- Article
- Read in 12 minutes
Steve Hackett – Recording Compendium, Part 7: 1995 – 1999
The seventh part of the Steve Hackett Recording Compendium covers the period between Genesis Revisited and Darktown / Sketches Of Satie.
Part 7: Genesis Revisited / A Midsummer Night’s Dream / Darktown / Sketches Of Satie | 1995 – spring 1999
Last update: 15/08/2025 | Overview | back to part 6 | on to part 8
Not least, the successful ‘1994 Remaster’ series of old Genesis albums encourages Steve to revisit the material of his former band after 17 years and begin re-arranging old classics. There is also a ‘virtual’ reunion when, for a planned Genesis archive box set featuring previously unreleased live recordings, minor details are re-recorded and a completely new version of The Carpet Crawlers is produced, although this will not be released until 1999.
However, Steve“s plans require reinforcements in the Hackett camp! Joining the team are sound engineer and producer Ben Fenner and keyboardist, programmer and sound engineer Roger King, who had previously worked extensively on film scores but was looking for a new challenge. A copyright and publishing company is set up specifically for the upcoming project under the apt name ‘Watcher Ltd.”.
As a special treat, Steve also wants to complete an unfinished piece by Peter Gabriel from the 1973 sessions for the Genesis album Selling England By The Pound, which Peter has given his OK for. For a first attempt, Steve brings Richard Macphail, probably the most important ‘sixth man’ from the early Genesis camp, on board as singer…
Deja Vu [demo]
(Peter Gabriel, Steve Hackett) ()
Deja Vu [demo 2] °
(Peter Gabriel, Steve Hackett) ()
Recording date: 1995
Recording location: The Basement/
Produced by: Steve Hackett
Performed by: Steve Hackett °feat. Richard Macphail (lead vocals)
First official release/Best available source: —
However, it doesn’t stop at just one ‘guest’. Over the course of the year, the project develops into a veritable all-star project. Among others, Genesis live drummers Chester Thompson and Bill Bruford are brought on board, as are Peter Gabriel’s house bassist Tony Levin and Mike + The Mechanics singer Paul Carrack (whom Steve had already suggested to GTR as a singer back in 1985).
In addition to the aforementioned King Crimson members Bruford and Levin, Ian McDonald, whom Steve met back in 1969, and John Wetton, two other former members of the legendary band, join the line-up. Coincidentally, both of them happened to be on stage together at a Wetton gig on 16 February. By April, nine new interpretations of old Genesis classics from 1971 to 1977 had been created, seven of which made it onto the album, aptly titled Genesis Revisited. These were joined by the unearthed Gabriel/Hackett collaboration Deja Vu, the new The Waiting Room Only (inspired by the 1974 original) and the new Hackett number Valley Of The Kings. The first label interested in releasing the album was Mercury Japan, but on condition that it could be released immediately. This forced Steve, despite working double shifts in the studio, to include a solo track not planned for the album, Riding The Colossus, on the Japanese version of the album instead of another Genesis track.
Watcher Of The Skies
(Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford) (8:52) (8:40?)
Your Own Special Way
(Mike Rutherford) (4:19)
Dance On A Volcano
(Mike Rutherford, Tony Banks, Steve Hackett, Phil Collins) (7:29)
Valley Of The Kings
(Steve Hackett) (6:29)
Déja Vu
(Peter Gabriel, Steve Hackett) (5:47) (5:53)?
Riding The Colossus (Depth Charge)
(Steve Hackett) (4:08)
For Absent Friends
(Steve Hackett, Phil Collins) (3:03)
Fountain Of Salmacis
(Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, Steve Hackett, Peter Gabriel) (9:55)
Waiting Room Only
(Roger King, Steve Hackett) (6:53)
I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)
(Steve Hackett, Tony Banks, Peter Gabriel) (5:40)
Firth Of Fifth
(Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford) (9:40)
Recording date: 1995/1996
Recording location: The Basement/Twickenham, Westside Studios/London, R.G. Jones Studios/London, The Farm/Nashville
Produced by: Steve Hackett
Performed by: Steve Hackett feat. Chester Thompson, Bill Bruford, Paul Carrack, Tony Levin, John Wetton, Alphonso Johnson, Pino Palladino, Colin Blunstone, Hugo Degenhardt, Julian Colbeck, Aron Friedman, Doug Sinclair, Roger King, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra a.o.
