VOYAGE OF THE ACOLYTE

If by listening to the records from Genesis in which he participated wasn't enough reason to think Steve Hackett is a truly authentic, masterful and virtuos guitartist, songwriter and composer, by starting listening to his solo records (this is the first one I listen to) I get my thoughts truly confirmed.

Putting appart the famous quote which claims this record is "the best one Genesis ever recorded", I think this album is simply and completely essential. The beauty, the textures and brilliant guitar work found here makes this a gem of music history.

"Ace of Wands" gives us a sample of all what I have just said. Elegant guitar riffs, both 12 strings and Spanish guitar, mellotron, bells and lots of orquestal elements make this song an amazing suite I have really liked. "Hands of the Priestess Part I" is a flute based composition with Steve's guitar on the background. It is one of those songs which leaves the listener speechless. Simply delicious. " A Tower Struck Down" is a dark, strong song which plays with a bit of psychedelia in an elegant manner. "Hands of the Priestess Part II" is a shorter extension for the first one, this time making the mellotron the companion of the flutes. "The Hermit" introduces Steve into vocals (he makes a pretty decent work in this department). It is another haunting flute based song, although probably a bit weaker than "Hands...". And then the best part of the record, "Star of Sirius". This song could be an astounding addition to any of the previous Genesis records (it would have been perfect for "Selling England by the pound", for example). Phil Collins makes his particular appearance here, doing also a good job. "The Luvers" is a short autoharp intro for the last piece of the record "Shadow of the Hierophant", which is in turn the epic of the album. In this also powerful song we find Sally Olfied's always beautiful voice for the service of our ears, all of this surrounded with the efficient work of the rest of the musicians, with Steve on the lead. An excellent way of finishing the record.

Then, this is another proof of why Steve's departure from Genesis was a grave thing, since we can find here a truly proficient composer, probably shadowed by Peter Gabriel and the other members during his stay in the band.