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Rick Wakeman: The Caped Crusader of Prog

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Psychedelic Paul View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Psychedelic Paul Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 07 2021 at 14:00
I'm sure you won't mind if I skip Rick Wakeman's bizarre 1991 collaboration with Norman Wisdom, but just in case you wonder what you're all missing, there's a sample song from the album below. I suppose Rick had to have a 2-star turkey lurking somewhere in his huge discography, although I expect the album's very popular in Albania. Tongue
 
 
Not surprisingly, you won't find the album mentioned anywhere in Rick's Plaice. Smile
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Psychedelic Paul Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 08 2021 at 02:47
 4 stars Classic Tracks (1993) - Three classic tracks (and one not so well known track) are given a 90's reworking, and very good it is too, despite what Rick says about the album below.
 
Rick's Perspective
 
"I despise this album in every respect. The master tapes of the back tracks were taken to America and appalling vocals put on them without my approval. The final result was also then sold without my approval and without my receiving a penny. The master tapes were never even returned to me. the album is a disgrace."
 
Rick's Verdict
 
"If you buy it, don't expect me ever to autograph it."
 
Journey to the Centre of the Earth (video courtesy of Rick Wakeman) - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoIDt_C5y1LsVnF3oaog1CqYWqqh3oGqB
 
 
Review by Topper Fralick on 22nd February 2002:-
 
"This album should be on everyone's want list! Instead of just rehashing songs for another compilation, Rick has rearranged and expanded the tracks to give them new life! 'Journey To The Center Of The Earth' is performed without narration and orchestration, giving space for inspired performance from Rick and the band. 'Catherine Howard' has been extended, allowing some interesting changes from the original version. 'Merlin The Magician' is fun! The new vocal and band arrangement really is ,well, magical! The sound of the recording is excellent as well. Bravo!!"


Edited by Psychedelic Paul - January 08 2021 at 03:37
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote chopper Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 08 2021 at 04:10
Originally posted by Psychedelic Paul Psychedelic Paul wrote:

 4 stars Classic Tracks (1993) - Three classic tracks (and one not so well known track) are given a 90's reworking, and very good it is too, despite what Rick says about the album below.
 
Rick's Perspective
 
"I despise this album in every respect. The master tapes of the back tracks were taken to America and appalling vocals put on them without my approval. The final result was also then sold without my approval and without my receiving a penny. The master tapes were never even returned to me. the album is a disgrace."
 
Rick's Verdict
 
"If you buy it, don't expect me ever to autograph it."
 
 
Review by Topper Fralick on 22nd February 2002:-
 
"This album should be on everyone's want list! Instead of just rehashing songs for another compilation, Rick has rearranged and expanded the tracks to give them new life! 'Journey To The Center Of The Earth' is performed without narration and orchestration, giving space for inspired performance from Rick and the band. 'Catherine Howard' has been extended, allowing some interesting changes from the original version. 'Merlin The Magician' is fun! The new vocal and band arrangement really is ,well, magical! The sound of the recording is excellent as well. Bravo!!"
Well this is not as bad as Rick makes out, but not as good as the over-enthusiastic reviewer suggests either.
I've got to say, it appears Rick was in need of a good manager around this time, according to Wikipedia he was threatened with violence if he interfered with the release of this album!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Psychedelic Paul Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 08 2021 at 04:48
^ The reviewer Topper Fralick later changed his mind about what he wrote in his review after reading what Rick had to say about the album. Confused
 
---------------------------------------------
 
 4 stars The Classical Connection 2 (1993) - More classical piano keyboard wizardry.
 
Rick's Perspective
 
"After going out yet again on tour with a second Classical Connection line up, it was deemed necessary to have another release to coincide with such an event and so Classical Connection II was born which was half live and half studio, which always made it an unsatisfactory compromise as far as I was concerned."
 
Rick's Verdict
 
"If you've already got Classical Connection in your collection, then I suppose it makes sense to have Classical Connection II as well."
 
 
 
Review by Julia Harries on 11th November 2000:-
 
"This recording contains a selection of Rick Wakeman's compositions and two of his best covers, all performed in a classical style. "Eleanor Rigby" has been arranged by Wakeman in the style of his favourite composer Prokofiev and gives the listener not only a virtuoso performance by the maestro but also a brilliant accompaniment by David Paton on guitar. It's as close to a duet as you can get. The wonderfully gentle "Birdman of Alcatraz" has been rearranged from the now unavailable "Criminal Record". "Summertime" by Gershwin is another triumph of interpretation and is a perfect lazy Summer Sunday afternoon track. "Farandol" was recorded in 1971 during the recording sessions for Wakeman's first solo album "The Six Wives of Henry VIII" and is special because it features Steve Howe on guitar, Chris Squire on bass and Alan White on drums. It's only short but it's a real fun piece. All the tracks are good but one other that stands out for me is "Art and Soul". It's a piano piece with digital orchestral accompaniment, which is just brilliant."


Edited by Psychedelic Paul - January 08 2021 at 06:22
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote chopper Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 08 2021 at 04:58
^ another one that's not on Spotify, although while searching for it I came across his version of "How much is that doggy in the window" done in the style of Claude Debussy, which is brilliant.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Psychedelic Paul Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 08 2021 at 05:27
^ I'll have to look out for that one. Smile
 
Here's a "Special" New Year's message from Rick's Plaice, which is especially very "Special." Tongue
 


Edited by Psychedelic Paul - January 08 2021 at 05:31
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Psychedelic Paul Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 08 2021 at 06:21
 4 stars Wakeman with Wakeman (also known as Lure of the Wild) (1993) - The first album recorded with Rick's son, Adam Wakeman, with the cover version of the Rolling Stones' Paint It Black being an especially Special highlight. Smile
 
Rick's Perspective
 
"A good fun album all round with some good playing, but perhaps suffers in retrospect from a lack of balance. It's hard to know what "journey" you've been on by the time you get to the last track. I always loved Paint It Black and although we did a wicked live version on stage, it never really took off in the way I expected."
 
Rick's Verdict
 
"If you only have the money for one CD, then this isn't the one. If you have money for three or four then it's worth considering."
 
Paint It Black (video courtesy of ArrrrghSky) -  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoIDt_C5y1LvUmWsO0GCGkgN6Esg0kZ9O
 
 
Review by Ken Matthews on 4th June 2003:-
 
"There's really only one word to sum up this album - STUNNING. Beautifully recorded with everything sounding bright and lively.Caesarea is one track that proves the point showing off Rick's classical training and ability to blend in a modern tempo in the same piece of music. This should be considered a real Wakeman masterpiece - it's simply gorgeous and I never get tired of listening to this, and all the other tracks. Paint It Black could have been left off in all honesty because Rick really shines through best when the music is written by him, rather than a cover version of someone else's material."
 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Psychedelic Paul Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 08 2021 at 06:58
 3 stars The Heritage Suite (1993) - Rick returns with some gently lilting piano ballads.
 
Rick's Perspective
 
"The first solo piano album that I can truly say I was happy with. I was pleased with the playing, pleased with the writing and pleased with the way the music depicted the subject matter. The whole package, including the cover and booklet was very pleasing for me."
 
Rick's Verdict
 
"If you like piano music in a 19th century classical style then this is for you."
 
 
The Chasms (video courtesy of Dacrequena) - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoIDt_C5y1LtrPV89BR7AfkQM276GxMav
 
 
 
Review by Ron Grech on 26th December 2009:-
 
"Surely this is the antidote for those who are wary of wandering through a minefield of Wakeman’s lesser-known works – particularly for listeners who have had issues with certain vocalists or cheesy-sounding keyboards. In this instance, Rick performs alone on piano, all instrumental, all original works. Rest assured, this is not sleepy music. The tempo is varied. The playing at times beautiful and restrained, other times deft and aggressive – providing the full range one expects to hear on a good Rick Wakeman album. This is an album that should be spoken of in the same breath as Six Wives of Henry VIII, Journey To The Centre of the Earth and Criminal Record – ranking among his best."
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote chopper Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 08 2021 at 06:58
These reviewers are very enthusiastic. Are there any RW albums they don't like?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Psychedelic Paul Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 08 2021 at 07:02
Originally posted by chopper chopper wrote:

These reviewers are very enthusiastic. Are there any RW albums they don't like?
 
I tend to choose the most positive reviews and those that best reflect my own enthusiastic views on Rick's albums. Smile
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Cristi Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 08 2021 at 07:03
Originally posted by chopper chopper wrote:

These reviewers are very enthusiastic. Are there any RW albums they don't like?

just wait and see how he'll give 30 RW albums 5 stars. LOL
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Psychedelic Paul Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 08 2021 at 07:05
Originally posted by Cristi Cristi wrote:

Originally posted by chopper chopper wrote:

These reviewers are very enthusiastic. Are there any RW albums they don't like?

just wait and see how he'll give 30 RW albums 5 stars. LOL
If you go to the top of Page 1 on this thread, you can see how I've rated all of Rick Wakeman's albums so far, which reminds me, I need to add on the ratings for today's albums. Smile
 
I've only counted seven 5-star ratings out of the 46 Rick Wakeman albums listened to so far, so I don't think I've gone overboard with praise. Wink


Edited by Psychedelic Paul - January 08 2021 at 07:21
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Psychedelic Paul Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 08 2021 at 08:17
 4 stars No Expense Spared (with Adam Wakeman) (1993) - A great collection of rip-roaring Pop/Rock songs in Rick's own inimitable style.

Rick's Perspective

"One of the best prog rock openings I have managed to put together for any album. Trouble is for me it never really took off after that. Good melodies, good playing...but that's about it. I would one day like to dissect this album and remix it, perhaps even re-record a few areas as well."
 
Rick's Verdict
 
"It's always difficult to get cohesion in an album such as this. There was a lot of confusion from people as to which bits Adam played and which bits I played!!! Worth having though overall I feel."

Children of Chernobyl (video courtesy of Rocksy Musik) - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoIDt_C5y1LvOD7UvrV27Tjotf_xhWgIv

 
Review by Barry Cohen on 11th April 2000:-

"This marvellous recording is in my opinion very overlooked and underrated to say the least. This masterpiece by the undisputed King and Prince of the Keyboard Kingdom is a wide variety of different sounds which will evoke a myriad of feelings from the listener. Some of the highlights of this recording are the songs "Dylic", the melodic and breath-taking "Children of Chernobyl", the get you out of chair and up dancing "Jungle", "Is it Spring", and "It's your Move." In addition to these excellent songs Rick and Adam once again demonstrate their commitment to the causes of those less fortunate than ourselves with the heart breaking song "Dream the World Away" which speaks to the terrible tragedy of child neglect and abuse. Please do not overlook this stellar work by the Wakemans because it is just too incredible and powerful to not have in your RW and AW collection."

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Psychedelic Paul Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 08 2021 at 09:44
  5 stars Prayers (1993) - A beautiful album of spiritual devotion. Thank Heaven for Rick Wakeman! HeartHug Heart
 
Rick's Perspective
 
"A second album for ASSIST and again one that suffered from an appallingly low budget and I really am ashamed of letting this album appear as no better that a bunch of good songs in demo form. The songs are good, the playing is poor. Chrissie Hammond's vocals are the only saving grace. Only 5,000 copies were ever meant to be pressed and I know it was all for a good cause but I have learned now to produce no more sub standard productions."
 
Rick's Verdict
 
"Ignore this one and buy Can You Hear Me which was a much better recording and remix of the better tracks from this album."
 
 
 
 
Review by Jon Hinchliffe on 9th August 1997:-
 
"I was initially not too sure about buying this disc but I am glad I did it contains some great songs. Hymn of Hope has had its arrangement added to and now makes the Softsword version seem under worked. "I Can Hear You" is one of my all time favourite tracks it is an absolute Gem. The album contains readings by various people and I have to admit that I would normally program them out. Although the Devotion track is very thought provoking. A person purely interested in the songs should get the reworked versions on Can you Hear me? But I would recommend this to completionists and the moog solo on "I Can Hear You" is at its full splendour on this."


Edited by Psychedelic Paul - January 08 2021 at 11:09
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote verslibre Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 08 2021 at 12:14
Originally posted by Psychedelic Paul Psychedelic Paul wrote:

 4 stars Wakeman with Wakeman (also known as Lure of the Wild) (1993) - The first album recorded with Rick's son, Adam Wakeman, with the cover version of the Rolling Stones' Paint It Black being an especially Special highlight. Smile

One of the albums I always point folks to when they want to know if Rick "recorded anything good after the '70s"! Clap


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote verslibre Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 08 2021 at 12:21
Originally posted by Psychedelic Paul Psychedelic Paul wrote:

4 stars No Expense Spared (with Adam Wakeman) (1993) - A great collection of rip-roaring Pop/Rock songs in Rick's own inimitable style.

One of the best tracks from Rick's entire career lurks quietly on this one. Let's change that!


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Psychedelic Paul Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 08 2021 at 12:49
^ That's a great song.  Thumbs Up I almost posted the video for Dylic instead, until I came across Rick's live Children of Chernobyl video.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Psychedelic Paul Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 08 2021 at 15:22
 4 stars Access All Areas: Live in Nottingham (1990) - A lovely concert from my home city of Nottingham, featuring classic Wakeman favourites from the 70's - Heart - not released on video until 1998.

Rick's Perspective

"Recorded at Nottingham Studios for Central Television. It was good fun at the time. Says it all really!!!"

Rick's Verdict

"Well there are other live performances I would rather have in my collection to be honest."

Catherine Parr (video courtesy of Tony Mort) - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoIDt_C5y1LsjuWHjXiQZSzEQveaOSEvC


Review by Matt Wharton on 4th July 2002:-

"This video or DVD was recorded for ITV in 1990. It features "The old boy", Ashley Holt, Tony Fernandez And David Paton. Rick Is absolutely astonishing, Performing some of his most well known pieces. The layout of the stage is also quite something. It features a Giant "W" at the back of the stage, And unmissable, Is Ricks' Huge keyboard rig, 9 keyboards in all! It also has Tony Fernandez  in a Brilliant 5 minute Drum Solo! And David Paton doing a quite splendid Guitar solo. So to sum this up, I say it's a must buy. (In my opinion of course)"



Edited by Psychedelic Paul - January 09 2021 at 01:38
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Dellinger Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 08 2021 at 22:09
Originally posted by Psychedelic Paul Psychedelic Paul wrote:


 4 stars Classic Tracks (1993) - Three classic tracks (and one not so well known track) are given a 90's reworking, and very good it is too, despite what Rick says about the album below.
 
Rick's Perspective
 
"I despise this album in every respect. The master tapes of the back tracks were taken to America and appalling vocals put on them without my approval. The final result was also then sold without my approval and without my receiving a penny. The master tapes were never even returned to me. the album is a disgrace."
 
Rick's Verdict
 
"If you buy it, don't expect me ever to autograph it."
 
Journey to the Centre of the Earth (video courtesy of Rick Wakeman) - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoIDt_C5y1LsVnF3oaog1CqYWqqh3oGqB
 
 
Review by Topper Fralick on 22nd February 2002:-
 
"This album should be on everyone's want list! Instead of just rehashing songs for another compilation, Rick has rearranged and expanded the tracks to give them new life! 'Journey To The Center Of The Earth' is performed without narration and orchestration, giving space for inspired performance from Rick and the band. 'Catherine Howard' has been extended, allowing some interesting changes from the original version. 'Merlin The Magician' is fun! The new vocal and band arrangement really is ,well, magical! The sound of the recording is excellent as well. Bravo!!"





There are indeed some very nice versions of his songs on this one. The rockier than usual guitars (for his keyboard dominated standards) really sound cool. I particularly love his version of "Recollection".
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Dellinger Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 08 2021 at 22:14
Originally posted by Psychedelic Paul Psychedelic Paul wrote:


^ The early Rick Wakeman albums are still the best and there's a couple of "Six Wives" epic tunes on The Classical Connection above, but none on the Classical Connection Concert below. Smile
 
----------------------------------------------------------
 
  4 stars Classical Connection Concert (1991) - The live video album to accompany The Classical Connection studio album, featuring a different selection of songs.
 
Rick's Perspective
 
"Recorded at Hatfield this was a fun video but not one to buy really unless you're in to nostalgia. The company that made it managed to screw me mercilessly in the deal and to this day I've never received one penny from them!"
 
Rick's Verdict
 
"Please don't buy it!"
 
Eleanor Rigby (video courtesy of Music on TV1) - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoIDt_C5y1LtSLpNYWTM0Ei8o2xcUl5pv
 
 
Review by Peter H. Kort on 17th October 2005:-
 
"Despite Wakey's verdict "Please don't buy it", I like this DVD very much. I think it's too bad though, that I can't escape from the impression that parts have been deleted. As always, Rick's anecdotes are really funny (I especially liked the one about 'After the ball'). David Paton's guitar-work is sublime, specifically on Eleanor Rigby; truly a great instrumentalist! All in all, a very good buy (never mind what the grumpy old man thinks!)."
 
 



In a DVD, Live in Buenos Aires or something (from the same tour Out of the Blue came from, I think), if I remember correctly, they had added a CD with an "official bootleg" concert. Now that one had a vocal version of Eleanor Rigby (with Chrissie Hammond on vocals, I think) that sounded really nice... except that the sound quality of that CD was really terrible, so I can't really fully enjoy it. I really wish a concert such as that one was released with a real adequate sound quality.
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