Music Review: Steve Hackett: Out of the Tunnel’s Mouth (Wolfworks Records, CD)

The 29th (!) solo album from ex-Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett has a backstory—its release was held up due to legal issues. Happily, they’ve been resolved, because this is, flat out, a masterpiece. Tunnel’s Mouth varies in mood and styles, shifting from dark stunners like “Fire on the Moon” to classical guitar instrumentals and softer tracks like “Emerald and Ash.” Throughout this immaculately recorded CD, Hackett’s soaring, inventive guitar work is front and center, but he’s become a first-rate singer and songwriter over the course of his accomplished solo career. Hackett didn’t stick around for Genesis’ big-bucks Phil Collins years, and we’re all richer for it. Available through www.hackettsongs.com