Rick Wakeman is a master mind keyboardist that has enjoyed a successful rock career over the years, most notably with leading bands Yes and The Strawbs and for his sought-after collaborations with top artists of the day such as David Bowie, Cat Stevens and Black Sabbath. Wakeman is now turning his diverse talents to the classical world and is proud to present his debut album for Sony Classical titled, Piano Odyssey. The album contains twelve tracks that were all personally chosen, crafted, orchestrated and arranged by Wakeman himself. The material is diverse and with familiar and favorite works by such diverse artist such as: Queen, Yes, Liszt, Handel and David Bowie as well as repertoire from ‘The Six Wives of Henry VIII’ and new solo compositions, all performed on the legendary Granary Steinway Model D grand piano. Wakeman’s arrangements present familiar rock classics and classical themes in an exceptional, innovative and exciting way that is a gratifying listen. That’s the short it!
Piano Odyssey
While My Guitar Gently Weeps (Arranged for Piano, Strings & Chorus by Rick Wakeman)
Liebesträume / After The Ball (Arranged for Piano, Strings & Chorus by Rick Wakeman)
And You & I (Arranged for Piano, Strings & Chorus by Rick Wakeman)
Rocky (The Legacy)
The Boxer (Arranged for Piano, Strings & Chorus by Rick Wakeman)
The Wild Eyed Boy From Freecloud (Arranged for Piano, Strings & Chorus by Rick Wakeman)
Strawberry Fields Forever (Arranged for Piano, Strings & Chorus by Rick Wakeman)
Roundabout (Arranged for Piano, Strings & Chorus by Rick Wakeman)
Cyril Wolverine
Jane Seymour
Largos (Arranged for Piano, Strings & Chorus by Rick Wakeman)
Bohemian Rhapsody (Arranged for Piano, Strings & Chorus by Rick Wakeman)
Release Date: October 12, 2018
Sony Classical
54 minutes
Wakeman’s orchestrative skills are colorful, imaginative and bring new subtleties out from within these well-known songs. His playing is in top form and shows his vast abilities across multiple genres.