OUT THERE

Rick Wakeman has to be one of the most prolific musicians of modern times. Looking at his web site it looks like he has released over 100 solo albums, let alone his albums with Yes and so many sessions that even he isn't sure how many he has played on. This album is credited to Rick Wakeman and the New English Rock Ensemble and hearkens back to the Seventies when Rick played with a full on rock band. The line-up is completed here by Tony Fernandez (drums), Ant Glynne (guitar), Lee Pomeroy (bass) and one Damian Wilson on vocals. The album reeks class from start to finish, from the artwork in the booklet to the final notes of the concept album drifting away.

Rick has used some fine singers in his time, both male and female, but Damian has the power and range to put many of these in the shade. Although this album has been written solely by Rick, the impression throughout is that this is a group that just happen to be led by a keyboard maestro as opposed to just a keyboard-fest. Damian has fitted into the role being asked of him and the result is an album that allows him to shine, whether he is singing with a choir or fronting the rock band that this outfit so readily can be.

I have been trying to rack my brains and think of a studio album by Rick that I have enjoyed more and while I can look back at the Seventies with great fondness I have to say that this is even better than those and is one that I will be playing a great deal in the future. I have also found myself singing bits of this to myself at work, certainly an unusual state of affairs, let alone for a Wakeman album! More details at www.rwcc.com

Originally appeared in Feedback #73, Jun 03