Intuitive Music

John Hackett is one of the most renowned flute players in the rock scene today. He is mostly known for his numerous collaborative works with his brother, the renowned guitarist from Genesis, Steve Hackett. However, John has also worked for other reputed artists since 1970, such as Anthony Phillips and Nick Magnus, and especially with the band Symbiosis.

Hackett released his first solo album “Checking Out of London” last year, a rock album where he plays flute and guitar, which was included in Intuitive Music’s selection of Best Albums from 2005. “Red Planet Rhythm” is his latest work on Camino Records, an instrumental album in collaboration with Sheffield-based experimental musician Moodi Drury that includes ambient soundscapes, sophisticated downbeat, experimental and classical music.

John Hackett talked to Intuitive Music about his influences and recommendations.

- My first musical influence:

When I was 12 I bought my first acoustic guitar for £5 and my brother, Steve, taught me to play “House of the Rising Sun”. This opened a whole new world to me, leading on to improvising blues guitar for hours on end with someone who was destined to have a big influence on the future of progressive rock. Not a bad start!

- The album that changed my life:

“In the Court of the Crimson King” by King Crimson. By 14 there was a danger that I would spend the rest of my life copying my elder brother. When I heard Ian McDonald’s flute playing it had an immediate impact on me and flute became my main instrument.

- The album I fell in love listening to:

Much of the style of the early King Crimson was influenced by classical music. I developed an interest in the big orchestral sounds of Holst and Sibelius and spent some years playing in orchestras. It was in one such orchestra that I spotted a girl in the viola section. She came back to my flat and we listened to Peter Gabriel’s “So”. That was over 20 years ago, and she is now my wife!

- My last music discovery:

A few years back I heard a very young band at Sheffield City Hall called Dead Like Harry who really impressed me with their original material which seemed to have a progressive rock influence. I saw them more recently at the Boardwalk (also in Sheffield – where I live) doing an acoustic set with beautiful harmony singing, guitars and solo cello.

- My best experience with another musician:

This is a difficult one. I am caught between the time Steve and I took the stage at the Barbican armed only with a nylon guitar and a flute, and the night I got to play Salisbury Hill when Peter Gabriel and Mike Rutherford joined us in Guildford many years ago.

- Recommended album of my career:

“Checking Out of London” – this was my first attempt at a solo rock album and it was great (though daunting!) to be in the driving seat myself for once. It was also great to be back working with Nick Magnus again after all the early Steve Hackett tours we had done together. And neither of us has changed a bit! Alright, maybe a little…

- Recommended classical piece for flute players:
C.P.E. Bach’s solo “Sonata in A Minor”. So much flute music is light and chirpy, but this piece is full of passion. it also take a lot of control to make the slow movement work where the opening gives the impression of 2 instruments, one sustaining long notes, while the other sings above it.

- Recommended album where I make a guest appearance:

Steve Hackett’s “Voyage of the Acolyte” – recorded while he was still with Genesis. This was a very bold album from a 25 year old. It’s full of virtuosity, colour and classical influences – “Hands of the Priestess” has to be one of the best flute melodies ever written.

- Recommended album that influenced me while doing “Red Planet Rhythm”:
“Blue” by Joni Mitchell. I listened to this album while I was studying music and trying to improve my flute technique. But it’s only in more recent years that I’ve learned that no amount of technique on any instrument can be a substitute for the perfect marriage of lyrics and musical expression that Joni achieves here…

- Recommended album from Moodi Drury:
“The Phenomenon of Illusory Ascension”. Moodi has a more “accepting” ear when it comes to musical sounds. This album is a more challenging experience than some of the stuff I usually listen to. But working with Moodi has gotten me to open my ears a bit more!