Under a Mediterranean Sky is the 26th studio album by English guitarist and songwriter Steve Hackett. It was released on 22 January 2021 on Inside Out Music and is his first acoustic and entirely instrumental album since Tribute (2008).
| Under a Mediterranean Sky | ||||
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| Released | 22 January 2021 | |||
| Genre | Instrumental contemporary classical, Instrumental new flamenco | |||
| Length | 51:15 | |||
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Background
editUnder a Mediterranean Sky is Hackett's first acoustic album since Tribute (2008), which saw him pay homage to various composers. The album originated in March 2020, when his North American tour was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw him return to England without his electric guitars. The situation left Hackett at home with just his acoustic instruments, including his nylon guitar, and the opportunity to work on a new acoustic project.[1] Hackett had discussions with his label, Inside Out Music, regarding if his next studio album can be acoustic or rock-oriented, and both ideas were green-lit, so he thought the time was right to do an acoustic album.[2] Around this time, Hackett and his longtime producer and keyboardist Roger King decided to upgrade their software and purchase new orchestral samples.[3] A series of videos were shot while Hackett and his wife Jo were visiting the places depicted on the album, including footage from Jo herself and from Paul Gosling.[1]
Release
editThe album was released on 22 January 2021.[3] It is available in a limited edition CD digipak, a 2 LP and single CD set with a booklet, and on digital platforms.[1]
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Prog Radio |   [4] |
Track listing
edit| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Mdina (The Walled City)" |
| 8:45 |
| 2. | "Adriatic Blue" | S. Hackett | 4:51 |
| 3. | "Sirocco" |
| 5:13 |
| 4. | "Joie de Vivre" |
| 3:42 |
| 5. | "The Memory of Myth" |
| 3:29 |
| 6. | "Scarlatti Sonata" | Domenico Scarlatti | 3:40 |
| 7. | "Casa del Fauno" |
| 3:51 |
| 8. | "The Dervish and The Djin" |
| 4:57 |
| 9. | "Lorato" | S. Hackett | 2:29 |
| 10. | "Andalusian Heart" |
| 5:34 |
| 11. | "The Call of the Sea" | S. Hackett | 4:44 |
| Total length: | 51:15 | ||
Personnel
editMusic
- Steve Hackett – nylon guitar, steel guitar, 12-string guitar, charango, Iraqi oud
- Roger King – keyboards, programming, orchestral arrangements
- John Hackett – flute on "Casa del Fauno"
- Rob Townsend – flute on "Casa del Fauno", soprano saxophone on "The Dervish and The Djin"
- Franck Avril – oboe on "Andalusian Heart"
- Malik Mansurov – tar on "Sirocco" and "The Dervish and The Djin"
- Arsen Petrosyan – duduk on "The Dervish and The Djin"
- Christine Townsend – violin and viola on "The Memory of Myth" and "Andalusian Heart"
Production
- Steve Hackett – production
- Roger King – production, mixing at Siren
Charts
edit| Chart (2021) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia)[5] | 89 |
| German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)[6] | 14 |
| Scottish Albums (OCC)[7] | 9 |
| Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)[8] | 20 |
| UK Albums (OCC)[9] | 52 |
References
edit- ^ a b c Ford, Geoff (19 January 2021). "Steve Hackett – Under a Mediterranean Sky". The Progressive Aspect. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
- ^ Todd, Laurence (23 December 2020). "Steve Hackett – The Sky's the Limit..." RAMzine. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
- ^ a b Derrough, Leslie Michele (12 January 2021). "Guitar Legend Steve Hackett Talks New Acoustic LP, Sets Tapping Technique Straight & How Lennon Loved Genesis (Interview)". Glide. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
- ^ The Prog Yak (22 January 2021). "Prog Radio Album Review: Steve Hackett - Under A Mediterranean Sky".
- ^ "Ultratop.be – Steve Hackett – Under a Mediterranean Sky" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
- ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Steve Hackett – Under a Mediterranean Sky" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
- ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
- ^ "Swisscharts.com – Steve Hackett – Under a Mediterranean Sky". Hung Medien. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
- ^ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 20, 2024.