RICK WAKEMAN
Symphonic Prog • United Kingdom
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Richard Christopher Wakeman - Born May 18, 1949 (Perivale, Middlesex, UK)
Rick WAKEMAN is one of the best known progressive musicians and a pioneer in the use of electronic keyboards in rock music. He's also been extremely prolific: in addition to his work as a member of The STRAWBS * (folk-rock band), YES * (post-psychedelic hard rock band), and YES offshoot ANDERSON - BRUFORD - WAKEMAN - HOWE*, he has a huge number of session credits, including work with David Bowie, Elton John, BLACK SABBATH, Al Stewart, and Lou Reed. And he's released more solo albums than anyone this side of FRANK ZAPPA. The list below includes 100 titles, including a best-of anthology, a CD EP, and six albums Rick did in collaboration with his son Adam (WwW)*. He also remained associated with YES into the '90s.
YES*: - Fragile, 1972 (expanded and remastered, 2003) / Close to the Edge, 1972 / Yessongs, 1973 / Tales from Topographic Oceans, 1973 / Yesterdays, 1974 / Going for the One, 1977 / Tormato, 1978 / Yesshows, 1980 / Classic Yes, 1981 / Union, 1991 / YesYears, 1991 / Yesstory, 1992 / Highlights - The Very Best of Yes, 1993 / Keys to Ascension, 1996 / Keys to Ascension 2, 1997 / Keys to Ascension Volume 1 & 2, 1997 / Keystudio, 2001 / In a Word: Yes (1969 - ...), 2002
(ABWH)* Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe: - (ABWH) Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe, 1989 / (ABWH) An Evening of Yes Music Plus, 1993
The STRAWBS*: - Just a Collection of Antiques and Curios, 1970 / From the Witchwood, 1971 / 30 Years in Rock, 2001 / Wakeman & Cousins: Hummingbird, 2002
(WwW)* Wakeman with Wakeman: - Wakeman with Wakeman, 1993 / No Expense Shared, 1993 / Wakeman with Wakeman Live, The Official Bootleg, 1994 / Romance of the Victorian Age, 1994 / Tapestries, 1995 / Vignettes, 1996 / Yes, Friends and Relatives, 1998
"THE BEST" & "THE NEXT BEST" (12 CDs):
Reaction to WAKEMAN's music is mixed: his catalog represents the best and worst aspects of progressive rock, but there's no denying that more than a few gems exist in his massive catalog. And, of course, everything is just in y humble opinion - yours may differ.
"THE BEST" : His earliest recordings are generally regarded his best, both commercially and artistically.
1- The Six Wives of Henry VIII - 1973
During the making of "Clo...read more
RICK WAKEMAN Videos (YouTube and more)
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RICK WAKEMAN discography
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RICK WAKEMAN top albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)
4.13 | 919 ratings
The Six Wives of Henry VIII 1973 |
3.62 | 564 ratings
The Myths And Legends Of King Arthur And The Knights Of The Round Table 1975 |
2.58 | 146 ratings
Lisztomania (OST) 1975 |
3.75 | 285 ratings
No Earthly Connection 1976 |
3.29 | 167 ratings
White Rock 1977 |
3.79 | 296 ratings
Criminal Record 1977 |
2.55 | 149 ratings
Rhapsodies 1979 |
3.40 | 167 ratings
1984 1981 |
2.61 | 48 ratings
