Live In England 1979 (Gonzo MultiMedia UK, 2013)
Live In England 1979 is a double disc set by British innovator Steve Hillage. The CD and DVD collection presents a concert at the University of Kent by Steve Hillage on guitars and vocals, Miquette Giraudy on synthesizer, vocals; John McKenzie on bass, vocals; Andy Anderson on drums; and Dave Stewart on 2nd guitar.
Throughout the years, Steve Hillage’s music has crossed numerous boundaries. He is one of the great pioneers of psychedelic music, jam rock and cutting edge electronica. Live In England 1979 focuses on his rockish and funk rock side with high energy versions of pieces from several of his solo albums. For the progressive music fan, the most captivating CD tracks are the bonus recordings Hurdy Gurdy Glissando” (live 1977) and “Electrick Gypsies” (live 1977), recorded with the ‘L‘ tour line-up.
Likewise, the best material on the DVD are the bonus tracks “Radio” and “Light in the Sky” (from the album ‘Motivation Radio‘) and a lengthy more recent interview with Steve Hillage and Miquette Giraudy.
The band featured on Live In England 1979 is the same line-up that recorded some of the live tracks and the studio side of Steve’s 1979 release Live Herald. “This was a great performance from another fine period of my band in the late ’70s with John McKenzie on bass and Andy Anderson on drums,” says Steve Hillage.
Steve Hillage earned a great reputation as a member of the multinational psychedelic rock band Gong. He appeared on iconic albums such as ‘Angels Egg‘ (1973), ‘You‘ (1974) and his final album with the band ‘Shamal‘ (1976).
Steve Hillage recorded his first solo album in 1975 titled ‘Fish Rising‘. This album was made while still a member of Gong. Shortly after however, Steve Hillage and his partner Miquette Giraudy left Gong.
In 1976 Steve recorded the album ‘L‘, produced by American rock icon Todd Rundgren. The album was a tremendous success and Steve Hillage consequently formed the first Steve Hillage Band that included former Jethro Tull drummer Clive Bunker and future Camel bassist Colin Bass. The band made its live debut at the Hyde Park concert staged by Queen in September 1976.
From 1976 to 1979, Steve Hillage released several critically acclaimed rock and space music albums and toured the world. Following the live debut of a new line-up, the Steve Hillage Band toured extensively throughout 1979.
Steve Hillage is currently involved in various parallel music projects, including System 7, Mirror System, and Steve Hillage Band. System 7 and Japanese psychedelic progressive jam-band ROVO will be releasing a new CD in September 2013.
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