Customer Reviews

Bay of Kings

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I have the original 1983 UK LP on Lamborghini Records (a now-defunct indie of no known relation to the Italian luxury motorcar). It has a nude cover painted by Steve's artist wife Kim Poor, but she did a new cover of him for the CD. Of course, I don't have any bonuses on mine! Maybe I'll get this edition. We'll see.
Old tracks like "Kim" and "Horizons" are redone, plus new tracks that are all instrumental and "Unplugged" classical guitar (something Randy Rhoads would be doing if he were still alive), after several prog-rock releases for Charisma. Even now, he's doing an acoustic tour in the EU, and it may feature what you get on this album.

A beautifully produced album of acoustic pieces, including Kim from "Please Don't Touch". Steve had hinted at his acoustic prowess as long ago as "Horizons" with Genesis, but this was his first album (I believe), of all acoustic/classical material. It includes a number of gems, including the wonderful Tales From The Riverbank from the children's show, which I remember fondly from childhood. Steve followed this with "Momentum" which is equally as good. Thank you Steve and keep gracing us with your mixture of acoustic and rock material.

"The acoustic guitar is a small orchestra housing other instruments," says former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett. "Pianos, cellos and harps are hidden away beneath it." Steve definitely proves his point with his 1983 acoustic masterwork, "Bay Of Kings." This is an exquisitely gorgeous album, with Steve working his magic touch on acoustic guitar and the occasional dash of keyboard, while brother John Hackett guest stars on flute. Pieces such as the title track, "Kim," "Second Chance," Steve's old Genesis fave "Horizons," and "The Barren Land" simply sparkle. This is wonderfully soothing music, the perfect disc to play for relaxing, or for that all-important quality time with your special someone. "Bay Of Kings" is a marvelous Steve Hackett album.

Mr. Hackett virtuosity and compostion skills are on full display. From the opening with its beautiful Brazillian feel
to a reworking of the hymn like Kim, to the wonderful dissonant sound of Petropolis. This is a guitar, dare I say, masterpiece.
The entire work has a watery sound, obviously by design.
But it is clear enough to present themes and up neck work.
Very good listen, I highly recommend