The Burning (OST) 1981 |
1.65 | 57 ratings
Rock N' Roll Prophet 1982 |
2.60 | 50 ratings
G'Ol� ! (OST) 1983 |
2.59 | 55 ratings
Cost Of Living 1983 |
2.56 | 34 ratings
Crimes Of Passion (OST) 1984 |
2.88 | 28 ratings
Rick Wakeman, Jeff Wayne & Kevin Peek: Beyond the Planets 1984 |
2.39 | 48 ratings
Silent Nights 1985 |
3.23 | 47 ratings
Country Airs - Piano Solos 1986 |
3.18 | 33 ratings
The Gospels 1987 |
1.77 | 25 ratings
The Family Album 1987 |
3.36 | 51 ratings
Rick Wakeman & Ramon Remedios: A Suite Of Gods 1988 |
2.18 | 39 ratings
Rick Wakeman & Tony Fernandez: Zodiaque 1988 |
2.60 | 43 ratings
Time Machine 1988 |
3.41 | 32 ratings
Sea Airs 1989 |
2.73 | 41 ratings
Rick Wakeman & Mario Fasciano: Black Knights At The Court Of Ferdinand IV 1989 |
3.13 | 31 ratings
Night Airs 1990 |
2.13 | 21 ratings
In The Beginning 1990 |
2.55 | 23 ratings
Phantom Power (OST) 1990 |
2.51 | 30 ratings
Aspirant Sunrise 1990 |
2.58 | 29 ratings
African Bach 1990 |
2.27 | 11 ratings
A World Of Wisdom 1991 |
2.01 | 35 ratings
Aspirant Sunset 1991 |
3.22 | 27 ratings
Aspirant Sunshadows 1991 |
3.27 | 38 ratings
Softsword 1991 |
2.42 | 39 ratings
2000 A.D. Into The Future 1991 |
3.06 | 22 ratings
The Classical Connection 2 1991 |
3.40 | 25 ratings
The Classical Connection 1991 |
3.46 | 30 ratings
Country Airs (1992) 1992 |
2.89 | 38 ratings
Wakeman With Wakeman [Aka: Lure Of The Wild] 1993 |
2.76 | 20 ratings
Wakeman With Wakeman [Aka: Lure Of The Wild] 1993 |
2.75 | 27 ratings
Wakeman With Wakeman: No Expense Spared 1993 |
2.95 | 27 ratings
Heritage Suite 1993 |
3.74 | 22 ratings
Prayers 1993 |
3.59 | 28 ratings
Wakeman With Wakeman: Romance Of The Victorian Age 1994 |
3.09 | 29 ratings
Cirque Surreal 1995 |
3.20 | 39 ratings
The Seven Wonders Of The World 1995 |
2.20 | 16 ratings
Visions [Aka: Visions Of Paradise] 1995 |
3.00 | 28 ratings
Fields Of Green 1996 |
1.27 | 13 ratings
The Word And Music 1996 |
2.59 | 13 ratings
Orisons 1996 |
3.43 | 23 ratings
Can You Hear Me ? 1996 |
3.10 | 22 ratings
The New Gospels 1996 |
2.47 | 17 ratings
Rick & Adam Wakeman: Vignettes 1996 |
3.20 | 20 ratings
Rick & Adam Wakeman: Tapestries 1996 |
2.94 | 17 ratings
The Natural World Trilogy 1997 |
2.71 | 30 ratings
Tribute To The Beatles 1997 |
3.23 | 22 ratings
Themes 1998 |
3.54 | 170 ratings
Return To The Centre Of The Earth 1999 |
3.66 | 37 ratings
Rick Wakeman & Mario Fasciano: Stella Bianca Alla Corte Di Re Ferdinando 1999 |
2.79 | 15 ratings
Art in Music Trilogy 1999 |
2.46 | 31 ratings
White Rock II 1999 |
3.79 | 28 ratings
Preludes To A Century 2000 |
3.28 | 18 ratings
Chronicles Of Man 2000 |
3.27 | 20 ratings
Christmas Variations 2000 |
2.96 | 16 ratings
Morning Has Broken 2000 |
3.21 | 15 ratings
Classical Variations 2001 |
3.60 | 54 ratings
Two Sides Of Yes 2001 |
3.24 | 19 ratings
Treasure Chest Volume 1 - The Real Lisztomania 2002 |
3.53 | 36 ratings
Two Sides Of Yes, Volume II 2002 |
2.63 | 24 ratings
Wakeman & Cousins: Hummingbird 2002 |
3.72 | 20 ratings
The Wizard And The Forest Of All Dreams 2002 |
3.83 | 125 ratings
Out There 2003 |
3.09 | 61 ratings
