Steve Hackett The Circus and the Nightwhale (CD + Blu-ray)

Introducing the highly anticipated 2024 album from legendary rock guitarist Steve Hackett, presented in limited mediabook packaging with a bonus Blu-ray. Titled "The Circus And The Nightwhale," this album takes listeners on a captivating journey through a rite-of-passage concept, with a young character named Travla at its heart.

Featuring 13 tracks, "The Circus And The Nightwhale" offers an autobiographical angle for Hackett, marking his 30th solo release with a deeply personal touch. Hackett expresses his affection for the album, stating, "I love this album. It says the things I've been wanting to say for a very long time."

Recorded between tours in 2022 and 2023 at Siren Studio in the UK, the album boasts a diverse lineup of musicians. Alongside Hackett on electric and acoustic guitars, 12-string, mandolin, harmonica, percussion, bass, and vocals, the album features guest appearances from artists around the globe. Notable contributors include Roger King on keyboards and orchestral arrangements, Rob Townsend on saxophone, Jonas Reingold on bass, Nad Sylvan on vocals, Craig Blundell on drums, and Amanda Lehmann on vocals. Returning guests Nick D'Virgilio and Hugo Degenhardt make appearances on the drum stool, while engineer Benedict Fenner showcases his keyboard skills, and Malik Mansurov returns with the tar. Additionally, Steve's brother John Hackett joins the lineup once more on flute.

Describing the album, Hackett sums it up as "a lovely journey that starts dirty, scratchy, and smoky and becomes heavenly and divine. How can you resist it?"