STEVE HACKETT Acoustic journey around the Med

Under A Mediterranean Sky

Best known for his years in Genesis, Steve Hackett is one of Britain’s leading rock guitarists.

This beautiful instrumental album showcases his gentler acoustic side with a distinctly European flavour.

The 11 tracks were inspired by Steve’s frequent travels around the Med. It begins on Malta with the atmospheric Mdina (The Walled City).

Hackett’s nimble picking contrasts with keyboards man Roger King’s grandly dramatic orchestration that’s worthy of a 70s Hollywood film score.

Combined, they paint a vivid picture of Malta’s complex soul.

The musical tour flows from Croatia to Spain via Egypt, France, ancient Persia, Greece and Italy. Highlights include Steve’s masterful flamenco guitar work on Andalusian Heart, and the Egyptian-themed Sirocco which seems to channel the hot winds (khamsin) of the country and the simmering allure of the harems.

The Dervish And The Djin begins in a Persian haze and builds to reflect the powerful mystical dancing of the Sufi whirling dervishes, while French-flavoured Joie de Vivre celebrates the Gallic love of life, wine, food and folk.

Hackett is joined on various tracks by other top-class musicians, including violinist Christine Townsend on Greekinspired The Memory Of Myth.

Hackett’s personal journey began in a pokey South London flat which might have inspired something louder and earthier.

He joined Genesis after placing an ad reading: “Imaginative guitarist-writer seeks involvement with receptive musicians determined to strive beyond existing stagnant musical forms.” He is still powered by that ambition.

After spending seven years with the prog rockers, Steve has released 49 solo albums ranging from rock to classical via blues albums, collaborations and compilations.

This is his first acoustic record since 2008’s Tribute, his celebration of the late, great Andres Segovia. From one master to another.