Steve Hackett - "Spectral Mornings" (1979) @320

One listen to "Spectral Mornings" (Steve Hackett's third solo album, and his second since leaving Genesis), alongside the first post-Hackett Genesis album "...And Then There Were Three..." should confirm all truths and suspicions of where the true musical spirit within the above classic band resided. It really resided within both Hackett and Peter Gabriel, both of whom provided a uniquely sound and in-depth musical (and lyrical) concept within the band's tightly-knit (wall of sound) structure. Not to take anything away from either Tony Banks, Phil Collins or Mike Rutherford - all of whom are exceptionally talented musicians in their own right. It's just that, in my humble opinion, Genesis lost some credibility soon after Gabriel, and later Hackett, left - meaning that the wall of sound which made Genesis a household name in the world of progressive rock, would cease to exist as soon as the group trimmed down to a three-piece. At this point in time, only the name of the band remained the same throughout its lengthy history. Anyway, the first Steve Hackett album, "Voyage of the Acolyte" (1975) demonstrated Hackett's ability to experiment with different musical styles in grand fashion, all while remaining within the musical restraints of his soon to be former band at the time. Hackett's sophomore effort, "Please Don't Touch" (1978), finds him using a slightly different musical approach, but more variances are found there, both musically and personally, espeially the latter. Hackett used a lineup of performers from different musical genres (Richie Havens, Randy Crawford, Steve Walsh and Phil Ehart [both of Kansas] to create an even balance of effective musicianship and lyrical spontaneity. Whereas "VotA" contained mostly a more ralaxed, and, at certain points, a more evasive intrumental approach, "Spectral Mornings" (1979) mostly cuts to the chase, delivering straight-ahead, mostly progressive rock, in even fashion. Also, the lyrical output is solid, being brought out like a full harvest blossom, courtesy of Hackett's songwriting capabilities (as well as on the guitar, Hackett's "raison d'etre") and Pete Hicks' passionate vocals. The instrumentals are no slouches either, for they're the reason which makes "SM" such a provocative and special masterpiece. "The Red Flower of Tachai Blooms Everywhere" is among the pick of the litter of the instrumentals here, complete with a unique East Asian flair, which words cannot describe. It must be listened to (in full) in order to be wholly appreciated. The title instrumental follows right behind, and contains a homogenous blend of both wonderfully sound soft and hard "progressive" textures. There's a humorous side to this record as well, as is wonderfully executed in "The Ballad of the Decomposing Man ('Scenes From The Office Party')". This track is the perfect musical companion to Emerson, Lake & Palmer's "Benny The Bouncer" (from "Brain Salad Surgery"), complete with a "quasi-styled" gay nineties theme. This selection features some witty lyrics as well. "Spectral Mornings"' other selections shouldn't be ignored as well, although one or two of these hint at commercialism, especially the opening track "Every Day" - with its catchy melodies and chorus, although it's still an upstanding number, nevertheless. When comparing most of Hackett's and Genesis' future works from this point onward, it's easy to see that the former took one giant leap forward, while the latter took two major leaps backward. Again, one needs to only listen to "SM" and "...ATTWT..." side by side to remove all doubts and suspicions of where the true musicianship of Genesis truly resided within the band. By David Hugaert.



Hackett's third solo effort represents, along with the next one "Defector", the peak of his on-again, off-again career. "Spectral Mornings" takes off in the directions Genesis should have gone in had Hackett stayed; the gorgeous Asian touches in "Virgin And The Gypsy" and "Red Flower Of Tachai" add a pleasing new dimension to the proceedings. The guitarwork is excellent throughout, with the best saved for the bittersweet instrumental title track, which is reminiscent of his work on "Firth Of Fifth" and "The Lamia". Although the vocals on "Every Day" (an otherwise good song) are somewhat AOR-ish and "Ballad Of The Decomposing Man" screams 'filler', the album as a whole is recommended as an excellent starting point for those just getting into Hackett's solo career. Listening to this and "And Then There Were Three" side by side, it becomes painfully obvious where much of the spirit of Genesis resided...By Michael Topper.

He's one of the best guitarists of all time, considering the progressive scene and not only ... "Spectral Mornings" is his TRADEMARK, this track being one of his best tracks ever and almost equal (talking about ITS IMPACT) to his guitar solo in "Firth of Fifth" and "Horizon" as well, rightly to mention something famous among his several gems !! Nevertheless you find something special also in the AOR songs like "Everyday", another classic during his performances live on stage ...instead "Lost time in Cordoba" is another underrated song, this being quite original !!

Highly recommended!! (Above all if you are a Genesis fan, considering their last progressive epoque,during the issue of "Wind and Wuthering"). By Lethe "lor68".

Steve Hackett

Track Listing:

1. Every Day
2. The Virgin and the Gypsy
3. The Red Flower of Tachai Blooms Everywhere
4. Clocks-The Angel of Mons
5. The Ballad of the Decomposing Man
6. Lost Time in Cordoba
7. Tigermoth
8. Spectral Mornings

Personnel:

Steve Hackett - Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards
Peter Hicks - Vocals
John Shearer - Drums
Dik Cadbury - Bass
John Hackett - Flute, Keyboards
Nick Magnus - Keyboards, Synthesizer

*Includes full cover and booklet scan*

Related items:

Steve Hackett - "Please Don't Touch" (1978)

Steve Hackett - "Time Lapse" Live (1981-1990) [1992]

Genesis - "Selling England By The Pound" (1973)

Genesis - "Live" (1973)

Enjoy!
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