What first attracted me to jazz was that back in the 1970s it was possible to still see in concert musicians who actually created styles of music from ragtime to swing, bebop and hard bop. A half century later, the packed house at The Lobero were able to experience the same thing, as guitarist Steve Hackett, one of the creators of what then was called either “progressive rock”, “jazz rock” or “fusion”, came to town to recreate the music from the landmark Genesis album Foxtrot, released 50 years ago.
At the time of its release, Foxtrot was considered the best album Genesis had yet released, but it was also “just another” album of its genre, on the same scale as material by Yes, King Crimson, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Weather Report and Return To Forever. The two hour concert was a reflection of not only a musical style, but an era when bands were motivated not necessarily for money or fame, but for finding a new and distinct sound.
That may seem foreign to a current generation that listens to music as background in order to “chill”, but at for Hackett and his band, the music was not for dancing or ambience, but serious listening,imbibing and appreciation, which was all in abundance Friday night.
Teamed with Roger King/key, Jonas Reingold/b, Craig Blundell/dr and Rob Townsend/sax-key, Hackett spent the first half of the evening presenting material from his own solo career. With vocalist Nad Sylvan, there were pi eces like the dark and ominous “The Devil’s Cathedral” the upbeat, peppy and rollicking “Every Day” and intricate and yet swinging “Camino Royal”. Whether it was with vocals, on instrumentals such as “Ace of Wands, extended arias by Reingold and Townsend (and what was it with quotes from bossa nova tunes?!?), or Hackett’s own excursions, the solos mixed technical wizardry with assertive emotions and creativity.
The complete album of Foxtrot filled the second half of the concert, starting with the majestic opening chords and relentless pu lse of “Watcher of the Skies” . The allure of Genesis’ music is more observable in retrospect, as the gorgeous and yet creative vocal harmonies teamed with quirky UK folk themes as on “ Time Table” or “Can-Utility and the Coastliners” mixed pastoral moods with rhythmic sharp turns. Throw in a gorgeous and contemplative acoustic guitar sonata by the leader on “Horizons” and the herky jerky and hectic “Get ‘em Out by Friday” that had more mood swings than a high school sophomore, and you get set up for the opus “Supper’s Ready” that takes you on a chiming adventure through the world of medieval tones and modern mechanics. Hackett’s closing solo on the climax was a stunning mix of drama and improvisation.
Encoring with “Firth of Fifth” and “Los Endos/Slogans”, Hackett joked that he was pleased that not only the fans remember his music from 50 years ago, but so does he. It was that original mix of creativity and humor that first attracted a legion of followers. For those in attendance, it was one last chance to see a classic album played in entirety, something that they may tell their grandkids w hen they are looking for inspiration from the past.
Upcoming shows at The Lobero include James Garner’s Tribute to Johnny Cash 11/30, Manhattan Transfer 12/7, Jose Feliciano 12/11, and An Irish Christmas 12/23