Once Above a Time

Starring:Steve Hackett
Studio: Eagle Vision USA
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Description
The show: This concert was recorded in Budapest in April, 2004 during the European tour in support of Hackett's most recent album "To Watch the Storms".

The Line Up: Steve Hackett - guitar & vocals, Roger King - keyboards, Rob Townsend - sax, flute, percussion & vocals, Terry Gregory - bass & vocals, Gary O'Toole - drums, percussion & vocals.

Description

The show: This concert was recorded in Budapest in April, 2004 during the European tour in support of Hackett's most recent album "To Watch the Storms".

The Line Up: Steve Hackett - guitar & vocals, Roger King - keyboards, Rob Townsend - sax, flute, percussion & vocals, Terry Gregory - bass & vocals, Gary O'Toole - drums, percussion & vocals.

Customer Reviews:

Steve Hackett DVD Reviews.......2007-03-31

Very few people reach "master" status at their chosen profession, particularly guitarists. But Steve Hackett, the former GENESIS guitarist proves his mastery over the guitar in two DVDs. These two extraordinary concert videos are entitled "Somewhere in South America...Live at Teatro Coliseo, Buenes Aires" and "Once Above a Time" which is live from Budapest, Hungary. Both DVDs feature the same band- Hackett, Rob Townsend on sax & flute, Terry Gregory on bass, Roger King on keys and Gary O'Toole on drums. "Somewhere.." was recorded during their 2001 tour and "Once Above.." was recorded on their 2004 tour. There is some overlap of songs on the two DVDs. However, if you are a Hackett fan as I am, the overlaps are few and the performances are equally great on both DVDs.
Technically, "Once Above..." is the better of the two. There are better camera angles, better post processing, and clearer images. The sound tracks are very good on both and are in Surround 5.0.
As far as the performances go, "Somewhere.." has a kind of raw feel to it as the band was fairly new. But the performance was stellar. You can see the admiration these musicians have for Steve Hackett and how playing in this band has made them really notch up their own playing to a higher level . Some highlights, in my humble opinion, were the "GENESIS" pieces including an abbreviated "Watcher of the Skies" the solo from "First if Firth", "Hairless Heart" and "Los Endos". There is not much singing on either of these DVDs but what there is, is very well executed. "Serpentine Song" is an example. Also, kudos to Rob Townsend for the excellent soprano sax on "Gnossienne". One of my personal favorite on this DVD is "Sierra Quemada" which features some wonderful melodic playing by Hackett in what is a very emotional piece. There's some very nice wooden flute from Rob Townsend and a great bass solo from Terry Gregory in a song one would not think of as a song for bass solo. All in all, this DVD has a rawness and freshness to it that makes it a very appealing concert video.
"Once Above a Time" highlights a more polished and confident ensemble that has rose to Hackett's musical level. Every song is crisp and well executed. The biggest surprise for me on this DVD was a complete version of the old "GENESIS" tune "Blood on the Rooftops" with drummer Gary O'Toole very ably singing the lead vocal originally done by Phil Collins. Hackett's band drew out all the emotion and subtle melodies of one of "GENESIS" most finely crafted songs. I do not think that "GENESIS" ever performed that song in concert so hearing and seeing it here is a real treat for all of us Hackett-era "Genesis" fans. Another highlight for me is the version of "Clocks" performed on this DVD. This version is much better than the original studio version. It comes on heavier and is performed with more emotion than the original. Again, the singing songs are excellent on this DVD also. I think the band became more confident in their vocals as there are 3 heavy harmony-laden songs on this DVD. There is "Serpentine Song" (again), "Brand New" and "Every Day". All performed very well.
I did not find any "duds" on either of these DVDs. But there are a few tips I will give you regarding both of them. "Somewhere.." is coded REGION 0 and is supposed to be for everyone everywhere. But, be aware that it will not play on some of the more inexpensive DVD players. Also, the CD of "Somewhere.." is currently out of print so if you want it you may have to pay upwards of $40 or more for an import. The CD to "Once Above a Time " is actually called "Live Archive 04". It can be ordered only from Camino Records and runs about $25.00.
These DVDs are a real treat and a great value if you are a Hackett/"GENESIS"/prog rock fan. It's great to be able to watch a real master at work up close.

