The reviews are in and… phew… it seems the new John Hackett Band album ‘Red Institution’, and
album launch, have been very well received! Here are just some of the very nice things people have
been saying about us:
“No words need to be said. The music says it all.”
“Sit back, relax and enjoy this dreamy serenade of the good life”
“The John Hackett Band’s latest album, Red Institution, is another great work of art, led by one of the members of the best families of UK prog”
https://progressiverockcentral.com/2025/05/02/john-hackett-band-red-institution
“the flute dances like a butterfly above the languorous guitar”
“The John Hackett Band has created a harmonious album full of exciting contrasts”
“a successful, timeless album, far removed from all current popular music, which shows the light
side of jazz rock and progressive rock and serves other musical styles (funk, soul) without becoming
too shallow.”
https://www.genesis-news.com/article/john-hackett-band-red-institution-review/
“The John Hackett Band is a group that is filled to the brim with so much talent that it is no wonder
that they have taken their time to release the follow up to their 2017 album We Are Not Alone…but
it has been well worth the wait. A dozen superlative tracks that evidence that their combined
individual talents are a perfect mix and allow this album to rise above the ordinary; although I have
yet to hear anyone accuse them of being that!”
“If you are a fan you know you will not be disappointed in the album or concerts and, if you are
unfamiliar with them, now is the time to be educated.”
https://theprogressiveaspect.net/blog/2025/04/09/john-hackett-band-red-institution
“sometimes elements come together to make a single concert more than just another performance”
“I have seen them many times before and they have never let me down but that night they seemed
to have cranked it up to 11 and were not taking any prisoners in their battle to impress and win
hearts and minds in the process…The energy level was as if a teenage rock band had just discovered
amplifiers and wanted to show the neighbours how good they are. Only in this case they were
seasoned veterans and knew how to play with skill and aplomb.”
“the audience’s desire for top class entertainment fully sated.”
“More concerts will follow, with the band playing their hearts out and audiences left happy, but
there will never be another Red Institution album launch concert. I for one will be happy to boast
that “I was there”.”
https://theprogressiveaspect.net/blog/2025/04/26/john-hackett-band-dikajee
Of course, it’s just as well, as tomorrow we head north for a series of gigs in Glasgow, Newcastle and
Edinburgh (yes, in that order… geography never was my strong point). It’s a sort of three down three
to go situation (if you completely ignore all the gigs scheduled for after this weekend) and so far, the
‘new’ set of JHB plus versions of my brother Steve’s ‘Voyage Of The Acolyte’ seems to be a success!
It’s been (and shall continue to be) a delight to revisit my youth via some of the tracks of ‘Acolyte’
that we recorded 50 years ago. Though, it’s debatable whether performing them does actually make
me feel 50 years younger.
So, if you are up that northernly way and want to hear the new album and our spin on some
‘Acolyte’ tracks, why don’t you come along? All three shows will be opened by the wonderful
Heather Findlay, who will also be adding her lovely vocals to several numbers with the band.
We hope you can make it.