John Hackett Band – “Red Institution” | Progressive Rock Central.com

The John Hackett Band have returned with a brand new album Red Institution, which was released live at The Greystones, Sheffield, UK on April 11. John’s band was formed 10 years ago for his solo album Another Life. They decided to celebrate the ten year anniversary, with a reunion to create this new album.

The John Hackett Band is made up of: John Hackett, who plays flute, keyboards, sings vocals, and plays 12 string guitar; Nick Fletcher, who plays guitars; Duncan Parsons, who plays drums; and Jeremy Richardson, who plays bass, sings lead vocals, and plays keyboards, 12 string, and guitars. Amy Birks sings guest vocals on the cover of King Crimson’ epic, “I Talk to the Wind”.

“Stella”, is written by Jeremy Richardson and Duncan Parsons. It opens with soft drums and a classic electric guitar riff, that I just can’t place. Jeremy Richardson sings a soft and warm love song, set to a good beat. Reminds me a little of some of Mike Rutherford’s early solo music.

“Theme and Rondo”, was written by John Hackett. It opens with more electric guitar power and bass with a solid beat. John’s flute playing and great lead electric guitar lead the way on this song. This track has a nice happy beat and melody to it. There is some wonderful guitar playing on this song. John, ends up taking over the show with his flute playing. Which is some of the best sounds on the album. A wonderful instrumental.

“Who Let the Rain In?”, was written by Jeremy Richardson. It opens with keyboards and John’s flute playing. Jeremy Richardson sings, “I got a whole in head, who let the rain in?” Fantastic guitar playing all over this song. Not sure who is on guitar, so suffice it to say that it may be a multi-guitar participant song.

“Clare’s Tango”, was written by Duncan Parsons and Nick Fletcher. It opens with some of the best keyboards yet on the album. And the best lead electric guitar, by far. The “tango” beat is well enhanced by Duncan Parsons’s drum playing. I think I feel confident in guessing that Nick Fletcher played the lead guitar on this track, because it sounds so much like his wonderful solo albums. Besides, getting credited for writing the song almost guarantees it.

“MDLXXXIX”, (1589, if you forgot your Roman numerals), was written by Duncan Parsons, Nick Fletcher, John Hackett, and Jeremy Richardson. Or the John Hackett Band, wrote this one. The significance of the year? The Drake-Norris Expedition of the English Armada. This expedition aimed to capitalize on the previous year’s defeat of the Spanish Armada- quite possibly). The song is a Steely Dan kind of jazzy rock song that also sounds a little like some of 10CC’s music. Mid-way through it turns into a spacey, Traffic – like dreamscape, with John’s flute intersecting well with bells, keyboards, bass, and electric lead guitar. One of the best parts of the album, for sure. More of this next time, please. Nick’s guitar playing is another of the highlights of this, the best song, other than the King Crimson cover, coming up next. John’s flute playing reaches stellar heights on this one. “One song to rule them all”. Ian Anderson would probably be jealous, if he heard this.

“I Talk to the Wind” was written by Fripp, Giles, Lake, McDonald, and Sinfield. Otherwise known as King Crimson. And this song is the reason you will buy the album. With John Hackett’s elegant flute playing this seemed a nature cover song for the band. And they lay great tribute at the feet of King Crimson on this cover. However, there was only one person who could sing this song, in my ears. And he has passed. Jeremy Richardson does an admirable job of trying to meet the mettle of Greg Lake, but it was a mountain too high. Amy Birks’s supporting vocals do raise the level of the sound and vocal expression. I absolutely salute the band for this magnificent effort. It is an amazing cover of one of the best songs in progressive rock history. John Hackett’s flute playing is absolutely spot on.

“Too Easy” was written by John Hackett, Nick Fletcher, Jeremy Richardson, and Duncan Parsons. (The Band). This track starts and sounds a little like John’s brother Steve’s solo albums. That must be Nick Fletcher on guitar because at times he does sound so close to Steve. A nice and fun conversation between a couple. There is a wonderful galloping guitar, keyboards, bass and drums run halfway through the song, which races towards the end.

“The Committee”, was written by Duncan Parsons. It opens with a brilliant welcome from lead electric guitar, complete with a soundscape full of wind sounds, percussion and drums. The keyboards are unique. It has a late 1970s Seals and Crofts kinda feel to it. Nick’s brilliant guitar soloing is always spot on. You can really tell this is him on the long guitar solo. John Hackett’s flute playing is some of the best on the album.

“Brotherhood”, was written by John Hackett. It is a wonderful tribute to the brotherhood between John and his brother Steve. It is an instrumental full of great electric guitar, keyboards and John’s flute playing. No words need to be said. The music says it all. So many reminders of John’s flute playing on some of Steve’s solo albums.

“Butterfly Banshee”, was written by Jeremy Richardson. And it opens with crickets and night music playing at a party, or in the backyard of the house. I imagine, Steve or John’s houses always have some music being created and played, all of the time. Then, Jeremy Richardson sings a happy song about butterflies and changes.

“A County Gentleman”, was written by John Hackett. John enters the soundscape to harp and brings soft flute, while being surrounded by strings and orchestration. Another of the best songs on the album. Just what you might have imagined from the title. John and Steve are country gentlemen, first. Both brothers at the pinnacle of their popularity and musicianship. Sit back, relax and enjoy this dreamy serenade of the good life; which seems to be deserting us all. It is all captured here with great music. A wonderful, picturesque song that captures the beauty and simplicity of the UK countryside, full of its of moors and hedges.

“Red Institution”, was written by Jeremy Richardson. This is not only the album title and epic closing track, but also the theme of the album. An over five minute conversation about political will. Maybe about politics in the UK, Europe or the world. It certainly sounds like they are riled up about our current president. Who is wreaking havoc around the globe. Jeremy Richardson sings the powerful lyrics, “Red Institution. Coloring the shame for a nutshell. Dream on the Powers that Be. All the time in the world is yours to toy with. Final solution, measure out the plan. Because you can. No mercy or grace. Just blood and fire. An irredeemable paradigm. Just hell on Earth. And sacrifice”. Then the powerful closing lyrics, “Bleed all over me. The lamb and the lion lying down together. Pray to whoever you have to. For intimations of a sweet hereafter!” Yes, thank you John Hackett Band. We need all the support we can get to try to end the madness caused by our president and the elites and oligarchs of all countries. Let’s stay united to defeat the foe. So that the green and pleasant countryside of the UK and the world remains gentle and peaceful. Incidentally, the concept of “red institution”, for those not familiar with it, is most likely derived from the red brick buildings that house many institutions like government buildings, universities and the like.

The John Hackett Band’s latest album, Red Institution, is another great work of art, led by one of the members of the best families of UK prog. Every song is a relaxing tribute to the life John lives. So, in these times of profound and idyllic, (Canada), and misguided, (USA), patriotism. Let’s remember the poetry of William Blake, whose words were turned into one of the greatest songs in UK history. That poem was also sung by Greg Lake, while with Emerson, Lake and Palmer. It is one of my favorite songs. “Bring me my bow of burning gold! Bring me my arrows of desire! Bring me my spear! O clouds, unfold! Bring me my chariot of fire! I will not cease from mental fight. Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand. Till we have built Jerusalem. In England’s green and pleasant land!” For me, this song is a greater reminder to all of us, to fight to preserve what is pleasant. Please give The John Hackett Band’s Red Institution, your ears and you will be transported to that gentle countryside for the duration.