You might remember Steve Hackett's twinkling guitar showmanship from when he played with art-rockers Genesis in their early seventies heyday. Now, after nearly twenty years of releasing solo albums that ranged from art rock to pop, Hackett has announced a rediscovery of his roots with the release of Blues With A Feeling. Life was tough on the Delta, wasn't it Steve? In all fairness, though, the album is a raw and occasionally believable recording, featuring eight Hackett blues originals and four covers. He tickles his ax with a raunchy, earthy style that rivals even Clapton's much-lauded release from last year. Even where it lacks authenticity, Hackett's style of English blues deserves notice.

-Tom Cornell