Mellotronists

I saw Steve and his band Friday evening in Oxford. The set was full of  
brilliant stuff old and new. The surprise of the evening was undoubtedly  Genesis's 
Blood on the Rooftops. Vocal sang by the drummer, (no not  that drummer). I 
don't think even Genesis performed this  live, so it was a welcome treat 
indeed. I have to say the tron sound  was stunning! I hesitate before making this 
statement as I have always been of  the "real" rather than sampled use of the 
sound. But much credit to Roger King  and I believe the Streetly boys, who I 
understand were involved in recreating  the sound we have all come to love. I 
never understood why a keyboard player  would choose sampled rather than real 
tron on-stage until now. I remember seeing  The Strawbs at Milton Keynes and 
predictably Blue Weaver didn't use it. However,  where samples were used, they 
were either of such poor quality or just well down  in the mix. The final effect 
was one of "Why bother at all." 
So we should all applaud Messrs. Hackett and Co for preserving and indeed,  
fully utilising all sounds mellotronic both on stage and on disc.
On a related topic, do check out his most recent album "To watch the  Storms" 
which is great. 
When listening to him now, I understand why he had to leave Genesis all  
those years ago. There's certainly a sinister edge to his playing that once he  
had gone from the band, was no longer there, and whilst Rutherford tried his  
best to continue Hackett's "sound" it was never the same. Indeed, Hackett's  
departure only speeded the band's journey to commerciality, though I would have  
loved to have heard him on "Home by the Sea."
Biggest disappointment of the evening was the fact that the New Theatre,  
which for our friends over the pond, is quite small, was only two thirds full.  
Big shame, as this guy really does still carry the spirit of early Genesis with 
 him, and should be supported whilst he still chooses to tour. Only he can 
make  the hairs stand up on the back of your neck during The Firth of Fifth. 
Where  else can you here Los Endos in all its Glory?
If you get a chance to see him, do so while you still can.
Sorry to have barked on for so long.
Andy K EMI m400 (not thinking of trading in for a sampler)