Retro 2006 |
3.32 | 37 ratings
Retro 2 2007 |
2.94 | 25 ratings
Always With You 2010 |
3.82 | 117 ratings
Journey To The Centre Of The Earth 2012 |
4.00 | 63 ratings
The Myths And Legends Of King Arthur And The Knights Of The Round Table 2016 |
1.80 | 5 ratings
The Rainbow Suite 2016 |
3.19 | 12 ratings
The Phantom Of The Opera (OST) 2017 |
3.37 | 35 ratings
Piano Portraits 2017 |
3.33 | 15 ratings
Piano Odyssey 2018 |
3.81 | 214 ratings
The Red Planet 2020 |
3.43 | 40 ratings
Rick Wakeman & the English Rock Ensemble: A Gallery of the Imagination 2022 |
RICK WAKEMAN Live Albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)
RICK WAKEMAN Videos (DVD, Blu-ray, VHS etc)
4.04 | 4 ratings
Simply Acoustic (VHS) 1996 |
3.68 | 15 ratings
The Legend Live in Concert 2000 [Aka: An Evening with Rick Wakeman] (DVD) 2000 |
3.97 | 22 ratings
Rick Wakeman and the English Rock Ensemble: Live in Buenos Aires (DVD) 2001 |
3.17 | 5 ratings
Classic Rock Legends (DVD) 2001 |
3.46 | 29 ratings
Journey To The Centre Of The Earth (DVD) 2002 |
3.03 | 18 ratings
Out There (DVD) 2004 |
4.04 | 17 ratings
Made In Cuba (DVD) 2005 |
3.21 | 5 ratings
Amazing Grace 2007 |
1.86 | 5 ratings
The Otherside of Rick Wakeman 2007 |
4.32 | 10 ratings
Swedish Television Special 1980 2008 |
3.06 | 8 ratings
Rick Wakeman's Grumpy Old Picture Show 2008 |
3.84 | 63 ratings
The Six Wives Of Henry VIII - Live At Hampton Court Palace (DVD) 2009 |
4.80 | 5 ratings
Classical Wakeman Volume 1 - Live In Lugano 2010 |
RICK WAKEMAN Boxset & Compilations (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)
RICK WAKEMAN Official Singles, EPs, Fan Club & Promo (CD, EP/LP, MC, Digital Media Download)
3.80 | 5 ratings
Catherine 1973 |
2.00 | 1 ratings
Love's Dream (with Roger Daltrey) 1975 |
3.00 | 1 ratings
After The Ball 1977 |
2.50 | 2 ratings
Animal Showdown 1979 |
3.10 | 2 ratings
Birdman Of Alcatraz 1979 |
1.00 | 1 ratings
Swan Lager 1979 |
1.47 | 12 ratings
I'm So Straight I'm A Weirdo 1980 |
3.00 | 1 ratings
Spider 1980 |
4.00 | 2 ratings
Julia 1981 |
3.00 | 1 ratings
Glory Boys 1984 |
3.00 | 1 ratings
The Theme From Lytton's Diary 1985 |
0.00 | 0 ratings
Waterfalls 1986 |
2.16 | 7 ratings
Custers Last Stand / Ocean City 1988 |
5.00 | 3 ratings
Don't Fly Away/After Prayers 1991 |
4.00 | 2 ratings
Special Sampler 1991 |
3.00 | 4 ratings
Light Up The Sky 1994 |
5.00 | 3 ratings
Welcome a Star 1996 |
4.00 | 1 ratings
Fields of Green 1997 |
4.00 | 3 ratings
Buried Alive feat. Ozzy Osbourne 1999 |
3.00 | 1 ratings
Amazing Grace 2007 |
0.00 | 0 ratings
Welcome A Star 2015 |
2.40 | 6 ratings
Life on Mars 2016 |
0.00 | 0 ratings
Morning Has Broken 2017 |
RICK WAKEMAN Reviews
Showing last 10 reviews only
Rick Wakeman Symphonic Prog
Review by
memowakeman
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator
It's been quite a road, a tremendous, unique, prolific career from a man who this year (2024) is turning 75 years old, a man who has created fantasy through the years, with over 100 album releases, several tours, some books, seems we are witnessing the ending of an extraordinary story.
