Share the post "Album review: DJABE & STEVE HACKETT – Life Is A Journey – The Sardinia Tapes"
Esoteric Antenna [Release date 06.10.17]
I recall when chatting to Steve Hackett several years ago he mentioned that he is very receptive to his environment in terms of new sounds and possibilities. This might simply be hearing something ear-catching whilst out doing your weekly food shopping or in a clothes shop. Or, perhaps in Steve’s case whilst globe-trotting.
In the good old days there would be times when you were in a record shop (a record shop, yes!) and hear something that took your fancy. You invariably would query that with the shop assistant. I suppose the equivalent now is hearing something on streamed radio or maybe even – more rarely - just radio.
It is unlikely however you’ll hear a Hungarian jazz rock combo with our venerable guitarist of prog but – whatever – in the good old days it would have caught your ear and ultimately your wallet.
Djabe and Hackett originally got together 10 years ago and subsequently for tours in Europe and ‘Life Is A Journey’ is their first studio foray together (with the live album ‘Summer Storms & Rocking Rivers’ released earlier this year). The album is certainly quite striking and can be enjoyed end to end with each track rolling effortlessly into the next.
It’s a chance to hear Hackett out of his usual comfort zone but fans should be warned that – more than with the live set which included several of his own covers – he is very much in supporting role on acoustic guitar, or occasionally providing sonic texture rather than his trade mark searing and lyrical solos. On some tracks you might even say: “Where’s Steve?”
Most of the guitar heavy lifting is done by Djabe’s Attila Egerhazi. You would perhaps expect him to take the lead in his own band project but his electric style is complementary rather than convincing and perhaps there should have been more deference to their special guest in this department.
The emphasis here is very much on mood, and gentle groove, with a jazz fusion undertow and Aron Koos-Hulas’ trumpet a defining feature.
The package is expanded with a bonus DVD of high definition/surround mixes and film of the band’s club date in Bucharest in June this year.
This really is a splendid album and whether you enjoy it as a backdrop to daylight activity or a late night chill-out you won’t be disappointed. ****1/2
Review by David Randall
David Randall presents ‘Assume The Position’ on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio every Sunday at 22:00 GMT.
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.
Next session: Sunday 1 December
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 3 November 2024.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 29 October 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.
More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 11 November 2024
ARCANE MOON Hello Sun (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC XTC (Long Branch Records)
ARCANA KINGS Here We Go (Curtain Call Records)
KLOGR face The Unknown (Zeta Factory)
BEYOND UNBROKEN Dance With The Dead (FiXT)
REVENGIN Decadent Feeling (Wormholedeath)
Featured Albums w/c 11 November 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)
Popular (last 10 days)
Share the post "Album review: DJABE & STEVE HACKETT – Life Is A Journey – The Sardinia Tapes"
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections
