RETRO

I was - am - a big Rick Wakeman fan and was pleased to hear about this album using "old" keyboards - Mellotrons, moogs, Hammond, RMI, Prophet and early Korg, and the like. Wakeman's solo efforts have been disappointing for some time but this seems to have been a real labour of love, and the care he has shown pays off. Its not a masterpeice but it does at times show real class, and he's not lost his touch at the keyboards. The downsides first - a tendency for quantity (nearly 70 minutes) over quality, and the use of Ashley Holt (sorry Ashley) who did great work on "No Earthly Connection" but with respect is no spring chicken and years have taken their toll on his vocal chords; and maybe some of the tunes aren't that great. OK that's enough carping - what it does show is his passion and enthusiasm for music; his technique which is undiminished by passing years; and Tony Fernandez remains under-appreciated. Best tracks - "Can You Smell The Burning" has Wakey in fine fettle on Hammond; "Just Another Day"; and I admit to enjoying "Leave the Blindfold" though I'm not sure I'd want my daughter singing about leaving a blnidfold on the bedpost though mine is half the age of Ricks..even so!? I think Rick has put a lot of love and care into this album, and all credit for resurrecting the very special sound of those '70's keyboards. In terms of this site's marking regime, its good, but not essential - 3 stars, though nostalgia nearly gained it a 4th.