THE MYTHS AND LEGENDS OF KING ARTHUR AND THE KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE

This is the only solo album of Rick's from the 70s which I've got, and while it's by no means an absolute classic, it is a solid piece of symphonic prog. The opening track and 'Guinevere' are both classic mid-70s prog tracks which are the perfect showcase for Rick's keyboard playing, and Ashley Holt possesses an impressive baritone which is not dissimilar to John Lawton from Uriah Heep. My favourite track on the album is 'Merlin The Magician', which is probably my favourite solo song of Rick's along with the title track from 'Out There'. My only quibbles with this track are that the Gregorian chant at the beginning and the 'vaudeville' sections mar what would otherwise be a flawless instrumental. I suppose the non-prog fan would find it easy to sneer at this album as a typical piece of medieval escapism (and the King Arthur On Ice debacle was pure Spinal Tap), but I'd have no hesitation in recommending this album as the perfect introduction to Rick's solo work.

BTW happy birthday Rick, I'll see you in Rotherham on Saturday.