John Hackett Band - 2018 'live' dates plus 'Never Gonna Make A Dime' (feat. Steve Ha
Photo: Mick Bannister
JOHN HACKETT BAND – ‘Never Gonna Make A Dime’ (Esoteric)
Response to the release of the wonderful new studio album by the John Hackett Band ‘We Are Not Alone’ in 2017 saw the spotlight of reviewers and radio presenters falling on several key tracks – not the least, the huge appeal of ‘Never Gonna Make A Dime’, featuring a guest appearance from his brother, former Genesis guitarist Steve - on harmonica.
‘Never Gonna Make A Dime’ is inspired by a journey in the 1950s made as children by boat to Canada with his mother and elder brother, Steve, John explained the story behind the song to UK Music Reviews:
“Didn’t Steve have his first paid gig on the boat heading out to Canada?
(Laughter) yes that’s right, he did. Apparently Steve would disappear for long periods of time on a regular basis and he would return with money. Mum asked him what was going on and where he had got the money from and he told her that he had been playing his harmonica to the crew and passengers who had given him their spare cash. So I think that you could say that was his first start in the music business and he has never looked back since”.
Some may be surprised to learn that the harmonica was actually Steve Hackett’s ‘first’ instrument and in fact on his first ever UK national tour in the early 70’s with Genesis, Van Der Graf Generator and Lindisfarne, he could frequently be found deep in conversation with Lindisfarne’s Ray ‘Jacka’ Jackson, the bands’ harmonica & mandolin player. Now, over four decades later, Steve is currently on tour in the USA and – serendipitously – Canada, with his own band. How the world turns…
The single can be purchased here: http://smarturl.it/JohnHackettBandNGMAD
See the promo here featuring Steve Hackett: https://youtu.be/RswqOy5YEeo
ON TOUR IN 2018: The John Hackett Band has also announced further ‘live’ dates for 2018 (see below).
With a heady and eclectic mix of rock-solid song-writing, swirling mellotron and at times, free improvisation, the virtuosic flute and guitar performances shine through the memorable compositions, the ‘We Are Not Alone’ album also includes a bonus disc, ‘Another Live’, recorded at the Classic Rock Society in Sheffield in 2016 featuring live performances of songs from John’s previous albums ‘Checking Out of London’ and ‘Another Life’.
"I can only come to the conclusion that we are dealing with a masterpiece here. Created by four top musicians who together form a close bond. Excellent." (‘We Are Not Alone’ review - Barnowlblues.Punt.nl Maxazine.nl)
John Hackett – Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards, Flute: John is known for his distinctive flute sound in the world of progressive music and as an accomplished soloist. Solo flautist, guitarist, singer and composer, John collaborated with his brother Steve on his early albums, Voyage of the Acolyte and Please Don’t Touch, along with further recordings and tours of the UK, USA and Europe, playing guitar, flute, and bass pedals. His first rock album in 2005 ‘Checking Out of London’ received 5 stars from Record Collector magazine, and the follow-up ‘Another Life’ in 2015 includes a special guest appearance by founding Genesis guitarist Anthony Phillips.
Nick Fletcher – Lead Guitar: Nick studied Classical guitar at the Huddersfield School of Music from 1978 to 1981. Nick’s music has been played many times on Classic FM and he has performed live on BBC Radio 3’s In Tune. He has released 8 solo guitar CD’s, two more as part of the long standing ‘John Hackett & Nick Fletcher flute and guitar duo’ and a world music CD with Chinese Erhu player Ling Peng.
Jeremy Richardson – Vocals, Bass, Acoustic and 12-String Guitars: Jeremy moves from pop to neo-classical to show tune to downright obscure. Never one to turn away a melody, his craft is one that follows many directions. Think of Family and Stackridge, rather than Yes and King Crimson. ‘…was it for this?’ is his debut album, which presents literate, insightful and emotional music for our times; taking in almost as many styles are there are tracks.
Duncan Parsons – Drums, Vocal, Triangle: If he’s honest, Duncan started playing drums because Jeremy Richardson suggested it. After some tuition from Bill Bruford (Yes, King Crimson, Genesis) he set out in search of musical work. Through the 90s he appeared on nine albums, wrote and performed works for theatre and multimedia productions, and played live with anyone who would let him. His solo works began in 2012 and his recent album C:Ore united alumni from Genesis, Isotope and Camel in a rousing soupcon of progressive music.
JHB promo here: https://youtu.be/7_ktko_hwxA
Sat 5th May - Greystones, Sheffield
Sat 19th May – The Forum, Darlington
Sat 2nd June – Classic Rock Society, Maltby
Fri 13th July - Green Door Store, Brighton
Sat 14th July - East Molesey Methodist Church
Sun 15th July - Water Rats, London
Fri 31st August - Cluny 2, Newcastle
Sat 1st September - Backstage at the Green, Kinross
Sat 8th September - Colchester Arts Centre
Sat 29th Sept - Garway Village Hall
Sun 30th Sept - Acapela, Cardiff (guests The Spires)
Sat 13th October - Seven Arts, Leeds
Sat 1st Dec - DanFest, The Musician, Leicester
Sun 9th December - Masquerade 3, Boston Music Rooms, London
