Steve Hackett’s Live Magic at Trading Boundaries is an intimate look at his catalog, reworked for an acoustic setting. 19 tracks, reimagined from their original versions, with Hackett infusing new material and unique twists into the performances. Recorded during Hackett’s annual winter acoustic concerts at Trading Boundaries in Sussex, the album showcases his diverse musical influences, from classical guitar pieces to progressive rock, jazz, and world music. The performances are bolstered by Hackett’s virtuosic fretwork and the seamless collaboration with his regular ensemble, including Roger King on keys, Rob Townsend on flute and saxophone, and Amanda Lehmann on guitar and vocals.
The album’s highlights reworkings of classic Genesis songs like “Blood on the Rooftops” and “After the Ordeal,” as well as a reimagined version of “Hands of the Priestess,” which rivals the original. There are also surprises, such as tracks from Lehmann’s 2021 solo album and a chamber-rock orchestral version of “Ace of Wands” that elevates the original. Throughout the album, Hackett masterfully blends folk, prog, jazz, and classical influences, creating a cohesive yet varied musical experience. Live Magic is both a satisfying retrospective of Hackett’s career and a compelling collection of newly reinterpreted works that sound as fresh and exciting as ever.