Rick Wakeman is not only a musician to me, nor the keyboard wizard, his importance is beyond my own comprehension, and I am really grateful I chose his art, his music, his persona, as a crucial source of inspiration.
Well, last year (2023) he offered two amazing and memorable concerts at the London Palladium, a place with a special meaning to him, and I am sure, to a lot of his fans. These shows were divided in two sets, where he, his band and a choir delivered outstanding performances of three of Wakeman's most iconic albums, as well as some legendary Yes tunes. Though one could think this is not new, I was impressed with the result, because no matter the extension of his career, he is still capable of reimagine and recreate his own works with such a remarkable audacity, so the attendees and the listeners can have a unique experience.
For this event Mr. Wakeman gathered low-profile but top-notch musicians who have been working with him in the last few years, a great group named The English Rock Ensemble where we can appreciate the talent of Hayley Sanderson on vocals, Dave Colquhoun on guitars, Lee Pomeroy on bass, Adam Falkner on drums, and last but not least, his son, great musician and long-time collaborator, Adam Wakeman on keyboards and guitar. But this is not it, because this time he wanted to boost the experience with a choir, and though we might be used to hear an orchestra in several of his studio and live works, what The English Chamber Choir, conducted by Guy Protheroe add here is amazing, colorful, extraordinary.
This live release consists of 4 discs, each one representing one of the albums / eras performed. The first night delivered The Six Wives of Henry VIII (disc 1) and The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table (disc 2), while the second brought some Yes tunes (disc 3) and Journey to the Centre of the Earth (disc 4).
Yeah, those songs have been played by him for ages, however, here they sound amazing because of its unique arrangements, the choir, the musicians, the emotions. While listening to it I felt a connection not only to my own memories or fantasies, but also to the band and even to the attendants. The sound is magical, of course Rick is still a monster and a wizard, but every single member of the ensemble adds their quite valuable grain of sand, and we can notice it in different passages. The concerts are emotional, fantastic, just like Wakeman's career.
I'd like to invite you to listen to it because this is just a brief and not detailed review, but let me tell you that despite having listened to these songs thousands times, these performances surprised me in a very, very positive way, and when a musician this old and legendary still surprises you, wow, you just have to smile and embrace the emotions.
Amazing!
Rick Wakeman Symphonic Prog
Review by Progressive Heart
Fields Of Green does not have influences from the New Age genre like some other albums from the same period, although at many points it also isn't far from it. After all, at many moments the album presents elements that echo some of the qualities found in New Age music, such as ethereal atmospheres, serene textures, and a sense of tranquil contemplation. It's remarkable how Wakeman shows incredible dynamics and skill on his keyboards throughout all the tracks of "Fields Of Green." His ability to create intricate and emotive arrangements adds an extra layer of depth and richness to the compositions, elevating the album to an even higher level of musical excellence.
"Starship Trooper," this version of a Yes classic brings a special spotlight to Wakeman's unparalleled keyboard skills, offering a fresh perspective on the track. Purists may argue that the original version of "Starship Trooper" carries an irreplaceable magic, however, this reinterpretation has opened a new portal, especially for those who crave an extra dose of Wakeman's musical mastery. In summary, it's an invitation for both long-time Yes devotees and newcomers to the progressive rock universe to explore a different facet of a classic.
"The Promise Of Love" begins with an atmosphere of suspense and anticipation that gradually transforms into a powerful and deeply emotional rock ballad. The female vocals add a layer of sweetness and vulnerability to the piece, skillfully contrasting with the intensity of the guitars and the strength of the melody. It wasn't a song that caught me initially, but after a few listens, it became a charming track. As always, Wakeman's keyboards add moments of brilliance and depth that further elevate the listening experience.
