John Hackett Band + The Blackheart Orchestra

The John Hackett Band

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 song-writing 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.

Drawing on songs from John’s solo albums Checking Out of London and Another Life, the evening also features material from the band's debut, We Are Not Alone, the Hackett/Fletcher album Beyond the Stars and tunes for JHB's new release due out Autumn 2023

John Hackett - vocals, flute, keyboard Nick Fletcher - lead guitar Duncan Parsons - drums, vocals Jeremy Richardson - vocals, bass, acoustic guitar

http://hacktrax.co.uk/

Co - headliners

The Blackheart Orchestra

Blackheart Orchestra is officially the smallest orchestra in the world. Two people playing 13 instruments between them, Chrissy Mostyn and Rick Pilkington perform in what has been described as a ‘musical space station’ of instruments including guitar, bass, percussion, mandola, piano, organ, omnichord and their collection of vintage synthesisers.

After over 1000 concerts and 3 albums they’ve played everywhere from Southampton to Sydney including London’s Palladium and Royal Albert Hall while piling up achievements from a nomination for the Progressive Music Limelight Award, Best British Duo, #4 Best New British Band, and #10 Most Important Rock Event of 2020.

Their 2019 album Mesmeranto charted at #18 in the UK Rock Chart, single If You Tolerate This made #22 in the iTunes chart and Chrissy Mostyn was voted in the Top 5 World Female Vocalists in Prog Magazine’s 2021 Readers’ Poll.

The brand new 2022 release Hotel Utopia is already being described as “Epic” (Uncut), “Spellbinding” (The Progressive Aspect), and “One of the best albums of the year” (Progressive Rock Central).

theblackheartorchestra.com