“I have always believed that one half of me was born to be an acoustic guitar player, the other half to play rock guitar and to do both with equal passion” These words of guitarist Steve Hackett could not be more true. His passion for the instrument is evident in each music project he is involved in. Whether he is playing his own eclectic rock songs, the classic progressive rock of Genesis, or beautiful classical guitar pieces, his passion shines through. And I would add that his abilities on the electric guitar, acoustic guitar and nylon string guitar are equally advanced. I would count Steve Hackett as my favorite guitarist, so perhaps I am slightly biased. He is a sheer pleasure to watch whether he is playing an overdriven, highly sustained electric guitar, or a gentle nylon string guitar.
It is an exciting time for fans of Steve Hackett and for fans of vinyl records. Steve Hackett’s solo albums are slowly being released on vinyl. Some of these albums are appearing on vinyl for the first time. It was recently announced that his first two acoustic albums, Bay Of Kings (1983) and Momentum (1988), are being re-issued on vinyl and CD. This is a great time for those unfamiliar with his many fantastic solo albums to jump on board.
Genesis fans are familiar with some of Hackett’s acoustic guitar work with the band in the 1970s. Songs such as Horizons and Blood On The Rooftops are fan favorites. His guitar work on the songs After The Ordeal and Hairless Heart is greatly overlooked. These songs feature wonderful examples of his prowess on acoustic guitar. As good as those examples are, they only scratch the surface of Hackett’s songwriting and technical abilities on the instrument. Bay Of Kings was an important album in Hackett’s musical journey as it allowed fans to fully experience the softer, subtler side of his guitar playing. There is a delicate beauty in Hackett’s acoustic work.
To date Hackett has released seven studio albums of acoustic guitar music. All are worthwhile listening experiences. As a long time fan I would rate Momentum and Metamorpheus (2005) as not only his best acoustic albums, but they also rate among his best albums. Metamorpheus sees Hackett add orchestral elements to his exceptional nylon guitar sounds. The end result is absolutely stunning. I am sure in time this great album will get the re-issue treatment. The re-issues of Bay Of Kings and Momentum will allow fans unfamiliar with this side of Hackett to experience something new. For the vinyl enthusiasts the re-issues offer an opportunity to add two fine albums to their collection.
To coincide with some of the reissues, as well as recent album anniversaries, Hackett has produced several videos discussing the albums. Over the last few years he has discussed several of his solo albums including: Highly Strung (1982), Cured (1981), Please Don’t Touch! (1978), Defector (1980), Spectral Mornings (1979), Feedback 86 (2000) and Till We Have Faces (1984). Hackett is insightful and quite passionate when discussing his solo career. During each video Hackett take fans behind the scenes. He offers insight into his mindset as well as the various musicians involved in helping to bring his musical visions to life. Hackett’s latest video features his insights in regards to the albums Bay Of Kings and Momentum. For more information on the re-issues and all things Steve Hackett, check out his official website, https://hackettsongs.com/
Troy Tennard
Shades Of Noir 
For me, Steve Hackett is the most influential guitarist on my playing (along with Bill Gillham). He’s in my top 5 along with Andy Latimer, Roine Stolt, Mike Oldfield, and Steve Howe.
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I love Hackett’s approach to guitar and his tone is fantastic. I am with you, he is a huge influence on me as a guitarist as well. I am a mixed bag of influnces, Hackett, along with Brian May, Steve Vai, James Hetfield and Ace Frehley. There are others, but these are the biggest one.
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