Under A Mediterranean Sky - Album review

Steve Hackett for years has been a very prolific musician. He has been recording album on a yearly basis showing that he’s got more tricks up his sleeve. On this opportunity he offers us (Fans and music enthusiast alike) a wonderful recollection of instrumental pieces. Here you got the chance to travel to faraway lands Under a Mediterranean sky.

This is mainly an album of him playing acoustic guitar, his chops on nylon strings have the right balance between being tender and untamed. This album is wonderful opportunity to let your worries aside and let music take you far away.

The first song Mdina works as a true representation of what lies ahead. Delicate instrumentation supports his masterful playing, note after note he engulf you and tease you to unwind and summit to what’s coming.

Adriatic blue starts and ends in a cascade of notes that go from fret to fret so seamlessly, a true delight. Hard not to picture yourself mesmerized by the strong blue of the Adriatic Sea. Not by chance it reminded me of my weekly escapades to watch the tide come and go at Pescara, right in front of the Adriatic Sea, looking at the distance and thinking about the crystal clear waters of Zadar in Croatia. I remember a spearfishing magazine that I bought many years ago. There was an article about the Italian Spearfishing team in the waters of Croatia, The color of the water, abundant marine life. I need to visit that place. I need to know those waters.

Sirocco, Soft synth sounds serve as an appetizer of what’s about to come. Like the “Vento di Scirocco” this heavy Arabic influenced tune comes and goes bringing the allure of faraway lands. It has a beautiful Arabic feel that makes the song more than just enjoyable.

Joie de Vivre. The title is a firm statement, never boring, just mesmerizing. A true jewel. According to the liner notes, he says that this is just a token of what the French enjoy in their music, food and way of living. Life’s a celebration, and it should be lived as such.

The Memory of Myth. Another short song that goes by way too quickly. A violin introduction opens the door to a world of wonders. I do appreciate the guitar work of this very skillful musician. Strings and guitar intertwine in what to my ears sounds like a casual rendezvous between two lovers. It’s a shame that the song is not a bit longer.

Scarlatti Sonata, From the name you can guess that it has this baroque allure. It's an homage to Italian baroque music. Fantastic tune.

La casa del Fauno. Another piece with a delicate and skillful orchestration. He said that he was inspired by all those atriums and gardens that surrounded a house that has a little Faun statue in the mysterious city of Pompeii. Lovely way to remember my walks of those once forgotten ancient streets. I love Pompeii.

The dervish and the Djin brings again this exotic Arabic flavor to the table. Arabic instruments as the Dukur and the Tar, he masterfully depicts the exotic nature of Persia’s past. another head turner tune from Hackett.

Andalusian heart is another favorite of mine. This Flamenco infused tune is an homage to all those gypsies that still dance with fire in their eyes. My GF is a flamenco dance teacher, she taught me how to truly appreciate this form of expression. I got to say that Flamenco is so powerful and wild. It builds up inside of you.

The call of the sea is the perfect way to end this journey, Steve Hackett does an outstanding job in giving this intimate and delicate tune a touch of freshness that soothe the soul. I got to say that this one is the perfect closer.

This is his 26th album, his work with Genesis is sublime, there’s no need to compare. His solo efforts, well, I own many of his albums and without any restrains I can say that this one is one of my favorites. Maybe is just the fact that he is not trying to impress, he simply plays for the joy of playing. If you’re into this kind of instrumental music and love tunes that can take you to a faraway land, this album is for you too.

Just enjoy your favorite spirit and let the music take you far away.