First official release: 25th August 1996 – Steve Hackett Genesis Revisited (JP CD//Mercury PHCR-1454)
Two additional Genesis tracks were recorded but ultimately discarded for the album release.
…In That Quiet Earth [1995 version]
(Steve Hackett, Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, Phil Collins) ()
The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway [1995 version]
(Tony Banks, Peter Gabriel) ()
Recording date: 1995
Recording location: The Basement/Twickenham
Produced by: Steve Hackett
Performed by: Steve Hackett & ?
First official release/Best available source: —
Another Genesis classic was supposed to be included on the album, but Steve was unable to finish the track in time for the Japanese release. It was not until the summer that Los Endos was completed, replacing Riding The Colossus on all future releases. However, the search for a label proved difficult and it would be another year before the album was available outside Japan.
Los Endos
(Phil Collins, Steve Hackett, Mike Rutherford, Tony Banks) (8:51)
Recording date: 1995/1996
Recording location: The Basement/Twickenham, Westside Studios/London, R.G. Jones Studios/London, The Farm/Nashville
Produced by: Steve Hackett
Performed by: Steve Hackett feat. Chester Thompson (Add. Drums), Hugo Degenhardt (Drums), Roger King (Keyboards, Programming), Ian McDonald (Sax & Flute) & Pino Palladino (Bass)
First official release: 22nd September 1997 – Steve Hackett Genesis Revisited (EU CD//Reef Recordings SRECD 704 / GAS 0000704 SRE)
Best available source: Steve Hackett Genesis Revisited [2023 remaster] (JP SACD//Gen IACD-30001)
Before celebrating the album’s release in Japan with a few concerts there, Steve is working on another acoustic album. A track from it will be released in advance this year in an EMI promo box set.
Between The Cold Moon And The Earth (Demo)
(Steve Hackett) (2:36)
Recording date: 1996?
Recording location: The Basement/Twickenham
Produced by: Steve Hackett?
Performed by: Steve Hackett feat. ?
First official release/Best available source: 1996 – Various EMI Worldwide Promo Boxset (CD24 „EMI Premier“) (24CD//EMI)
Since working with his cousin Matt Dunkley as arranger and conductor of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for Genesis Revisited went so well, Steve wants to incorporate the orchestra here as well, alongside his classical guitar. Over the last few years, he has accumulated a number of acoustic pieces that have already been played at concerts, including Beja Flor, Bacchus and End Of Day, which will find a home here under new titles in Steve’s interpretation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The final orchestral parts will be recorded at the end of October.
The Palace Of Theseus
(Steve Hackett) (2:46)
A Form In Wax
(Steve Hackett) (4:41)
By Paved Fountain (Beja Flor)
(Steve Hackett) (2:01)
Titania
(Steve Hackett) (2:24)
Set Your Heart At Rest
(Steve Hackett) (3:31)
Oberon
(Steve Hackett) (2:32)
Within This Wood
(Steve Hackett) (2:36)
In The Beached Margent Of The Sea
Composed By – Roger King (2:39)
Between The Cold Moon & The Earth *
(Steve Hackett) (2:45)
Puck (Bacchus)
(Steve Hackett) (1:53)
Helena
(Steve Hackett) (4:22)
Peaseblossom, Cobweb, Moth & Mustardseed *
(Steve Hackett) (4:29)
Mountains Turned Into Clouds
(Steve Hackett) (4:37)
The Lunatic, The Lover & The Poet *
(Steve Hackett) (4:14)
Starlight
(Steve Hackett) (4:48)
Lysander & Demetrius
(Steve Hackett) (2:46)
Celebration **
(Steve Hackett) (6:15)
All Is Mended (End Of Day)
(Steve Hackett) (3:16)
Recording date: 1996 (Orchestra late October 1996)
Recording location: ?The Basement/Twickenham?, Air Studios Lyndhurst Hall/London (Orchestra), St. Simon Zelotes/Chelsea (Organ)
Produced by: Steve Hackett
Performed by: Steve Hackett feat. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (orchestrated & conducted by Matt Dunkley), * John Hackett (additional Flute) & ** Roger King (Organ)
First official release: 24. March 1997 – Steve Hackett With The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra A Midsummer Night’s Dream (UK CD//EMI Classics 7243 5 56348 2 5)
Best available source: Steve Hackett With The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra A Midsummer Night’s Dream (UK CD//Wolfwork Records 50999 975812 2 2)
EMI Classics, the label releasing the album, is sending the press and media a promo CD with shortened versions of some of the album tracks.