"The Spanish Wizard" is a track that delivers an intriguing fusion of elements from dramatic hard rock and some fine and catchy textures. The guitar lines are great, conveying intensity that establishes a solid foundation for the musical narrative. It doesn't have any kind of intricate arrangement or virtuosic instrumental maneuver, but it works well.
'The Never Ending Road' tt's undeniable that the solos and instrumental segments performed by Rick Wakeman are skillful and technically solid. However, the composition as a whole seems not to reach the expected potential. The lack of originality and the feeling that the music is dragging on without a clear purpose for almost 9 minutes is one of its main issues. Perhaps it would work better if it were half its length.
'The Fighter its first second of guitar, there's a possibility to relate a Rick Wakeman song to 'Alive' by Pearl Jam ' remember, I'm just talking about the very first second of music, okay? Unlike the previous track, "The Fighter" represents a step forward in terms of energy and dynamism. Rick Wakeman's solos, as usual, are the highlight of the song, it's through these solos that some progressive essence can be felt along with its hard rock atmosphere.
'Tell Me Why' emerges as a ballad that aligns with catchy melody AOR. At first, it might seem like it will fall into the same generic field as 'The Never Ending Road", but it goes beyond that, delivering good guitar lines and keyboards that add a layer of sophistication and texture to the music, complementing the melodic vibe.
"The Rope Trick" stands out as a track that strongly evokes the characteristic sound of 80s rock, even reminiscent of the band Survivor. The guitar line adds a dose of energy and intensity to the track, while an engaging mix of catchy melodies and very good chord progressions gives it plenty of dynamics. A song that captures the essence of 80s rock very well.
"The Niceman" begins with an atmospheric texture that immediately captures the listener's attention, quickly transitioning to a more playful and energetic line, marking a shift from the initial ambiance to something more dynamic and vibrant. Asserting that this song leans more towards hard rock than progressive rock isn't surprising, given the trend observed in previous tracks. Excellent guitar and keyboard lines give the track a special flavor.
"Fields of Green" is the closing track of the album, marking a smooth transition into more progressive territory, distinguishing itself from the previous tracks with its more reflective and emotional approach. It's very beautiful and has excellent moments, but, although I don't usually - with few exceptions - take issue with the track order of an album, I'm not sure if this one is in the right place, making it somewhat disappointing in terms of concluding an album.
While not the ideal starting point for those venturing into Rick Wakeman's vast musical universe for the first time, "Fields of Green" represents a less explored yet valuable aspect of the keyboardist's career. For fans already familiar with Wakeman's most acclaimed works, here lies an opportunity to delve deeper and discover new facets of his artistic expression. For music aficionados seeking a more comprehensive understanding of Wakeman's art, "Fields of Green" serves as a reminder that beyond the grand peaks, there are serene and beautiful valleys to be explored. This album invites the listener to appreciate the subtle details and depth that reside in these less prominent works.
In summary, while "Fields of Green" may not boast the audacity of Wakeman's other albums, it offers an interesting musical experience in its own way. For those willing to dive beyond the recognized classics, there are valuable rewards to be discovered in this and other lesser-known "worlds" of Wakeman.
Rick Wakeman Symphonic Prog
Review by Ash Charlton
Rick is capable or creating magnificent and inspiring music, but I never find these 'piano only' versions work well, not even for pieces written for piano like 'Birdman'. On the original album this is one of my favourite pieces of music ever (and I listen to and love a LOT of classical piano music, so there's stiff competition!) but this version is very New Age Piano music, which is lovely in its place, but not what I come to Rick Wakeman for. The songs are just disappointment after disappointment for me.
I find the more conventional songs like 'Morning Has Broken' and 'Life on Mars' particularly disappointing. Rick's accompaniment to Cat Stevens and David Bowie is amazing, but stripped of the voices and lyrics of those distinctive singers you've just got a couple of melodies repeated for three minutes each.
