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Rick Wakeman (born 18 May 1949 in Perivale, London) is an English keyboard player, composer, and songwriter known as the keyboardist for progressive rock group Yes. Originally a classically trained pianist, he was a pioneer in the use of electronic keyboards and in the use of a rock band in combination with orchestra and choir.He purchased his first electronic keyboard at the age of 12.In 1971 he acquired an early Minimoog synthesizer, purchasing it at half price from actor Jack Wild who believed that it was defective because it only played one note at a time.He hosts a regular radio show on Planet Rock. He is considered by many to be one of the best rock keyboardists of all time.Although Wakeman was a noted player of the Hammond organ and the Minimoog, he also used a Mellotron – an electronic musical instrument that used a bank of prerecorded magnetic tape strip loops, activated by each key on its keyboard. It proved too unwieldy and unreliable for regular touring, and he eventually doused his in petrol and set fire to it in a field.
`Journey To The Centre Of The Earth` 1974 @ 320K
1.The Journey/Recollection - 21:10
2.The Battle/The Forest - 18:57
`Journey To The Centre Of The Earth` is Rick Wakeman's second solo album, released in 1974. It is loosely based on Jules Verne's novel Journey to the Centre of the Earth. It was recorded live at the Royal Festival Hall in London, England on January 18, 1974. A big success, this album topped the charts of various countries and sold more than fourteen million copies.It is said that Wakeman had to sell many of his belongings and mortgage his house to record it. He couldn't cut it in the studio because of the restricted budget. It was originally written to be longer, but certain parts had to be cut and overdubbed since the orchestra was expensive and Wakeman couldn't afford to re-record those parts. Therefore, certain lyric sections are out of order.
Personnel :
Rick Wakeman - Synthesizers
Gary Pickford-Hopkins, Ashley Holt - vocals
David Hemmings - Narrations
Mike Egan - Guitar
Roger Newell - Bass
Barney James - drums
London Symphony Orchestra
The English Chamber Choir
David Measham - Conductor
Rick Wakeman Web http://www.rwcc.com/index.asp
Enjoy and support Rick ! Cheers ! (h) |
