Translation of the German review

In August 2024, I had the opportunity to travel to Budapest (Hungary) for a concert by DJABE & STEVE HACKETT. In addition to the rich culture that I was able to enjoy in this metropolis in the best weather, the opening concert of the 2024 tour was a highlight. The atmosphere in the MOMkult cultural center was already excellent before the concert. Audio recordings and more could be purchased at the merchandise stand. All the musicians were patiently signing autographs at the autograph table before the concert.

Although the WHEN THE SOUND TURNS SWEET concert discussed here was recorded during the 2023 tour in Timisoara (Romania), the setlist and the musicians were similar, so many of the experiences were comparable, as one fan confirmed to me. The master tape copy of CARPET CRAWLERS, which I have already reviewed, can be read via the link: https://www.audiotapereview.com/0582024djabecarpetcrawlers, represents an excerpt from the album WHEN THE SOUND TURNS SWEET. It is very worthwhile presenting the entire concert to you now. During the running time of the two tapes of 1 hour and 38 minutes, one magical moment follows the next. The show begins with a focus on Djabe songs and shifts to Genesis and Steve Hackett classics as it progresses.

The tracks move between rock, jazz, prog and world. The structure of the beautifully flowing and relaxed song Before offers high-class listening pleasure with the appropriate brass solo interludes by Áron Koós-Hutás and the wonderful keyboard solo by Zoltán Bubenyák. The title Camino Royale is a great mixture of driving rhythms and solos. Steve Hackett shines on the harmonica. On Horizons from the Genesis album Foxtrot, Steve Hackett is in solo mode. Fantastic. In the eleven-minute mega-song Buzzy Island, the funky bass meets jazzy borrowings, driven by Péter Kaszás' drum rhythm machine. After a trumpet and guitar solo, the music switches to beautiful synthesizer atmospheres and is finished off with brilliant brass sections. The Steve Hackett classic Ace Of Wands is densely woven prog rock with many musical facets. This is followed by Franciska, a ballad. The guitar and flute create a great atmosphere. The polyphonic vocals, the flugelhorn, Steve Hackett's gently gliding electric guitar ... perfect! In That Quiet Earth from the Genesis album Wind And Wuthering is a prog rock hymn. Tale is a lyrical piece that starts off between acoustic and electric guitar. Bass, drums and synthesizers are added as the song progresses. The song develops into a wonderful instrumental ballad with depth. Back chills are guaranteed! The varied and profound ballad Stars And Moonbeams impresses with its many instrumental effects. Hairless Heart is the next Genesis classic from the album Selling England By The Pound, and the modern arrangement suits it very well. Firth Of Fifth ignites the next stage of Djabe's professional performance art. Then comes the next hit: Carpet Crawlers, from the Genesis album The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway. This song, with drummer Péter Kaszás' impressive vocals in perfect harmony with his remarkable drumming, is simply beautiful to listen to. The extremely fluent guitar playing and the super bass foundation of Tamás Barabás round off the song. Welcome to the sounds of the oriental world: Last Train To Istanbul. The title Los Endos from the Genesis album A Trick of the Tail is a real statement with its tough rock introduction! Attila Égerházi's outstanding guitar and percussion work runs through the entire album. Like his colleagues, he provides gripping solos and the wonderful atmosphere of the songs. The album ends with the encore Misty Blues: with Steve Hackett's harmonica, including trumpet and guitar solos in blues rock style.

The spirit of this inspiring and powerful performance is transmitted to the listener both in concert and on tape. There is no better way to interweave Djabe's repertoire with the music of Steve Hackett and Genesis. It is a real pleasure to be able to enjoy these great masterpieces in such a balanced and coherent recording. The captivating quality of this master tape copy conveys the rich and warm sound in the best possible way. This package has everything a tape fan could wish for.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)