THE TOKYO TAPES

I got this recently on a bit of a whim, never having gotten the original when released, I saw the remastered version, and thought, why not?

It is a purchase I definitely do not regret. The album is from a one night show in Tokyo performed by Hackett and a collection of his friends from the great and good of classic prog, and came off the back of the first Genesis Revisited album, which, to these ears, is the best of the two editions, simply because Hackett, in my opinion, displayed more originality on the classic Genesis song interpretations.

As might be expected from a lineup of Hackett, John Wetton, Julian Colbeck, Ian McDonald, and Chester Thompson, the playing is never anything less than exceptional. There are also some surprising pleasantries for me. The wonderful way the bass playing of Wetton comes out in the mix, with his wonderfully inventive licks at the end of Firth of Fifth and In That Quiet Earth. Rutherford never sounded that forceful or good, that's for sure! Colbeck is no Tony Banks, but is very quietly efficient, whilst McDonald's flute playing is a delight, and Thompson shows on skins just why he is still the world's most in demand Genesis drummer behind a certain Mr Collins.

Hackett is very careful on this to ensure that the show is more than a Genesis revival, or Hackett number's show, and the inclusion of guest songs is extremely welcome. Of these, the two Crimson songs come out very well, with In The Court especially warm (Colbeck is wonderful on this), but, perhaps the biggest surprises are the Wetton contributions. Battlelines is a wonderful song, beautifully performed, and the version of Heat of the Moment which appears here is the finest ever recorded, understated, sung and played with extreme feeling.

Of course, we love the Genesis songs, but the Hackett solo tracks also serve to remind us just what an important songwriter Hackett has been since he left the band all those years ago.

This is an wonderfully enjoyable wallow in nostalgia and great live playing, and is heartily recommended to all.