Rick Wakeman - Solo Career Appreciation

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  I have always had a
fondness for Rick Wakeman and his music. 
As a musician, he is one of the greatest in any genre.  He also has enormous talent in
composition.  However, Rick is like a
Persian carpet. (There's an old Persian proverb that says, "A Persian Rug
is Perfectly Imperfect, and Precisely Imprecise". This notion of
intentionally including slight and minor irregularities is derived from the
religious belief that God is the only perfect being and that attempting
absolute perfection would be claiming the position of the Almighty.) In all of
his works there are flaws.  This keyboard
god definitely has feet of clay and Rick is the first to admit this.  If you visit his website, you will find Rick passing verdict on the
albums that he has recorded and often he is his harshest critic.  Regularly there are comments such as ‘If you
want to hear what I was recording when I was somewhat confused as to what
direction to go in, then this is the album for you.’  and ‘One for the collectors - but not really
anybody else!!’  In other places he
complains about how a lack of budget stopped him from making the album he
wanted to make.  Sometimes Rick’s critical
judgement is questionable.  On the
album Time Machine’ there is a song called ‘Ice’. 
Let’s just say that it is not great.  
Have a listen: 

Most would agree that it is not one of Rick’s finest
moments.
Take a look at this critique (it’s quite funny – though the
kid is a little annoying):

So what does Rick, himself say about the song?  Well, on his website he say this: ‘Ice is for
me the best overall song I have ever written.’ This doesn’t seem to be said
with any irony!!!
I have about 40 of Rick’s solo albums and although most of them
are far from perfect, every one of them is worth listening to.  Even the weakest albums have charm, humour, interesting
melodic invention and heart.  There is
something irrepressible and likeable about Rick Wakeman that I find utterly
engaging. His blokey, down-to-earth charm is often at odds with his flamboyant
music and keyboard style.  His utter lack
of pretension is refreshing in a musical genre that is sometimes otherwise.  Other members of Yes perhaps fair less favourably
in this regard.  Take for instance the
comments on Steve Howe and Yes by John Martyn: ‘They were snotty, horrible people who
thought they were intellectuals. They were hot from the university circuit,
just hateful. I quite liked the drummer, Alan someone-or-other [White], but the
guitar player [Steve Howe] I never could stand at any price’
My favourite Rick Wakeman albums are as follows:
1.     
Six Wives of Henry VIII
2.     
Six Wives of Henry VIII (2009 live version)
3.     
Criminal Record
4.     
Journey to the Centre of the Earth (2012 studio
version)
5.     
Journey to the Centre of the Earth (original
version)
6.     
The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the
Knights of the Round Table
7.     
No Earthly Connection
8.     
Out There
9.     
Retro II
10.  
Retro I
11.  
1984
12.  
Can You Hear Me
13.  
White Rock
14.  
Fields of Green
15.  
Softsword
How about you?  What
are your thoughts on all things Wakeman?

Edited by Green Shield Stamp - May 04 2015 at 15:08