Prog rock
The John Hackett Band are thrilled to be coming to the B2, joined by Anglo-Canadian rockers IT for an evening of outstanding progressive music “When I saw the John Hackett Band I was immediately impressed by their sheer virtuosity. In Nick Fletcher they have an amazing guitarist who is up there with the best in the business and the rhythm section of Jeremy and Duncan have an almost telepathic empathy… I would say they are an inventive, melodic, progressive rock band in the same general area as Caravan, Camel and even Focus.” Fatea Magazine John Hackett has been a much-loved and admired figure in the progressive rock scene since the mid-70's; best-known for his flute work with his brother, former Genesis guitarist, Steve Hackett on albums such as Voyage of The Acolyte, Sketches of Satie and Please Don't Touch. ‘Progressive’ music in our sense of the word is based on rock-solid songwriting coupled with hot jazz drumming, melodic, funky bass, outstanding guitar in the form of Nick Fletcher (often compared to the late great jazz-fusion maestro Allan Holdsworth), and John Hackett himself – whose flute playing has graced so many albums and travels with such ease between classical, folk and rock. “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.” Alongside brand new music the evening draws on songs from John's solo albums Checking Out of London and Another Life, material from the band’s debut album, We Are Not Alone, and the Hackett/Fletcher album Beyond the Stars. “The John Hackett Band are a revelation” Prog Magazine IT Beginning life as a psychedelic, multi-media group, IT is a band with a colossal sound that shakes the bones and, with a barrage of images, feeds the mind. Based both in London England and Sault Ste. Marie Canada, IT is part of a new movement in Progressive Rock that includes such bands as Porcupine Tree and Nine Inch Nails, among others. IT’s sound fuses the classic melodies of prog rock’s past with a passion and intensity usually only found in punk or metal bands. Politics, religion, war and sexuality all come under the Band’s lens for critical examination. Lyrics are intelligent, challenging and occasionally darkly humorous. The bottom line is that the IT experience will inform your thinking, feelings and memory long after the last notes have ended. "An album of the here and now, that shows how music can and does have a role to play in modern life and politics. Essential listening and even if you are not one for the political side of things, the melodies created by IT are worthy of your time and attention." Get Ready To Rock!