THE SIX WIVES OF HENRY VIII

Rick Wakeman´s first ´real´ solo album (Piano Variations is only a little known experiment) is a superb efford. If you like keyboards sounds then you´re in prog heaven! I still think this album dated a bit, but it is also undeniably good. I remember how much stir this record made at the time. And being totally instrumental, this is no mean feat. Although there are some colaborators (notably his pals from Strawbs and Yes)make no mistake: this is a keyboards album. Not so much orchestrated as some of his next two works, but very much in classical vein.

Small wonder Rick Wakeman was considered one of the most influential figures in prog music to emerge in the 70´s. His work is quite groundbreaking, his technique is absolute fabulous and the songwriting is superb. He might be a little forgotten for some time, he may have released too many not so interesting albums, but this is one of those CDs anyone should hear if he is even lightly interested in prog music.