Steve Hackett - Voyage of the Acolyte (1975) [Japan Mini-LP CD 2006]

Voyage of the Acolyte is the debut solo album from then-Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett. It was released in 1975 on Chrysalis Records in the US and Charisma Records for the rest of the world. It featured heavy contributions from Genesis bandmates Phil Collins and Mike Rutherford. After this album, Hackett began to feel stifled within the democratic approach to the way Genesis placed music on their albums.

The essence of progressive music is characterized perfectly on Voyage of the Acolyte, Steve Hackett's first solo album. The former Genesis guitarist uses his instrumental mastery to conjure up musical images of sorcerers, magic, and old English castles with the primary use of keyboards and electric guitar. Phil Collins on drums and vibraphone and Mike Rutherford on bass and fuzz 12-string contribute their talents to the churning synthesizers that accompany each passage. The basic instrumental elements of progressive rock are heard loud and clear throughout the album, including Mellotron, harmonium, flute, and bells, and none with a minor role to play. Collins, Hackett, and Sally Oldfield all donate their voices to a few of the songs here, adding a nice touch to the heavy insertion of electronics. Glimpses of oboe and cello can be detected underneath some pleasurable guitar work in "The Lovers and "Hands of the Priestess Part 1." Traces of Yes can be found all the way through the album, but especially on the 11:45 grand finale "Shadow of the Hierophant" that combines all the instruments in a colorful bombardment of musical fury. A true progressive masterpiece, Voyage of the Acolyte is an album firmly stationed in the upper echelon of prog rock. ~ Review by Mike DeGagne (AllMusic)







Track Listing

01. Ace Of Wands (5:24)
02. Hands Of The Priestess (Part I) (3:28)
03. A Tower Struck Down (4:50)
04. Hands Of The Priestess (Part II) (1:33)
05. The Hermit (4:53)
06. Star Of Sirius (7:07)
07. The Lovers (1:50)
08. Shadow Of The Hierophant (11:43)

Bonus Tracks

09. Ace Of Wands (Live At The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane) (6:31)
10. Shadow Of The Hierophant (Extended Playout Version) (17:01)

Produced by Steve Hackett and John Acock

Musicians

• Steve Hackett: electric & acoustic guitar, mellotron, harmonium, bells, autoharp, vocal, effects
• John Hackett: flute, Arp synthetizer, bells
• Mike Rutherford: bass guitar, bass pedals, fuzz 12-string
• Phil Collins: drums, vibes, percussion, vocals
• John Acock: Elka Rhapsody, mellotron, harmonium, piano
• Sally Oldfield: vocal
• Robin Miller: oboe, cor anglais
• Nigel Warren-Green: solo cello

• Percy Jones: extra bass on "Tower"
• Johnny Gustafson: bass on "Star"
• Steve Tobin: parrot and cough

Notes

Digital Remaster © 2005 Virgin Records Ltd.





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