Rick Wakeman Symphonic Prog
Review by
Hector Enrique
Prog Reviewer
The departure of the adventurous trio from Hamburg to the summit of the extinct volcano Sneffels Yokul (Iceland) and their perilous descent is described in "The Journey", where after an orchestral introduction accompanied by a heavenly choir (as in most of the work), Wakeman's moog opens the way for the peaceful singing of Garry Pickford- Hopkins; and all the landscapes inside the volcano and the anguish of the uncertain return are represented in "Recollection" by a machine-gunned opening synthesizer, an intense rock section crowned by Mike Egan's very good guitar solo, and the dramatic orchestration that closes the first segment.
The best moments are in the second half, with the melodic opening notes of Wakeman's harpsichord accompanied by the band in the excellent rendition of the fierce battle of two huge sea monsters in "The Battle" to the terrified presence of the adventurers, and with the revelatory discovery of a remote civilisation in "The Forest" and Ashley Holt's demanding singing underpinned by Wakeman's misty, splendid keyboard and a choir more celestial and dramatic than ever. One of the best passages on the album, if not the best. The last few minutes of the work run in a smooth ambience that exchanges the protagonism of the orchestration with the keyboards and the moog, at times overused, until its epic ending.
"Journey to the Centre of the Earth", loved by fans of the genre and not so much by its detractors, is one of the high points in the discography of the English musician, and reaffirmed him as one of the pioneers in the use of synthesizers for symphonic rock.
3.5/4 stars
Rick Wakeman Symphonic Prog
Review by
Hector Enrique
Prog Reviewer
The six pieces that make up "Criminal Record" attempt to describe sordid situations, without transmitting them instrumentally with all the rawness that they imply. But there are some very good passages to highlight, such as the epic beginning that Wakeman makes with keyboards and synthesizers in "Chamber of Horrors", seconded in the development by Chris Squire's bass and Alan White's characteristic drums, or also the melancholic notes overlaid on classical piano in "Birdman of Alcatraz", one of the Englishman's most delicate and beautiful melodies, or the anecdotal detail that the comedian Bill Oddie contributes in exaggerated and satirical soul mode in the foggy "The Breathalyser" or, above all, the extensive "Judas Iscariot", the most complex piece on the album, where Wakeman makes use of the pipe organ of St. Martin's Church (Vevey) and the choirs of the Ars Laeta Choir of Lausanne to generate a piercing and dramatic atmosphere that the moog amplifies and accompanies, closing the album.
"Criminal Record" shows that Wakeman's keyboard skills were intact, but this time in a quieter and less grandiloquent way, and is probably one of the last works to be included in his most representative discography.
3/3.5 stars
Rick Wakeman Symphonic Prog
Review by
Hector Enrique
Prog Reviewer
Composed of five sections, the suite "Music Reincarnate" is the backbone of the album, featuring the initial and innumerable overlapping layers of Wakeman's infallible moog in the choppy "The Warning", the beautiful and splendid "The Maker" with the classical piano and the curtain of mellotrons caressed by Ashley Holt's voice, the sorrowful "The Realisation" and its theatrical performance with the trumpets and trombones of Martyn Shields and Reg Brooks, and the verses sung by Holt on the hypnotic and astral journey of "The Reaper" (a gem in Wakeman's discography), including flashes taken from the previous pieces. "Music Reincarnate" concludes circularly, with the same moog layers with which it began.
And without carrying the pomposity and grandiloquence of "Sir Lancelot and the Black Knight" from the predecessor "The Myths And Legends Of King Arthur And The Knights Of The Round Table", the album's fantastic second piece "The Prisoner" features a similar structure, less orchestrated but just as dizzying, where Roger Newell's energetic bass, Tony Fernandez's consistent drumming and John Dunsterville's acoustic guitars underpin the dynamic melody for Wakeman's virtuosic display of crystalline clavinet sounds. The lilting "The Lost Circle" closes the work by rounding off the idea of the probable existence of life outside this planet.