Between The Cold Moon & The Earth (Excerpt)
(Steve Hackett) (2:15)
By Paved Fountain (Excerpt) [Beja Flor]
(Steve Hackett) (1:14)
Helena (Excerpt)
(Steve Hackett) (2:03)
Celebration [edit?]
(Steve Hackett) (5:53)
First official release: March? 1997 – Steve Hackett With The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra A Midsummer Night’s Dream (UK promo CDS//EMI Classics Hack 001)
Now that work on A Midsummer Night’s Dream has been completed, preparations are underway for four concerts in Japan, for which Steve is putting together an all-star band that is sure to be a surprise. In addition to Steve’s keyboardist Julian Colbeck – Steve’s current studio keyboardist Roger King does not feel up to the task (yet) – he has been able to recruit long-time Genesis live drummer Chester Thompson and the two King Crimson legends Ian McDonald and John Wetton for the project! Steve is also participating as a guest on the latter’s current solo album production…
Nothing Happens For Nothing *
(Bob Marlette, John Wetton) (4:05)
All Grown Up **
(John Wetton, John Young) (5:08)
Recording date: 1996
Recording Location: Xero Studio/Islington, Can-Am Recorders/Los Angeles, Convent Studio/Los Angeles, Garage Studio/West Sussex, Intimate Studios/London
Produced by: John Wetton * & Bob Marlette, ** & Billy Liesegang
Performed by: John Wetton feat. Steve Hackett (* Harp, ** Guitar) a.o.
First official release: 18th April 1997 – John Wetton Arkangel (JP CD//Canyon International PCCY-01109)
Best available source: John Wetton Arkangel [2022 remaster] (44.1kHz/16bit download//Spirit Of Unicorn Music)
Finally, the entire line-up will meet in London for rehearsals at the beginning of December before the troupe leaves for Japan in the middle of the month. Four concerts are planned, the first two of which will take place in Tokyo and will be professionally recorded in both sound and image for possible release at a later date. As expected, the live set will include several Genesis classics, as well as a few of Hackett’s solo tracks, two King Crimson classics from the McDonald era, and a solo track by Wetton plus his biggest hit with Asia.
Watcher Of The Skies [live in Tokyo 1996]
(Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford) (8:59)
Riding The Colossus [live in Tokyo 1996]
(Steve Hackett) (3:32)
Firth Of Fifth [live in Tokyo 1996]
(Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford) (9:32)
Battle Lines [live in Tokyo 1996]
(Bob Marlette, Bob Mitchell, John Wetton) (6:43)
Camino Royale [live in Tokyo 1996]
(Steve Hackett, Nick Magnus) (9:06)
The Court Of The Crimson King [live in Tokyo 1996]
(Ian McDonald, Peter Sinfield) (7:39)
Horizons [live in Tokyo 1996]
(Steve Hackett) (1:53)
Walking Away From Rainbows [live in Tokyo 1996]
(Steve Hackett) (3:47)
Heat Of The Moment [live in Tokyo 1996]
(Geoff Downes, John Wetton) (4:06)
…In That Quiet Earth (part 1) [live in Tokyo 1996]
(Steve Hackett, Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, Phil Collins) (4:02)
Vampyre With A Healthy Apetite [live in Tokyo 1996]
(Steve Hackett) (7:26)
I Talk To The Wind [live in Tokyo 1996]
(Ian McDonald, Peter Sinfield) (5:28)
Shadow Of The Hierophant (part 2) [live in Tokyo 1996]
(Steve Hackett, Mike Rutherford) (7:14)
Los Endos [live in Tokyo 1996]
(Phil Collins, Steve Hackett, Mike Rutherford, Tony Banks) (6:54)
Black Light [live in Tokyo 1996]
(Steve Hackett) (2:30)
