Steve Hackett - Metamorpheus (2005)

In the seventies Steve Hackett made a name for himself as the guitarist for Genesis during their progressive era.

Within a year or two of Peter Gabriel's departure, Hackett followed. While he hasn't necessarily had the commercial success Peter Gabriel has had since departing Genesis, Hackett has certainly made a name for himself by displaying his versatility on the guitar-- performing all range of genres world music, classical, progressive, and rock.

In 1997 Hackett released his highly lauded classical guitar album, A Midsummer Night's Dream-- Hackett's musical interpretation of the classic Shakespeare play.

In 2004 he entered the studio to record the follow-up, Metamorpheus-- Hackett's musical interpretation of Orpheus' passage into the underworld.

In a word this album is "lush." It's beautiful from start to finish. Hackett plays softly and beautifully from start to finish. His use of nylon strings gives his playing a simple beauty that belnds nicely against the backdrop of his Underground Orchestra.

For many classical music is heard but rarely listened to. Metamorpheus dares to be listened to. To merely hear this album without taking the time to really listen to and absorb its beauty is doing the listener, not to mention this music, a tremendous disservice. There are so many beautiful and subtle nuances-- this music paints a beautiful portrait on an aural canvas.

Simply put, Hackett has created a lush beautiful classical guitar album for people who wouldn't normally listen to classical guitar. Metamorpheus is an even further demonstration of Hackett's overwhelming versatility on guitar. His work with Genesis merely whets the appetite, Metamorpheus sates it!

Related Links
Metamorpheus (wikipedia)
Steve Hackett (official site)
Steve Hackett (wikipedia)