'Checking Out Of London' - John Hackett
Album Preview by Martin Hudson of The Classic Rock SocietyAlbum of the Issue
Now for something completely different from John Hackett. We are more used to John’s recordings with flute in classical mode but here is John Hackett the progressive rocker and this is one that will please many.
I cannot remember hearing John sing lead vocals before but beware those in the male vocal category next year for John has more than just a fine voice. Not that he does it all on his own. Well known Genesis tribute band man, Tony Patterson, sings on a few tracks giving the tracks a real Gabriel/Genesis feel. He does backing vocals on other tracks too.
Brother Steve adds some typically haunting guitar and harmonica and Nick Magnus drums and keyboards. Not a bad team to call on and with lyrics by Nick Clabburn (except on one track) it is a very impressive album with an expected release in early February. John himself plays some lead and acoustic guitar and keyboards, but his finest instrument here is his voice. The haunting ‘DNA’ and the punchy ‘Whispers’ are tracks that will become favourites to those who purchase it. This comes highly recommended.
Martin Hudson
Taken from 'The Journal of the Classic Rock Society', Issue 146