Way Above a Time and Standard !.......2007-02-09

Steve Hackett's DVD output has been generous and prolific these past few years. From the superb Hungarian Horizons to 2004's Once Above a Time, Hackett has proved he can still look back while breaking new ground. To Watch The Storms was eclectic, to say the least. It was a challenging listen, with beauty and humor living side by side. Many of those songs find their way onto this DVD, along with some of Steve's richest pieces from solo albums past, and with Genesis. Following opener, "Valley of the Kings", we are treated to three new songs from To Watch the Storms, showcasing a myriad of styles within each piece. "Slogans", the heavy-handed instrumental from Defector sets up a contrast to what follows. For my money, here is where the magic begins. "Slogans" gives way to the tranquil serenity of "Serpentine Song", one of the most beautiful of Hackett's songs to date. From here on, song after song unfolds in a lush presentation of textures and faithful arrangements, all performed by a sparse ensemble of five musicians. "Hammer in the Sand" is a perfect example of why Steve Hackett transcends the simple "Rock Guitarist" tag. His harmonic/melodic pallet is extremely wide. He can conjure up sonic landscapes that are haunting and beautiful. Keyboardist, Roger King excels at reproducing all the nuances of the original recordings. Drummer, Gary O' Toole, does a fine job singing the lead vocal for "Blood on the Rooftops", delivering a performance worthy of Phil Collins. "Please Don't Touch" is both playful and dark, complete with steam calliope keyboard patches, and flutter-tongue flute by multi-instrumentalist, Rob Townsend. Hackett's brother, John, must have been unavailable at the time, but Townsend ably fills the void. Rounding out the band is Terry Gregory on bass and bass pedals, as demonstrated in "Fly on a Windshield" ("Broadway Melody", anyone?). "Firth of Fifth" once again displays Steve's unique tone, as his famous solo soars.

The DVD is easy on the eyes, with an uncluttered stage visual presentation of color and light. Sound is wonderful, even on my less-than-telling stereo TV. A bonus feature, "Backstage in Budapest" is gravy. Steve displays a friendly and modest stage presence. Looking not unlike Clint Eastwood in a black T-shirt, he often smiles and nods in mutual recognition of a song or piece of music to which the audience has responded. Some vocals are sampled ("Brand New"), but that is forgiven. This ensemble hardly skimps. Steve Hackett was never a formidable singer, and he still sings live along with any samples used for effect.
I can't say enough good things about this DVD. Considering the reasonable price, one should pair it with Hungarian Horizions and enjoy one of the most sophisticated guitarists in Rock and beyond.

Superb dvd........2007-01-19

This is one of the best dvds I have seen. The audio in surround is amazing and the video is exceptional. Hackett is just incredible in this live performance. The video is not overdone with crazy scenes and camera angles. My favorites are, Ace of Wands, Fly on a Widshield, Every Day and the alltime best guitar piece from Firth of Fifth. This video is a must for Hackett and Genesis fans.

Fantastic DVD! Highly recommended........2005-12-11

Hi!

Most of the reviews here cover the musical content very well so I won't repeat any of that. Pros: fantastic musicianship from the band - wow!! I've played this DVD at least a dozen times now and every re-play is a thrill. Sound quality is excellent and the show is well filmed. If you enjoy watching top musicians hard at work crafting great music, then this DVD is highly recommended!

Cons: the audience. Were these people forced to attend? Some couldn't be bothered to stand during the ovation and some can be seen not clapping after various songs - what the hell is that all about?!? In short, dreadful audience for a fantastic show which is a shame. Sure some people were having a great time, but the editor should have showed less of the wallpaper, er, I mean audience, and more of the band.

PS - I think Steve's voice is very well suited for the music on this DVD.

Enjoy!

Cheers,
Carl

Live Hackett: Great Stuff.......2005-08-17

Steve Hackett's latest live DVD is a quality release, and from the respose of his fanbase, his best yet.

Here Hackett plays a number of his classics, in a way, this is like a "best of" live. From newer pieces from his latest rock album 'To Watch The Storms' including the riotous 'Mechanical Bride' the beautiful and tranquil 'Serpentine Song' and the quirky, Genesis-like 'Circus Of Becoming'. All are highlights, all are expertly played and feature Hackett's stunning and influencial guitar style.

As for other classics here, Steve turns back the clock and rolls out some of his old band, the great Genesis, best songs. He plays 'Fly On A Windshield', a full band version of 'Blood On The Rooftops' and THAT solo from 'Firth Of Fifth'. Oh and he throws 'Los Endos' in at the end as well...

And then their are the series of standards from his own solo back catalogue. The sinister and genuinley frightening 'Darktown', the brilliant 'Every Day', a bunch of instrumental classics like 'Slogans', 'Hammer In The Sand', 'Ace Of Wands', 'Please Don't Touch' the epic 'Valley Of The Kings' and the heart rending, all time Steve Hackett classic, 'Spectral Mornings'.

Anyone who likes Genesis, is into Steve Hackett, or appreciates genuinley innovative and marvelous guitar work, BUY THIS!

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