Steve Hackett’s annual performances at Trading Boundaries, in Sussex, UK have become something of a tradition for the legendary guitarist in recent years. Presenting stripped-down material, and showcasing his acclaimed classical compositions, these unique and intimate concerts have become a highlight of the year, beloved of his fans.
“It’s always a joy for me to play at Trading Boundaries, a magical intimate place full of beautiful lights and exotic imagery, illuminating the darkest time of year over Christmas and New Year,” Hackett says. “It’s the perfect location for my acoustic set.”
Live Magic At Trading Boundaries collects various recordings from these shows from over the years, and also features appearances from regular collaborators including brother John Hackett on flute, Roger King on keys, Rob Townsend on flute and sax, and Amanda Lehmann on guitar and vocals. The release also coincides with Hackett’s next two live appearances at the venue, on January 18 and 19, 2025.
“I’m thrilled to be releasing such a special album of live virtuoso performances over the years at such a magical venue,” Hackett says.
Over 19 tracks, Hackett explores various facets of his catalog, including Genesis classics like “Blood On The Rooftops” and “Horizons,” stripped-down solo material such as “Ace Of Wands” and “Hands Of The Priestess,” and magical renditions of his much-acclaimed classical catalog like “Black Light” and “The Journey.” For many fans, the album will reveal a completely different side to Hackett’s abilities.
“Somehow, you can feel the special atmosphere through the sound of the music on this new live album, which is a complete contrast to my live rock shows,” he says. “I love the delicate dreamlike quality of this show with John and Rob interplaying beautifully on flute and sax, interspersed by surprising moments of power, such as the point when Roger’s keys become the sound of a full-blown pipe organ!”
Hackett recently reissued many of his classical catalog, and the latest two in the series, Metamorpheus and Tribute are available now. Both albums have been newly remastered for vinyl and are available as Gatefold 180g LP’s in both black and limited colored vinyl editions for the very first time. New digipak CD editions are also available below:
https://stevehackett.lnk.to/Metamorpheus-Reissue
https://stevehackett.lnk.to/Tribute-Reissue
These follow his critically-acclaimed new studio album The Circus and the Nightwhale. A rite-of-passage concept album with a young character called Travla at the centre of it, the 13 tracks have an autobiographical angle for the musician who says about his 30th solo release: “I love this album. It says the things I’ve been wanting to say for a very long time.”
Live Magic At Trading Boundaries will be available as a Limited Edition CD Digipak, Gatefold 180g 2LP & Digital Album, mixed by long-time live sound engineer Ben Fenner.
Pre-order now here:
Tracklist For Live Magic At Trading Boundaries
- Improv 00:01:54
- Blood on the Rooftops 00:01:15
- The Barren Land 00:01:34
- Black Light 00:01:12
- Horizons 00:01:29
- Jacuzzi 00:03:20
- Supper’s Ready (Excerpt) 00:01:40
- After the Ordeal 00:02:01
- Hairless Heart 00:05:04
- Jazz on a Summer’s Night 00:03:48
- Gnossienne No. 1 00:03:00
- Walking Away from Rainbows 00:03:28
- Poulenc Organ Concerto (excerpt) 00:03:45
- The Red Flower of Tai Chi Blooms Everywhere 00:02:19
- Hands of the Priestess 00:05:39
- Memory Lane 00:05:12
- Only Happy When it Rains 00:04:08
- Ace of Wands 00:03:37
- The Journey 00:03:36
Listen to the track “Ace Of Wands” (originally from his debut solo album ‘Voyage Of The Acolyte’) performed live here:
