Book Review: A Genesis In My Bed – Steve Hackett The Autobiography

 

 
https://store.hackettsongs.com/products/a-genesis-in-my-bed-book

https://www.amazon.com/Genesis-My-Bed-Steve-Hackett/dp/1912782383

Hardcover: 210 pages
Publisher: Wymer UK (July 24, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1912782383
ISBN-13: 978-1912782383
Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 0.5 x 9.2 inches

After many years Steve Hackett has released his autobiography. This version was the hardcover. A Genesis In My Bed – Steve Hackett The Autobiography was an easy rather quick read in large print and small pages.

I was glad to receive the copy for review and waited in anticipation for it to arrive. The one thing that surprised me as it will many other fans, was the brevity of it all. It seemed like he skimmed over things and quickly moved on to another subject. Even so, it was still an enjoyable read and appreciated the opportunity.

I found it an interesting read and felt he handled his relationships with the other Genesis members very diplomatically and lovingly actually. Most people were probably waiting for some juicy infighting stories, not in this book. Maybe another member will release an entirely different kind of viewpoint but don’t hold your breath these are proper English gentleman and they handle things differently than we do here in America.

So, I have to give Steve credit for keeping a lid on all the details of his relationships and how he tried to focus more on his childhood and development as an artist. You learn how he truly felt going through all the changes and taking the big step of leaving the band after Peter Gabriel’s exit to start his solo career (remember ...And Then There Were Three...).

An artist needs to fully express themselves with no boundaries, influence, or control from outside forces. This is the one fact that I think drives every creative individual, music or otherwise. It certainly seems to be a commonality amongst the arts community and the individuals that take chances, find their way and reap all the benefits of having the courage get past all the what if’s and naysayers. This is what typified Steve Hackett’s path to success.

Steve Hackett is a very busy man and a successful one at that and he has stood tall amongst his peers as one of the best guitar players in the world with a loyal following. When and if he ever hangs up his six-string, maybe then he will sit down and write a more detailed offering of his life in and out of music.

Until then fans have to take what they can get with A Genesis In My Bed – Steve Hackett The Autobiography which gives readers a lot more to know about the man and his music. So, look at it as a nice overview of an amazing career and be grateful he was willing to share what he did. I would have never had this kind of insight about Steve and his music without reading this book and I have gained more appreciation and respect for his accomplishments and what it took to get there.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
August 6, 2020

UK Music Legends The Pretty Things Share New Single "Bright As Blood"

UK Music Legends The Pretty Things Share New Single "Bright As Blood"

New Album ‘Bare As Bone, Bright As Blood’ Due September 25th

Credit: Judy Totton

The Pretty Things have shared new single "Bright As Blood" from their upcoming album ‘Bare As Bone, Bright As Blood’ out on the 25th September through Madfish Music.

Taken from the new, entirely acoustic album, which the band had been working on right up until the sudden and tragic passing of Phil May in May 2020. The band, led by guitarist Dick Taylor, is sharing this new music in tribute to their iconic, fearless and trailblazing front man.

New single "Bright As Blood" see’s Phil May and Dick Taylor embrace moving new folk,  Americana and bluegrass overtones, coupled with Jon Wigg’s rootsy fiddle and Sam Brother’s hillbilly banjo that sit alongside writer, George Woosey’s hypnotic, driving guitar and a vocal performance from May that is as open and vulnerable as we ever heard from him.

Dick Taylor, The Pretty Things 
“Bright As Blood” was written by the band’s long-time bass player – George Woosey - and it’s typical of his incredible work, it captures his fascination with Roots and Americana music perfectly and was a perfect fit with the album and even gave us our title…”

Listen to new single ‘Bright As Blood’ here

The new single will be available on all streaming platforms from Friday 7th August

‘Bare As Bone, Bright As Blood’ is the culmination of the work the band had been doing, following lengthy discussions about whether they could actually create meaningful new music in a stripped back, acoustic-driven format following their retirement from electric performances on health grounds that saw them bow out with an incredible three hour, sold-out performance at The 02 Indigo in London in December 2018 with guests David Gilmour and Van Morrison.

Deciding that they could, Phil May and Dick Taylor, together with long time manager and producer Mark St. John, began work on this new album, their first in an entirely acoustic format and set about laying the foundation of what The Pretty Things would be next.

The new album, the product of these sessions, is the sound of authenticity, hard experience and the pain and longing of two artists in the unknown territory of old age. The sound of two long, long lives, lived in art and music that have always lived at the cutting edge, and that have always worked as they did at the very start, in their teenage years, with absolute honesty and total integrity…

The new album ‘Bare As Bone, Bright As Blood’ will be released on CD, gatefold 2xLP on red vinyl and digitally and is available to pre-order now. (https://theprettythings.lnk.to/BareAsBoldBrightAsBlood)



Track listing:
1. Can`t Be Satisfied [03:04]
2. Come Into My Kitchen [04:17]
3. Ain`t No Grave [03:58]
4. Faultline [04:22]
5. Redemption Day [05:22]
6. The Devil Had A Hold Of Me [04:16]
7. Bright As Blood [04:44]
8. Love In Vain [04:17]
9. Black Girl [02:37]
10. To Build A Wall [04:25]
11. Another World [03:56]
Bonus Track:
I`m Ready [03:43]

Press Quotes:
"Mr. May’s snarling vocals and rebellious persona helped make his band, the Pretty Things, an influential part of the 1960s British scene.” - The New York Times

"The man David Bowie listed as God in his address book stuck two fingers up at rules about music, sex and life itself – and made the most glorious noise doing it” - The Guardian

"May’s yowling vocals, were as ferociously potent as anything recorded during the 1960s British beat boom.” - The Times

"Although the Pretty Things did not achieve the fame of many of their peers in the UK rock scene, they were beloved by musicians, including Aerosmith and, most famously, David Bowie” - Pitchfork

Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Pretty-Things-115515605226
Website: http://www.theprettythings.com/
Label: https://www.madfishmusic.com/

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

UK Music Legends The Pretty Things Share New Single "Bright As Blood"

UK Music Legends The Pretty Things Share New Single "Bright As Blood"

New Album ‘Bare As Bone, Bright As Blood’ Due September 25th

Credit: Judy Totton

The Pretty Things have shared new single "Bright As Blood" from their upcoming album ‘Bare As Bone, Bright As Blood’ out on the 25th September through Madfish Music.

Taken from the new, entirely acoustic album, which the band had been working on right up until the sudden and tragic passing of Phil May in May 2020. The band, led by guitarist Dick Taylor, is sharing this new music in tribute to their iconic, fearless and trailblazing front man.

New single "Bright As Blood" see’s Phil May and Dick Taylor embrace moving new folk,  Americana and bluegrass overtones, coupled with Jon Wigg’s rootsy fiddle and Sam Brother’s hillbilly banjo that sit alongside writer, George Woosey’s hypnotic, driving guitar and a vocal performance from May that is as open and vulnerable as we ever heard from him.

Dick Taylor, The Pretty Things 
“Bright As Blood” was written by the band’s long-time bass player – George Woosey - and it’s typical of his incredible work, it captures his fascination with Roots and Americana music perfectly and was a perfect fit with the album and even gave us our title…”

Listen to new single ‘Bright As Blood’ here

The new single will be available on all streaming platforms from Friday 7th August

‘Bare As Bone, Bright As Blood’ is the culmination of the work the band had been doing, following lengthy discussions about whether they could actually create meaningful new music in a stripped back, acoustic-driven format following their retirement from electric performances on health grounds that saw them bow out with an incredible three hour, sold-out performance at The 02 Indigo in London in December 2018 with guests David Gilmour and Van Morrison.

Deciding that they could, Phil May and Dick Taylor, together with long time manager and producer Mark St. John, began work on this new album, their first in an entirely acoustic format and set about laying the foundation of what The Pretty Things would be next.

The new album, the product of these sessions, is the sound of authenticity, hard experience and the pain and longing of two artists in the unknown territory of old age. The sound of two long, long lives, lived in art and music that have always lived at the cutting edge, and that have always worked as they did at the very start, in their teenage years, with absolute honesty and total integrity…

The new album ‘Bare As Bone, Bright As Blood’ will be released on CD, gatefold 2xLP on red vinyl and digitally and is available to pre-order now. (https://theprettythings.lnk.to/BareAsBoldBrightAsBlood)



Track listing:
1. Can`t Be Satisfied [03:04]
2. Come Into My Kitchen [04:17]
3. Ain`t No Grave [03:58]
4. Faultline [04:22]
5. Redemption Day [05:22]
6. The Devil Had A Hold Of Me [04:16]
7. Bright As Blood [04:44]
8. Love In Vain [04:17]
9. Black Girl [02:37]
10. To Build A Wall [04:25]
11. Another World [03:56]
Bonus Track:
I`m Ready [03:43]

Press Quotes:
"Mr. May’s snarling vocals and rebellious persona helped make his band, the Pretty Things, an influential part of the 1960s British scene.” - The New York Times

"The man David Bowie listed as God in his address book stuck two fingers up at rules about music, sex and life itself – and made the most glorious noise doing it” - The Guardian

"May’s yowling vocals, were as ferociously potent as anything recorded during the 1960s British beat boom.” - The Times

"Although the Pretty Things did not achieve the fame of many of their peers in the UK rock scene, they were beloved by musicians, including Aerosmith and, most famously, David Bowie” - Pitchfork

Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Pretty-Things-115515605226
Website: http://www.theprettythings.com/
Label: https://www.madfishmusic.com/

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Modern Cinematic Prog Ensemble Circuline To Release New Live CD/DVD/Blu-ray “CircuLive::NewView”

What do you get when you take two theatrical lead vocalists, a keyboard player from Juilliard, a versatile rock virtuoso on guitar, a zany bass player from another galaxy, and a drummer with progressive rock in his DNA? The modern cinematic rock band Circuline. Nominated for PROG Magazine’s 2016 Limelight award for best new band, Circuline has toured with Glass Hammer, repeatedly co-headlined the three-day Sonic Voyage Festival, and toured England in summer 2017 opening for IO Earth. Circuline has performed at RoSfest, Philadelphia's Liberty Music Fest, Chicago's Progtoberfest, and England’s Harmonix Festival.

“CircuLive::NewView” captures the band at ProgStock in an all-newly crafted show that will please any rock fan. In addition to soaring vocals, keyboard wizardry, powerhouse drumming, and virtuoso guitar and bass playing, you will smile and enjoy the “keyboard challenge”, “drum feature”, and other fun and entertaining moments. The album was recorded at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway, New Jersey and was Mixed and Mastered by Alek Darson in Toronto, Canada.



Circuline
Andrew Colyer - Keyboards, Vocals, Percussion
Darin Brannon - Drums, Keyboards, Percussion
Natalie Brown - Vocals, Percussion
William "Billy" Spillane - Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Percussion
Alek Darson - Lead Guitar, Percussion
Joel Simches - Bass Guitar, Bass Pedals, Drums

Says Andrew, “The Concept behind this product is that for the past five years, we’ve had worldwide sales in 18 countries on six continents. Most of these fans have never had an opportunity to see us perform live. We’re producing this live CD/DVD/Blu-ray, so that fans, festivals, and booking agents around the world can see how much we’ve grown, and what we can really do, when given the opportunity to craft our own show for a big stage. So this product is meant for the fans, and for promoters. The Concept for this concert was to have a GREAT rock concert that ANYONE could enjoy. They don’t have to be ‘progressive rock fans’; if they love live rock concerts, they will hopefully have fun and appreciate this show.”

Darin adds, “What we found out after the ProgStock performance is that all the comments about the show included the words ‘fun’ and ‘entertaining’. So with that, we were successful. It’s one thing to deliver stellar performances, but adding an element of fun can help some members of the audience enjoy the show and maybe become a fan.”

Circuline has two studio albums under their belt, “Return” and “Counterpoint”. This new live CD/DVD/Blu-ray is the culmination of two years of touring those two albums, the lessons the band had learned, and the things they wanted people to see and experience. Andrew explains, “We sat down and thought about all of the great concerts we had experienced as fans, and asked ourselves, what made those shows great? What did those artists do that made the shows so memorable? What can we do to incorporate some elements like that into our own show? We wrote everything down, and got to work crafting the best show we could, in the time we were allotted. In the future, you’ll see even more new things, when we’re doing our ‘Evening with Circuline’ concert series.”

Darin adds, “The NewView show could only have happened after two or so years of being out on the road. We discussed shows that everyone in the band had seen and what were their favorite parts and included those concepts into this show. The piano challenge was something Andrew and I wanted to do since we started the band. The drum-off was something I remember seeing Gentle Giant doing, so that was inspired by them. We thought it would be more entertaining to see everybody involved in that section as opposed to just seeing me bashing away up there behind the drums!”

Here’s what the press have said about Circuline:

“Creeping, Wilson-esque atmospherics, cinematic soundscapes and modern tonal beef.....spans the classic and modern prog worlds” - PROG magazine (UK) 

“For those that like their Prog powerful and dramatic” - Classic Rock Society magazine (UK) 

“Melodic and cinematic rock for the 21st century” - Big Bang magazine (France)

“Varied melodies and styles from musical theater and jazz to classic rock and traditional prog.....nothing short of exhilarating” - Progression magazine (US) 

“Tight arrangements and catchy tunes.....plenty of hooks and diversity” - Dutch Progressive Rock Page 

“Very memorable melodies and lyrics, interspersed with passages of progressive bliss” - Prog Archives 

“Required listening for 21st century prog rock fans” - Zeitgeist, The Rocker (UK) 

“Combining the best elements of the “Golden Age” of Prog with modern widescreen melodic rock” - The Progressive Aspect 

“Dense and original.....music that touches the heart” - Prog Critique (Quebec, Canada) 

“Some of the most entertaining Prog-rock out there today” - Rock and Roll Report 

Circuline is supporting the release of this album with a “Virtual Tour” this fall, which includes four new music video releases and Facebook Live Q&A sessions. They’re also releasing a “Meet the Band” video series, a “Story Behind the Song” video series, and a “Story Behind the Album” video series. The band recently started working on their third studio album, with a forthcoming “Making of” video series while they’re doing it. The third studio album is scheduled realistically for a Fall 2021 or Spring 2022 release, with accompanying new music videos before, and live gigs afterwards.

Says Darin, “We’re planning a lot more in the way of virtual or online engagement. So join us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and of course our website for news and updates about future releases and plans. The third studio record is in the works. We will hit the writing, arranging and recording for that project pretty hard come the new year. Shows are a bit ambiguous at present day.”

In closing Andrew has this to impart, “Come join the party! Have a great time! If you think you don’t like progressive rock, or ‘Prog’ as they say, you might be surprised. Some people said we had the best and most entertaining performance of the ProgStock Festival that year. If you love rock concerts, you’ll probably enjoy this show, and it might even put a smile on your face!”

“CircuLive::NewView” will be released on Inner Nova Music on October 9th, 2020.

Tracks:
1. Intro + Erosion
2. Black Sun
3. One Wish
4. Nautilus
5. Piano Challenge
6. Hollow
7. Return (acoustic)
8. Fallout Shelter
9. Pale Blue Dot (cover)
10. Forbidden Planet + Drum Feature
11. Inception
12. Summit
13. Stereotypes

Digital Download on iTunes, Amazon.com, and Bandcamp 
Streaming on Spotify and all streaming services 

Get Your Exclusive Pre-Order Bundle Here: 
http://www.CircuLiveNewView.com/

For more information:
http://CirculineMusic.com/
https://www.Facebook.com/CirculineMusic/
https://www.Instagram.com/CirculineMusic/
https://Twitter.com/CirculineMusic
https://www.YouTube.com/CirculineMusic

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Modern Cinematic Prog Ensemble Circuline To Release New Live CD/DVD/Blu-ray “CircuLive::NewView”

What do you get when you take two theatrical lead vocalists, a keyboard player from Juilliard, a versatile rock virtuoso on guitar, a zany bass player from another galaxy, and a drummer with progressive rock in his DNA? The modern cinematic rock band Circuline. Nominated for PROG Magazine’s 2016 Limelight award for best new band, Circuline has toured with Glass Hammer, repeatedly co-headlined the three-day Sonic Voyage Festival, and toured England in summer 2017 opening for IO Earth. Circuline has performed at RoSfest, Philadelphia's Liberty Music Fest, Chicago's Progtoberfest, and England’s Harmonix Festival.

“CircuLive::NewView” captures the band at ProgStock in an all-newly crafted show that will please any rock fan. In addition to soaring vocals, keyboard wizardry, powerhouse drumming, and virtuoso guitar and bass playing, you will smile and enjoy the “keyboard challenge”, “drum feature”, and other fun and entertaining moments. The album was recorded at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway, New Jersey and was Mixed and Mastered by Alek Darson in Toronto, Canada.



Circuline
Andrew Colyer - Keyboards, Vocals, Percussion
Darin Brannon - Drums, Keyboards, Percussion
Natalie Brown - Vocals, Percussion
William "Billy" Spillane - Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Percussion
Alek Darson - Lead Guitar, Percussion
Joel Simches - Bass Guitar, Bass Pedals, Drums

Says Andrew, “The Concept behind this product is that for the past five years, we’ve had worldwide sales in 18 countries on six continents. Most of these fans have never had an opportunity to see us perform live. We’re producing this live CD/DVD/Blu-ray, so that fans, festivals, and booking agents around the world can see how much we’ve grown, and what we can really do, when given the opportunity to craft our own show for a big stage. So this product is meant for the fans, and for promoters. The Concept for this concert was to have a GREAT rock concert that ANYONE could enjoy. They don’t have to be ‘progressive rock fans’; if they love live rock concerts, they will hopefully have fun and appreciate this show.”

Darin adds, “What we found out after the ProgStock performance is that all the comments about the show included the words ‘fun’ and ‘entertaining’. So with that, we were successful. It’s one thing to deliver stellar performances, but adding an element of fun can help some members of the audience enjoy the show and maybe become a fan.”

Circuline has two studio albums under their belt, “Return” and “Counterpoint”. This new live CD/DVD/Blu-ray is the culmination of two years of touring those two albums, the lessons the band had learned, and the things they wanted people to see and experience. Andrew explains, “We sat down and thought about all of the great concerts we had experienced as fans, and asked ourselves, what made those shows great? What did those artists do that made the shows so memorable? What can we do to incorporate some elements like that into our own show? We wrote everything down, and got to work crafting the best show we could, in the time we were allotted. In the future, you’ll see even more new things, when we’re doing our ‘Evening with Circuline’ concert series.”

Darin adds, “The NewView show could only have happened after two or so years of being out on the road. We discussed shows that everyone in the band had seen and what were their favorite parts and included those concepts into this show. The piano challenge was something Andrew and I wanted to do since we started the band. The drum-off was something I remember seeing Gentle Giant doing, so that was inspired by them. We thought it would be more entertaining to see everybody involved in that section as opposed to just seeing me bashing away up there behind the drums!”

Here’s what the press have said about Circuline:

“Creeping, Wilson-esque atmospherics, cinematic soundscapes and modern tonal beef.....spans the classic and modern prog worlds” - PROG magazine (UK) 

“For those that like their Prog powerful and dramatic” - Classic Rock Society magazine (UK) 

“Melodic and cinematic rock for the 21st century” - Big Bang magazine (France)

“Varied melodies and styles from musical theater and jazz to classic rock and traditional prog.....nothing short of exhilarating” - Progression magazine (US) 

“Tight arrangements and catchy tunes.....plenty of hooks and diversity” - Dutch Progressive Rock Page 

“Very memorable melodies and lyrics, interspersed with passages of progressive bliss” - Prog Archives 

“Required listening for 21st century prog rock fans” - Zeitgeist, The Rocker (UK) 

“Combining the best elements of the “Golden Age” of Prog with modern widescreen melodic rock” - The Progressive Aspect 

“Dense and original.....music that touches the heart” - Prog Critique (Quebec, Canada) 

“Some of the most entertaining Prog-rock out there today” - Rock and Roll Report 

Circuline is supporting the release of this album with a “Virtual Tour” this fall, which includes four new music video releases and Facebook Live Q&A sessions. They’re also releasing a “Meet the Band” video series, a “Story Behind the Song” video series, and a “Story Behind the Album” video series. The band recently started working on their third studio album, with a forthcoming “Making of” video series while they’re doing it. The third studio album is scheduled realistically for a Fall 2021 or Spring 2022 release, with accompanying new music videos before, and live gigs afterwards.

Says Darin, “We’re planning a lot more in the way of virtual or online engagement. So join us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and of course our website for news and updates about future releases and plans. The third studio record is in the works. We will hit the writing, arranging and recording for that project pretty hard come the new year. Shows are a bit ambiguous at present day.”

In closing Andrew has this to impart, “Come join the party! Have a great time! If you think you don’t like progressive rock, or ‘Prog’ as they say, you might be surprised. Some people said we had the best and most entertaining performance of the ProgStock Festival that year. If you love rock concerts, you’ll probably enjoy this show, and it might even put a smile on your face!”

“CircuLive::NewView” will be released on Inner Nova Music on October 9th, 2020.

Tracks:
1. Intro + Erosion
2. Black Sun
3. One Wish
4. Nautilus
5. Piano Challenge
6. Hollow
7. Return (acoustic)
8. Fallout Shelter
9. Pale Blue Dot (cover)
10. Forbidden Planet + Drum Feature
11. Inception
12. Summit
13. Stereotypes

Digital Download on iTunes, Amazon.com, and Bandcamp 
Streaming on Spotify and all streaming services 

Get Your Exclusive Pre-Order Bundle Here: 
http://www.CircuLiveNewView.com/

For more information:
http://CirculineMusic.com/
https://www.Facebook.com/CirculineMusic/
https://www.Instagram.com/CirculineMusic/
https://Twitter.com/CirculineMusic
https://www.YouTube.com/CirculineMusic

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com