CRIMINAL RECORD

For me Rick WAKEMAN's solo work is often hit or miss but certainly "Journey and Six Wives" are pure classics and Rick landed something special with the release of "Criminal Record". Certainly the music contained on this album far exceeds the cheesie cover it is embarrassingly is adorned in. WAKEMAN recorded this album following his work with YES in 1977 on "Going for the One" and really catches him in a creative stratum. Rick is joined by fellow YES-men Chris Squire and Alan White who contribute some superb bass and drum interplay. Although this album is not as pompous as many of WAKEMAN's album he still does employ a wide range of keyboards including Grand Piano, Mini-Moog, Polymoog, Hammond C3 Organ, Birotron, Mander Pipe Organ, RMI Computer Keyboard, Harpsichord, Birotron, Fender Rhodes, Hohner Clavinet, Mander Pipe Organ, RMI, Mander Pipe Organ, Organ and Church Organ. The song writing on this album is also very strong with some breathtaking melodies and interludes. This is one of those albums that once you are roped into will sweep you away ands likely stay close to your hifi for eternity. The end result is an exceptional keyboard dominated prog rock album with that unique Rick WAKEMAN classical feel. Must also thank my pal Ken Baird for putting me onto this album of Rick's.