The 2016 40th anniversary reissue brings with it a concert at London's Hammersmith Odeon in 1976 recorded by the BBC, with a very good sound and a rich selection of songs, highly recommended.
Despite not having achieved greater popularity or widespread recognition, "No Earthly Connection" is one of Wakeman's finest creations and an inescapable classic in his discography.
4 stars
Rick Wakeman Symphonic Prog
Review by
Hector Enrique
Prog Reviewer
The orchestration takes on special relevance in pieces such as the opening and descriptive "Arthur", the vertiginous and remarkable "Sir Lancelot and the Black Knight" (the best track on the album), or the choral "Sir Galahad", where Wakeman masterfully incorporates classical pianos and the exuberance of the moog, instrument that also takes a leading role along with the harpsichord and Roger Newell's defiant bass in the mesmerising "Merlin the Magician", a piece that also adds unexpected and contrasting elements taken from the Charleston. And amidst the stories of the knights and their fierce battles, the delicate "Guinevere" pauses to introduce Arthur's wife with a beautiful and accessible melody guided by classical piano, synthesizers and the melancholy effect of mellotrons, supported by a gentle chorus, acoustic chords and Jeffrey Crampton's guitar solo.
The concluding, languid "The Last Battle" takes elements from all the previous tracks and harmonises them into an unhurried finale, which indulges in a prolonged instrumental build-up, sadly reviews the final days of Arthur's reign at the hands of the Saxons and orchestrally closes the album.
"The Myths And Legends Of King Arthur And The Knights Of The Round Table is one of Wakeman's most ambitious conceptual works. Although it is blamed for the overflowing virtuosity that the musician can sometimes use and abuse, it is one of the indispensable albums of his discography.
3.5/4 stars
Rick Wakeman Symphonic Prog
Review by
Hector Enrique
Prog Reviewer
From the chords of the melodic "Catherine of Aragon", Wakeman draws on instruments such as classical piano, hammonds, mellotrons and moogs, accompanied by a female choir that brings a halo of drama to the track, and continues more aggressively with the long, linear "Anne of Cleves" backed by Alan White and Frank Ricotti's relentless, pounding percussion. The album's finest moments come with the piano tunes of the beautiful, shifting "Catherine Howard" and the celestial solemnity of the baroque "Jane Seymour" and the soulful sonority of the organ of London's St. Gilles Cathedral, which Wakeman masterfully combines with the moog.
And after the volatile contrasts and instrumental variations that portray the most famous of the wives, the temperamental "Anne Boleyn" including a short hymn attributed by Wakeman to the 19th century composer Edward J. Hopkins, the album concludes with another great track a must in Wakeman's live repertoire, the intense "Catherine Parr" and its lilting back and forth keyboards, with a brief chorus and the melodramatic effect of the moogs underpinning the closing.
It's worth noting that fragments of the work are compiled in the six and a half minute superlative medley "Excerpts from The Six Wives...", contained on Yes' live album "Yessongs".
"The Six Wives of Henry VIII" is one of the best albums, if not the best, in Wakeman's vast discography, and conveys the luminous state of grace he was in at the time.
4/4.5 stars
Rick Wakeman Symphonic Prog
Review by MellotronBoy37
I have the entire album on my cellphone and honestly, i like that album.
Right... About the songs, Glory Boys have a power Rock with a slow segment. The singer is not so bad, but nothing surpass Ashley Holt and your works on Journey, Arthur and Earthly. The opening is shining and melancholic.
Ghost of A Rock'n'Roll Star (Jethro Tull aspires the thematic of this song) is from a Phantom of Rock get to wish to return to the stages. The melody is interesting and the musical references (like a Jimi Hendrix) is so cool.
Elgin Mansions is a piano training. I feel this song should stay in one of the Airs Trilogy, but, the "rickrock" album have a necessity to have a different things...
Well, i never known a one single album have a differences from the integral album, but i think this don't have differences... (I need to check...)
Rick Wakeman Symphonic Prog
Review by Rfd60