CHECKING OUT OF LONDON

JOHN HACKETT is primarily a flautist but plays guitar and bass, and sings as well. He first gained recognition for flute work on older brother Steve's debut solo album "Voyage of the Acolyte", and filled many roles both live and in the studio for Steve, as well as various other sessions and projects through the decades, including albums by NICK MAGNUS. I mention these two collaborators in particular because John's inaugural solo album "Checking out of London" is not unlike an all too sluggish facsimile of the solo works of either of these gentleman, who coincidentally also appear here.

Oddly, no flute is featured, as Hackett must have consciously wanted to produce a rock album. The skill, dexterity and sound are all there but it's frightfully sedate, except when it isn't, and that's even worse. I wish he would have offered more like "The Hallway and the Tram" which eloquently expounds upon the choices that might have led to checking out of the big city, and "Dust" is also a lovely and lucid ballad. Unfortunately, these are offset by the likes of "Ego and Id" which we have heard before from his bro, the intrusive "Whispers", and the lethargic "Fantasy", which never really awaken.

Luckily, Hackett does return to flute in subsequent discography entries, though it takes 10 years for a successor. Suitable for committed fans of the aforementioned, but others might want to check out those first. 2.5 stars rounded down.

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