AFRICAN BACH

Rick Wakeman

Symphonic Prog

2.58 | 29 ratings

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Easy Livin
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator / Retired Admin

A tax loss!

Although not released in the UK until 1993, "African Bach" was originally released in Japan, and possibly South Africa in 1991 (the latter perhaps under the alternative title of "Anthems", information on this is sketchy!). At the time, Wakeman was churning out new age albums to meet the bills, so it is reassuring that this is more of a rock album than others of that period. It is however a pop rock album, with basic shortish song structures. Wakeman takes a back seat much of the time, leaving vocalist Ashley Holt to dominate proceedings.

The album has a strange mix of Holt's distinctive voice, and female African style choir singing on the choruses. The concept is "the suffering of mankind and his inhumanity toward his fellow man". Wakeman is quoted as rating the songwriting on it as some of his best ever, and certainly some of the tracks are lyrically well composed. Others such as "Just a game" and the title track ("He only comes in the dark, Mr. African Bach") however have a rather amateurish feel.

Musically, the softer and slower tracks are the most effective. "My homeland" emphasises the contrasting vocal styles, while "Anthem" has a hymnal quality. Too many of tracks though are basic pop rock fare, and some like "Face in the crowd" seem downright out of place lyrically.

Wakeman followed the "World music" trail to South Africa to record some of the album. He was apparently upset to find out later that the backers of the project had invested in it as a tax loss!

Better than the flood of new age albums which surrounded it, but not a patch on his great albums.

Easy Livin | 2/5 | 2004-12-29

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