Steve Hackett: The Tokyo Tapes--Live in Japan

Breathless question on the back of the DVD: "What would it sound like if occasional members of Genesis, King Crimson, Asia, Yes, Zappa and Weather Report, all got together to form a unique team just for one night?" Not so breathless answer: watered-down Genesis and King Crimson, mostly. Recorded in Tokyo in 1996, this fairly-mellow-for-prog-rock set features Genesis guitarist/solo artist Steve Hackett, together with John Wetton (Asia), Ian McDonald (King Crimson), Chester Thompson (Frank Zappa, Genesis, Weather Report), and Julian Colbeck (very occasional Yes member). Combining original songs from Genesis ("Firth of Fifth"), King Crimson ("Court of the Crimson King"), Asia ("Heat of the Moment"), and Steve Hackett ("Watcher of the Skies"), the band mounts a somewhat subdued ("Heat of the Moment," in particular, sounds like Asia-lite) but generous set, with 17 tunes packed into a no-nonsense 100-plus minute concert. Boasting no particular visual flair, nor--more importantly--no Dolby Digital 5.1 (only Dolby Digital stereo), this is an optional purchase for more inclusive '70s prog rock collections. Aud: P. (R. Pitman)