A key component in the original classic Genesis lineup, guitarist Steve Hackett left that band decades ago and has gone on to a multitude of success as a solo artist. All the more reason to praise this 20th century guitar icon is a 2008 release entitled New Horizons: The Music Of Steve Hackett, by Italian piano virtuoso Marco Lo Muscio. When recorded well, the piano is as powerful as the classical guitar and maybe even more dynamic. Featuring transcriptions of Steve Hackett’s music for grand piano and pipe organ, New Horizons spotlights some inspiring piano solos of music from Hackett album classics Bay Of Kings, Guitar Noir, Voyage Of The Acolyte and Momentum. Marco nails Hackett’s spirit on his grand piano while other tracks here feature Hackett’s indelible melodies performed by Marco on pipe organ. On the back of the booklet Rick Wakeman is quoted as saying. ‘I know about this guy. Very, very good as well I’m told.’ Marco’s liner notes captures his track by track inspirations. I would also add, that from an audiophile’s ear, New Horizons is up among the best sounding solo piano CDs of the year. www.drycastle.com

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