The Steppes [live in Tokyo 1996]
(Steve Hackett) (6:48)
I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe) [live in Tokyo 1996]
(Tony Banks, Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, Steve Hackett, Mike Rutherford) (5:51)
Performance date: 16th & 17th December 1996
Performance location: Koseinenkin Hall/Tokyo
Produced by: Steve Hackett
Performed by: Steve Hackett feat. Chester Thompson (Drums), Julian Colbeck (Keyboards, Backing Vocals), John Wetton (Vocals, Bass) & Ian McDonald (Flute, Saxophone, Guitar, Keyboards, Backing Vocals)
First official video release: 25th February 1998 – Steve Hackett & Friends Live In Japan (JP LD//VideoArts VALJ-1042)
First official audio release: 21st March 1998 – Steve Hackett The Tokyo Tapes (JP 2CD//Camino Records TECW-38671~2)
Best available source: Steve Hackett The Tokyo Tapes [2013 remaster] (UK 2CD+DVD//Esoteric Antenna EANTCD 31021)
Steve is back home just in time for Christmas. It will be over a year before the recordings from Tokyo are released – as the first release on Camino Records, the label founded this year by Billy Budis and Steve Hackett!
In the new year, Steve will begin work on his next rock album with new material, for which he wants to take a little more time.
His creative phase was interrupted by a collaboration with London film producer and composer David Burns, who needed a video teaser for promotional purposes for the ballet piece The Great Dance, which he conceived and composed based on C.S. Lewis’ science fiction works Out of the Silent Planet and Perelandra, for promotional purposes to advertise a production of the show choreographed by Robert Hamilton. The music for the video is one of the key tracks of the ballet, with Steve Hackett on classical guitar.
Fauna (1997 Version)
(David Burns) (4:12)
Recording date: 1997
Recording location: ?
Produced by: David Burns?
Performed by: Steve Hackett feat. ? Orchestra
First official release/Best available source: 16th April 2016 – Steve Hackett Fauna (1997 Version) (44.1kHz/24bit PCM download//Greenwich Music Ltd GML-T105)
The production of the album takes up the entire new year. By the end of the year, the recordings for Steve Hackett‘s new ‘rock’ album are finally complete. Eleven tracks make it onto the album, which is titled Darktown…
Omega Metallicus
(Steve Hackett) (3:48)
Darktown
(Steve Hackett) (4:59)
Man Overboard
(Steve Hackett) (4:17)
The Golden Age Of Steam
(Steve Hackett) (4:09)
Days Of Long Ago
(Jim Diamond, Steve Hackett) (3:23)
Dreaming With Open Eyes
(Steve Hackett) (6:55)
Twice Around The Sun
(Steve Hackett) (7:15)
Rise Again *
(Steve Hackett) (4:26)
Jane Austen’s Door
(Steve Hackett) (6:13)
Darktown Riot
(Steve Hackett) (3:10)
In Memoriam
(Steve Hackett) (8:00)
Recording date: 1997/1998 * &1994
Recording location:
Produced by: Steve Hackett
Performed by: Steve Hackett feat. John Hackett, Julian Colbeck, Aron Friedman, Doug Sinclair, Jerry Peal, Roger King, Ian McDonald, John Wetton a.o.
First official release: 26th April 1999 – Steve Hackett Darktown (EU CD//Camino Records CAMCD17)
Best available source: Steve Hackett Darktown (EU CD//Inside Out Music IOMCD 369)
The single chosen to promote the album is Days Of Long Ago, sung by Jim Diamond. And once again, the Japanese are lucky enough to get two outtakes as bonus tracks on the regular album. Another track from the sessions will only be released years later – again only in Japan.
