Steve Hackett’s Classical Masterpieces: Revisiting Bay of Kings and Momentum
Steve Hackett is an artist who can take the electric guitar and enter a world of aggressive shredding, tapping and use the tremolo arm in a way that must make it wonder if it will make it through the night. Then on the other hand Steve can play the gentlest of notes, where the music almost hangs in the air before falling softly like raindrops on your soul.
Steve Hackett is like several artists in one pair of hands’
These two albums show the gentler side of Steve’s playing and they are totally mesmerising and beautiful.
Both of these albums have recently been reissued on vinyl, offering a fresh opportunity to experience these beautiful albums in their full analog glory.
For those who may not be familiar, Steve Hackett, renowned for his work with Genesis and his successful solo career, took a distinct turn in the early ’80s. Amidst the rock landscape of that era, Hackett explored his classical influences, producing music that was both unexpected and exquisite.
At the time of these original releases, my musical tastes were heavily centered on the rock and metal scenes—bands like Dokken, Ratt, and other rock bands of the day dominated my turntable. Hackett’s foray into classical guitar didn’t register on my radar back then, which is why revisiting these albums now, in 2024, feels like uncovering a hidden world.
Bay of Kings (1983)
Bay of Kings was Hackett’s first major classical guitar album, and it stands out as a beautiful expression of his artistry. The album is a rich tapestry of acoustic guitar work, featuring 15 tracks that vary in length but never in quality. Some are brief, almost like vignettes, while others stretch out to give Hackett’s compositions room to breathe.
One of the highlights of Bay of Kings is the collaboration with Hackett’s brother, John Hackett, who contributes flute, and Nick Magnus, who adds depth with his keyboard arrangements. Each piece on the album is accompanied by a personal note from Steve in the gatefold sleeve, providing insight into the inspirations behind the music.
Listening to Bay of Kings now, it’s clear that Hackett was creating music that transcended the trends of the time. The album is a sublime experience, perfect for quiet moments of reflection or as a soothing background to a peaceful afternoon.
Momentum (1987)
Four years later, Hackett released Momentum, another classical guitar album that builds on the foundation laid by Bay of Kings. This album features 14 tracks and is more introspective, with Hackett largely performing solo, though John Hackett’s flute makes a few appearances.
Momentum continues to showcase Hackett’s mastery of the guitar, offering a blend of technical proficiency and emotional depth. The gatefold sleeve of this reissue includes a thoughtful overview of Hackett’s career up to that point, along with detailed notes about the compositions.
As with Bay of Kings, Momentum is an album that can transform the atmosphere of any room. Whether you’re fully immersing yourself in the music or letting it play softly in the background, its beauty is undeniable.
The Vinyl Experience
Both albums have been reissued on vinyl by Inside Out Records, and they’ve been given the deluxe treatment with gatefold sleeves and polylined inner sleeves—always a bonus here at Now Spinning Magazine.
These reissues are a chance to rediscover music that might have slipped under the radar the first time around. For me, revisiting these albums feels almost as if Steve Hackett was composing for a future audience, one that includes those of us who are now ready to appreciate the full scope of his work.
The Healing Power of Music
I’ve often spoken about how music can change the atmosphere of a room, and these albums are perfect examples of that. Whether you’re in need of a mental reset or simply want to enjoy some tranquil, soul-lifting music, Bay of Kings and Momentum are ideal choices. They’re not just for guitar aficionados—they’re for anyone who appreciates the healing, transformative power of music.
In conclusion, these reissues are highly recommended for both longtime fans of Steve Hackett and those who are new to his classical work. They serve as a reminder of Hackett’s versatility and his ability to convey deep emotion through his instrument. And if you’re looking for the perfect soundtrack to a serene summer day—or any day—these albums should be at the top of your list.
Production Credits:
Bay of Kings (1983):
Guitar: Steve Hackett
Flute: John Hackett
Keyboards: Nick Magnus
Label: Lamborghini Records (Original), Inside Out Records (Reissue)
Momentum (1987):
Guitar: Steve Hackett
Flute: John Hackett (select tracks)
Label: Start Records (Original), Inside Out Records (Reissue)
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
