THE SIX WIVES OF HENRY VIII

The huge fold out inner sleeve picture from this album is taken from above and shows keyboard-wizard Rick Wakeman surrounded by two M400 Melotrons, two Minimoog synthesizers, a Steinway Grand piano, a Hammond C-3 organ, an RMI Electric piano and harpsichord, THIS IS KEYBOARD HEAVEN!! By the way, Rick was not only collecting keyboards but also Rolls Royces!

On this album Rick invited an impressive list of guest musicians including The Strawbs members Chas Cronk, Dave Lambert and Dave Cousins, Yes members Chris Squire, Steve Howe and Alan White along Bill Bruford and Ray Cooper. Don't expect refined, elaborated or complex compositions, this album is a keyboard-self-indulgent, almost megalomaniac solo effort from our 'caped crusader'! I'm pleased with the dynamic rhythm-section on this album during the six compositions and I'm delighted about the keyboard excertitions from Rick Wakeman. He used his wide range of keyboards in a very tasteful, often impressive way: sparkling piano runs in "Catherine of Aragon", tender classical piano and wonderful violin-Mellotron waves in "Catherine Howard", impressive church-organ and sensational Minimoog flights in "Jane Seymour", sparkling piano, flashy Minimoog runs and lush Hammond organ in "Anna Boleyn" and amazing Hammond organ work, beautiful choir- Mellotron and Grieg-inspired Minimoog runs in "Catherine Parr".

For me this first solo album from Rick Wakeman is a masterpiece because it sounds so impressive and pleasant and it turned out to be a pivotal one for many worldwide future progrock keyboard players. THIS IS A VINTAGE KEYBOARD AFICIONADOS WET DREAM!!!