all there was to know about his musical range. Then he released this album. Unlike Hackett (and his brother, John) I'd never heard of Satie before. My loss. This interpretation is wonderful-light and airy, soft and sometimes haunting. I love it. Buy it now."

Dont expect his old stuff , but...

miguel hiraldo | miami, FL United States | 02/04/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A nice cd to get up in the morning and still feel in a dreamy kinda mood for the next couple of hours...if you are looking for progressive stuff check his first 3 or 4 albums...and thats it! there is nothing more worth checking out...this has his acoustic gt sound and his bro is a nice flute player too, and of course , the music of Satie, which has inspired so many Prog groups, is also great, but still you can not really relate this to earlier works of his...nice anyways!"