BIRDMAN OF ALCATRAZ

Rick Wakeman, like almost any other prog musician, is not exactly a pop artist tailored for single markets, but in fact his vast discography has quite a lot of singles, too (to my surprise). The release of 'Birdman of Alcatraz' as a single was motivated by its appearance as a theme in a miniseries. Here's what All Movie Guide says: "Previously adapted as a Hollywood film in 1940, Howard Spring's best-selling novel 'My Son My Son' was given the miniseries treatment by Britain's BBC in 1978. Set in the period between the two world wars, the story concerned a self-made millionaire who was determined that his son would never suffer the same hardships that he himself experienced. In consequence, the son was spoiled rotten, resulting in tragedy."

'Birdman of Alcatraz' was taken from Rick's conceptual album Criminal Record (1977) which I had as a used vinyl long ago. I didn't enjoy the album enough to keep it permanently, but if I remember right, this piece was among its better tracks. It's a sparkling, highly decorative and shamelessly romantic piano piece. Enjoyable, why not, although a bit too kitschy à la Liberace for repeated listenings. I can imagine it must have sounded nice as a series theme, presuming that the series shared the sentimental approach.

The B side has 'Flacons de Neige' from Wakeman's next album Rhapsodies (1979), a double vinyl with a poor reception. I haven't listened to it entirely, but at least it has some beautiful pieces such as 'Sea Horses' that I know from a compilation. I don't think 'Flacons' would be among my biggest faves on it. The mellower parts with airy melodicism are enjoyable, but to me the composition tries too much and feels too excessive here and there, in a similar way as Keith Emerson. I also sense some SKY in the sound. Without the sharper parts I'd like it more.