The Well At The World’s End * (Four Winds: East)
(Steve Hackett, Ben Fenner) (3:48)
Comin’ Home To The Blues **
(Steve Hackett, Gordon Greenway) (6:12)
Performed by: Steve Hackett (Harmonica, Guitars, Vocals & Percussion) feat. * Ben Fenner (Keyboards, Programming) ** Roger King (Piano, Programming & Effects)
First official release: 23rd June 1999 – Steve Hackett Darktown (JP CD//Mercury PHCW-1027)
* Best available source: Steve Hackett Darktown (JP CD//Camino Records/Mercury PHCW-1027)
** Best available source: Steve Hackett Darktown (EU CD//Inside Out Music IOMCD 369)
Flame
(Steve Hackett) (4:24)
Performed by: Steve Hackett feat. Jerry Peal (Keyboards, Programming) & Billy Budis (Bass)
First official release: 11th May 2004 – Steve Hackett To Watch The Storms (JP CD//Universal International UICE-1064)
Best available source: Steve Hackett Darktown (EU CD//Inside Out Music IOMCD 369)
Parallel to Steve’s Darktown, his colleague Ian McDonald has also produced a solo album for the new label Camino Records, on which Steve can be heard on two tracks.
You Are A Part Of Me *
(Ian McDonald) (5:04)
Straight Back To You **
(Ian McDonald) (4:46)
Recording date: 1998?
Recording location: RPM Studios/New York City, PIE Studios/Long Island, Pilot Recording Studios/New York City, Clinton Recording Studios/New York City (Strings)
Produced by: Ian McDonald
Performed by: Ian McDonald feat. Steve Hackett (* Harp, **Solo Guitar), John Waite (* Vocals), Lou Gramm (** Vocals) a.o.
First official release/Best available source: 21st April 1999 – Ian McDonald Drivers Eyes (UK CD//Camino Records CAMCD18)
A concert tour to promote the album seems too risky financially for Steve at the moment. This means he can devote himself to another studio project, which he wants to realise again after several years together with his brother John Hackett.
The two brothers, John & Steve Hackett, spend the first few months of the new year transcribing Erik Satie’s minimalist piano pieces for their instruments – classical guitar and flute – and recording them. A total of 20 Satie pieces are compiled and released on their joint album, Sketches Of Satie.
Gnossienne Nº3
(Erik Satie) (2:24)
Gnossienne Nº2
(Erik Satie) (1:56)
Gnossienne Nº1
(Erik Satie) (3:18)
Gymnopédie Nº3
(Erik Satie) (2:36)
Gymnopédie Nº2
(Erik Satie) (2:52)
Gymnopédie Nº1
(Erik Satie) (3:55)
Pièces Froides Nº1 Airs À Faire Fuir I
(Erik Satie) (2:46)
Pièces Froides Nº1 Airs À Faire Fuir II
(Erik Satie) (1:36)
Pièces Froides Nº2 Danse De Travers II
(Erik Satie) (2:05)
Avant Dernières Pensées: Idylle à Debussy
(Erik Satie) (0:57)
Avant Dernières Pensées: Aubade à Paul Dukas
(Erik Satie) (1:11)
Avant Dernières Pensées: Méditation À Albert Roussel
(Erik Satie) (0:54)
Gnossienne Nº4
(Erik Satie) (2:41)
Gnossienne Nº5
(Erik Satie) (3:20)
Gnossienne Nº6
(Erik Satie) (1:41)
Nocturnes Nº1
(Erik Satie) (3:31)
Nocturnes Nº2
(Erik Satie) (2:14)
Nocturnes Nº3
(Erik Satie) (3:36)
Nocturnes Nº4
(Erik Satie) (2:49)
Nocturnes Nº5
(Erik Satie) (2:27)
Recording date: early 1999
Recording location: The Basement/Twickenham
Produced by: Steve Hackett & John Hackett
Performed by: Steve Hackett & John Hackett
First official release: 8th May 2000 – John Hackett & Steve Hackett Sketches Of Satie (UK CD//Camino Records CAMCD 20)
While final touches are being made to the album planned for next year, Steve already has plans for his next projects. However, the album with Jim Diamond featuring interpretations of classic love songs, which was started in 1991 and has been worked on over the years, has been shelved for good due to artistic differences between the two artists. Steve is now focusing on new solo output and plans to set up a new recording studio outside his home…
Compiled and written by Steffen Gerlach
Header image: Helmut Janisch
Please feel free to send any comments, additions, corrections or questions to this email address.
Discussions are possible in our Recording Compendium sub-forum.