WAKEMAN WITH WAKEMAN [AKA: LURE OF THE WILD]

Slightly stronger than "no Expense Spared". This is the first album in which Wakeman with his son (Adam) get together to record an album. There are no vocals in this one. It is instead an album to demostrate the flexibility of keyboards. (like Six Wives of Henry VIII). The drumming is unfortunately programmed, but the outstanding keyboard work by the father and son redeems that. Keyboards have many layers here.

Like many other Rick Wakeman albums, this feels like it has a big highlight and the rest can't keep up with that song's quality (but the rest in this case is good music). I am talking about the Progressive rock epic "Caesarea". If that song was recorded with real drumming, and better keyboard sounds, it could have been a classic because the songwriting here is excellent. The introduction of the piece (the first section) is my favourite, and I love how it builds up. The second section is a long synth solo. The third section is another solo with good keyboard playing.

The rest of the music here is accessible, and straightforward. It is nothing experimental nor progressive, but the duo do what they do best : create good instrumental songs, with extended solos. The last song disappoints : it is a cover from the Rolling Stones. The Wakeman's did surgery and killed that song.

Highlights : Caesarea, Lure of the Wild

Let Downs : The suicide Shuffle, Paint it Black

Grade : C-