Hidden in the dark recesses of the human mind exists a path previously trodden by certain artists of the caliber of Brel, Brecht and, perhaps, their American counterparts in Jim Webb and Leonard Cohen. Within their work are found songs where narrative is king - in other words a full subscription to the storytelling tradition. It is into this mould that Steve Hackett more easily fits than the world of the "guitar hero" with its self imposed limitations. Yes, the guitar, that "other" voice which rarely comes truly alive in the hands of most players is allowed to inhabit the same regions that are usually the exclusive domain of opera singers ...

"Guitar Noir" © 1993 Kim Poor

Sierra Quemada 5.19 Take These Pearls 4.14 There Are Many Sides To The Night 7.23 In The Heart Of The City 4.34 Dark As The Grave 4.38 Lost In Your Eyes 4.56 Little America 4.55 Like An Arrow 2.51 Theatre Of Sleep 3.03

Walking Away From Rainbows 3.10 Paint Your Picture 2.57 Vampyre With A Healthy Appetite 5.29 Tristesse 4.01 Sierra Quemada (demo) 4.30 Take These Pearls (Rough Mix) 4.11 In The Heart Of The City (original version) 4.19 Vampyre With A Healthy Appetite (demo) 4.4

"If you eliminate percussion and decay you're left with the essence of the note, which is more characteristic of a voice or violin" ... as Hackett says. Guitar Noir is an album which highlights the shaded corners of the instrument - at times sombre, occasionally hilarious, but ultimately filled with lyrically intensive observations about the condition of the unsung majority.

Steve Hackett	Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica, Stepp & Rainstick	Photo by Paul Clark
Julian Colbeck, Aron Friedman & Nick Magnus	Keyboards
Nick Sykes	Additional Keyboards
Dave 'Taif' Ball	Bass
Hugo Degenhardt	Drums
Bimbo Acock	Clarinet
Produced by Steve Hackett. Executive Producer Billy Budis. Artistic Direction Kim Poor. Recorded and mixed in The Basement. Re-Mastered 1997 by Roger King