FACE THE MUSIC – RICK WAKEMAN

FACE THE MUSIC – RICK WAKEMAN

You never ask someone such as Rick Wakeman if he has any new projects up his sleeve, chiefly because the man is a powerhouse of talent and ideas. A more sensible approach is to enquire what he hasn’t been up to lately. Rick is without doubt one of the most diverse and interesting musicians on the planet, with a career spanning over four decades. As a keyboard player he moves effortlessly from progressive rock to classical piano and was a pioneer of the electronic keyboard. He also enjoys being an active studio musician and was a member of legendary bands, The Strawbs and Yes. He manages to host a regular radio show, scored for films, is a writer, has been President of the Comic Heritage Foundation, Honorary President of the Classic Rock Society and of course he is one of the ‘Grumpy Old Men’.

He credits his father, who was a competent pianist, as one of the main influences on his career and that love and open approach to music has stayed with him ever since. Rick enjoys a varied solo career, with many diverse compositions over the years, including the infamous 2008 one man tour entitled ‘The Grumpy Old Picture Show’. Last year saw the first complete performance of his ‘Six Wives of Henry VIII’ performed at Hampton Court Palace. Asked if he could remember the first record he ever bought, he says “it’s as clear as yesterday, I saved up my pocket money and went out and purchased three records; Kenny Ball, Russ Conway and Lonnie Donegan. I was lucky enough to possess a Downset record player, it had a fabulous tone – I would love to have one again”.

As for activities, at home he is an early riser; most days up with the larks before 6 am to listen to the dawn chorus and in his studio soon after. He is a passionate football fan and has supported Brentford F.C. since he was in short trousers. If there was one person in musical history he would have wished to have met, “that would be Percofief, I have no hesitation in saying this as the man was an absolute genius”. On July 16th this former Royal Collage of Music student will be giving a solo performance on a Steinway in Bath Abbey, as part of the Bath Concert Series. “It’s open to all ages, I’m thrilled to be playing in the Abbey, I’ve given many of these performances before and sometimes three generations of the same family turn up. I’ll be telling anecdotes and talking to the audience about the music, which will be a variety of classical and contemporary”. We wouldn’t expect anything other from him, in fact you could say musically, Rick Wakeman is as open as a church door.

KENNY BALL AND HIS JAZZMEN – I Still Love You All

This was one of those first three records I bought, I think the year was about 1961 and I’ve admired Kenny and his band ever since. I love Trad jazz and Dixieland, of which this record is a great example. His next recording ‘Midnight in Moscow’ topped the charts in the UK and States simultaneously, but this record remains very special to me.

LONNIE DONEGAN – My Old Man’s a Dustman

Back to the early days of skiffle. This was recorded live at a cinema which was being used for one night as a music venue and captured by chance by some bright young spark from a record company, who convinced them to release it. It was one of the first 45’s singles in the country and was an instant number one seller.

RICK DERINGER – Rock ‘n Roll Hoochi Coo

I first heard this in the States many years ago, I admired it then and love it now, in fact it’s on my juke box at home. This is real stripped back rock ‘n roll at its very best.

CCS – Whole lotta love

A British band lead by blues guitarist Alexis Korner. I’m a great admirer of Led Zeppelin, but this band’s instrumental version of this famous track is stunning. The power and gusto of the band which consisted of hard working session musicians, knocks me off my feet. Many people of a certain age will remember it as the theme for ‘Top of the Pops’ during the 1970s.

THE BLACK CROWS – Hard to Handle

Cover versions of records are very interesting. The way an artist will have a different interpretation of someone else’s work is fascinating. Here the band covered one of the most admired soul singers in the world – not an easy task by any stretch of the imagination, however they pulled it off, and it works.

OTIS READING – Shake

He was known as the King of Soul and never more a correct term has been levelled on anyone in the music business. He tragically died in 1967 and this record was issued posthumously along with the classic ‘Dock of the Bay’. Steve Cropper played on Reading’s many recordings, including this studio version. I’ve known Steve for quite a few years, as well as being a friend he is a fine musician.

SAM AND DAVE – Hold on I’m Comin’

A monster R&B hit, recorded in the mid-sixties on the famous Stax record label. There were so many great people playing and recording around that time, many previously working the gospel music circuit. They worked closely with producer Jim Stewart who was the founder of Stax.
THE WHO – My Generation

I really like the bass play on this record by the then young John Entwistle, it’s got everything, it’s quirky, full of life, young and fresh and still stands up today.
SERGEI PROKOFIEV – The March from Romeo and Juliet

A 20th century composer who in my opinion, was a genius. This particular score boasts a cacophony of sound, which is stunning. In his time he had the reputation of a musical rebel. On his death in the Soviet Union, The March was played at his funeral.

TCHAIKOVSKY – Swan Lake

I am an avid admirer of ballet and opera. When I am in Milan I often visit La Scala and drink in the atmosphere. Tchaikovsky’s impact at that time was awesome. Swan Lake is a fine example of this man’s inspirational approach to music.