Search - Steve Hackett :: Somewhere in South America

Steve Hackett is a Guitar God :) ..

H. Laser | Left Coast | 11/24/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This DVD verges on perfection, but fails very slightly in some of the camera angles, and the slightly soft nature of the photography. Still, it's a mind-blowing experience to watch, if you love the man and his music.



The concert is 90% instrumentals, which is fine, since Steve isn't known for his vocals, but rather as the creator of some of the most spine-tingling guitar work ever recorded, and you shouldn't be disappointed when you see him perform some of his stunning pieces that were part of longer Genesis tracks so many years ago..



Steve Hackett is simply one of the most underrated guitarists in rock music history. His utter mastery of his instruments is unquestionable. He's simply one of a handful of guitar virtuosos who have reached the pinnacle. His songwriting is not limited to any one particular genre, as he can deftly mix prog rock, classical, jazz, and fusion in the same concert.. an astoundingly talented guy..



He's accompanied by a band of four guys who appear to be much younger than him, and show absolute respect and adoration for his music.. Although the music is totally different, I can't but help draw a parallel to Brian Wilson's current backing band, who simply idolize him, and set out to do justice to their master's body of work at the same time. In the case of both of these bands, they succeed admirably, in their support of their respective legendary leadmen..



One thing I couldn't help but notice in th close-ups is that the band members, including Steve, seem to be having so much fun performing for an audience that is totally digging this fantastic music. Quick shots of the band members' faces reveal wide grins and smiles as they make eye contact. Hackett himself, (watch him playing his legendary solo from "Firth of Fifth") often breaks out into a wide smile.. he knows he's in his groove, and can sense the band is with him note for note in lockstep and feel the vibes from the audience.



That's a nice touch and shows a very human side to the man, something you don't see in a lot of concert DVDs.



His hands are all over those Fernandes Electrics, and it's amazing to watch him at work, as he feathers the whammy bar, bends the strings, tweaks the knobs, works his magic up and down the neck, even using the side of his hand occasionally for special effects.. I've never seen a guitarist so "at one" with his instrument.. as though he's not so much playing the guitar as making love to it :) ..



I'd give this DVD five stars except that I found the camera angles a bit strange at times.. I really wanted to see more of bassist Terry Gregory, who looks like he buys his clothing at JC Penny's, toeing the (what I assume are) thunderous Moog Taurus Bass Pedals, (or a modern clone of them..) .. but the only shots of him using them are from far behind him. Hackett too is fronted by a huge array of guitar effects pedals, and yet we're never allowed to see him manipulating them except in a few brief moments.



Still, despite some strange decisions in camera angles, the musicianship couldn't possibly be any better. This band is as tight and capable as any I've ever seen or heard. Close your eyes and you often think you ARE listening to Genesis. They know they're playing with a guitar god, and they are all extremely capable musicians in their own right. Whether it's just sheer talent, or thousands of rehersals, or a combination of both.. who cares. It's the end result that counts.



But it all boils down to the fact tht Steve Hackett is one class act. Every bit the master of the acoustic and electric guitar, with his own incredible techniques, as some of his perhaps more famous contemporaries like David Gilmour, he never stumbles, he looks like he's in total control and totally into it. I also would have liked to see a full version of "Ace of Wands", the signature song from his first solo album, in this concert, but alas, there's only a brief segment of that magnificently haunting piece worked into a medley..



This DVD is a keeper, and one that you'll watch over and over again, as the performances are flawless and the music is haunting, powerful, ethereal, and, as the kids say, totally awesome :) .."