Steve Hackett
Guitar Noir / Darktown INSIDE OUT
Guitarist explores the dark side.
These two 90s albums – released on vinyl for the first time – highlight the more introspective side of Hackett’s character. Guitar Noir (’93, 6/10) was Hackett’s first album in five years, and at times struggles with the effort of getting back in the saddle. But when he rises above it, as on the instrumental Sierra Quemada, his guitar transcends the backing arrangements superbly. There’s also a special atmosphere about Dark As A Grave, while Tristesse effectively merges Hackett’s classical and electric styles. And a mention too for Hugo Degenhardt, whose refusal to stick within conventional drumming patterns adds to the character of the album.