{"id":10787,"date":"2025-01-29T11:17:57","date_gmt":"2025-01-29T10:17:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kessel-tamerus.nl\/Esthers_Blog\/?p=10787"},"modified":"2025-11-30T11:49:31","modified_gmt":"2025-11-30T10:49:31","slug":"steve-hackett-live-magic-at-trading-boundaries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kessel-tamerus.nl\/Esthers_Blog\/rock\/steve-hackett-live-magic-at-trading-boundaries\/","title":{"rendered":"Steve Hackett \u2013 Live Magic at Trading Boundaries"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Both the studio, and live albums of guitarist Steve Hackett are usually grandiose in concept. But \u2018Live Magic at Trading Boundaries\u2019 is different, as this is a selection of live recordings from his annual acoustic gigs at Trading Boundaries, UK. You’ll hear Genesis classics as well as solo work. In addition, Amanda Lehmann sings and plays two of her own songs from her solo album \u2018Innocence and Illusion\u2019 (2021).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First you hear \u2018Improv\u2019 with the warm sound of guitar, this is a beautiful start to this special CD. \u2018Blood on the Rooftops\u2019 follows this lovely. It might take some time to get used to the fact that this version is instrumental. After 1.16 minutes, this song ends abruptly, a pity it was so short. \u2018Barren Land\u2019 is beautifully subdued, I enjoy the passionate, calm guitar playing. The ending does come earlier than hoped for, but it is less unexpected now. Still enjoying the calm but varied guitar playing, it feels like a warm bath. The melody of \u2018Jacuzzi\u2019 is beautiful. The several layers of music including flute playing and percussion are in harmony with each other. The twists and turns are very good, this is so beautiful.
This version of \u2018Supper’s Ready\u2019 is beautiful, I get totally absorbed in it. But unfortunately, you only hear a very short version here. Although the ending is chosen with care, it still feels unnatural.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018Hairless Heart\u2019 is partly improvised. But everything remains in balance with each other.
In a number of songs, you hear keyboard and\/or piano, as well as flute playing, in addition to guitar. The ultimate balance between the instruments is everywhere. Less is more, Steve proves once again. Moreover, the sound is beautifully bright, not only for the guitar playing, but also for piano and flute. The acoustic versions feel very natural. As the album progresses, the original fades into the background. The songs are calm, yet complex in structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many songs are quite old, like \u2018Gnossienne No. 1\u2019. The melange between the instruments remains fantastic. This song extinguishes nicely. The compelling, emotional \u2018Walking Away from Rainbows\u2019, with saxophone playing, also has a lovely ending.’ \u2018Poulenc Organ Concerto\u2019 has an organ intro, as expected. Piano, guitar and flute join in. This is exceptionally and detailedly played. The turns flow together fantastically. When the organ playing drops in volume, I expect even more\u2026 but that doesn’t come unfortunately. The shortened version is actually too short. You can feel the Asian atmosphere in \u2018The Red Flower of Tai Chi Blooms Everywhere\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018Amanda Lehman\u2019 sings her own songs: \u2018Memory Lane\u2019 and \u2018Only Happy When It Rains\u2019. In the former, you can hear saxophone playing (by Rob Townsend).
In \u2018Only Happy When It Rains\u2019, Steve plays harmonica. These two vocal songs fit nicely into everything.
The old \u2018Ace of Wands\u2019 remains beautiful. This version is also complex, the music sometimes seeming to go against each other. But the harmony is preserved. Finally, \u2018The Journey\u2019 extinguishes gracefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Between songs, you hear occasional applause. A number of songs seem shortened for the CD. \u2018The \u201ccut\u201d doesn’t always feel natural, which is a pity. But with very long songs, there is less room for an extended track list. Always a tough choice, especially with such a huge oeuvre as Steve. The sound is as you would expect from Steve, very good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(81\/100) (InSideOut Music<\/a>). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Social media<\/strong>:
Facebook: Steve Hackett<\/a>
Website: Steve Hackett<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

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