THE TOKYO TAPES

This review is about the DVD release from this tour, it includes all the tracks on the 2-CD except the final two studio songs. On the back cover I read the retorical question from the record company: "What would it sound like if occasional members of Genesis, King Crimson, Asia, Yes, Zappa & Weather Report, all got together to form a unique team just for one night?". Well, The Steve Hackett Band included that night Mr. Hackett himself, John Wetton, Ian McDonald, Chester Thompson and Julian Colbeck, can anybody reveal to me who played in Yes? But let's focus on the performance from Hackett & Co., he delivers a great set with classics like "Watcher of the skies" (beautiful Mellotron samples and a good Gabriel imitation by John Wetton), "Firth of fifth" (surprising jam, splendid rhythm-section and an awesome rendition of the #1 progrock guitar-solo!), "The court of the crimson king" (after 35 years it still evokes goose bumps, what a moving Mellotron sound and voice from John Wetton!) and "I know what I like" (surprising bass/organ intro). Ian McDonald plays a very fresh role with his flute an saxophone. But the focal point is Stephen Hackett with his unique, alternating and seminal guitarplay: sensitive, howling and biting or warm and soaring, it's always moving and about the right notes instead of showing speed or other scale-acrobatics! His skills on the acoustic guitar are also very worth listening (and watching on this DVD), he was one of the first who did an 'unplugged version', on this DVD it includes "Horizons" and "The black light" and a blend of pieces from "The lamb.." and "Wind and wuthering". Other fine moments are "Vampyre with a healthy apetite (horroprog with fiery guitar soli and screaming mouth-organ), "Los endos" (a very spectacular version) and "The steppes" (Hackett at his best featuring his distinctive use of sustain and the volume pedal). The lightshow is amazing and very tasteful so my conclusion is: A MUST FOR EVERY SERIOUS PROGHEAD!!!