MY INSPIRATION

"My inspiration" is a rather curious compilation which draws its tracks from just two albums. The albums concerned are "White rock 2" (a studio recording") and "Official live bootleg" (a live album recorded in Argentina). The three disc release includes all the tracks on those albums, while the two disc version simply omits disc 3 without any change in the track order. The three disc version was released first, but subsequently withdrawn. Bizarrely, all the tracks on the two albums would have fitted easily onto two discs.

The tracks are mixed together in rather haphazard order with no apparent effort having been made to come up with a logical sequence.

The "White rock 2" tracks pale in comparison to the original album of that name. They are simply drawn out keyboard renditions of weak themes which challenge neither Rick's compositional skills or his performing ability. Simply put, Rick can churn out two or three tracks like those here in a morning, and still have time to walk the dog round the island.

The "Official bootleg" tracks are more interesting, as they are taken from a 1993 tour Rick did with his son Adam. These recordings are from a Buenos Aries, Argentina gig (but not the 1997 one which is available on DVD). Included is a full length instrumental only rendition of "Journey to the centre of the earth" and a 12+ minute medley from "King Arthur". Rick and Adam combine on both pieces to create a symphonic sound which more than adequately substitutes for the orchestra on the originals.

The remaining pieces include a couple "Six wives" tracks, and a pair of covers. The rendition of "Catherine Parr" offers a wonderfully adventurous take on the piece, while retaining the integrity of the original. The Beatles "Eleanor Rigby" and the Rolling Stones "Paint it black" are just opportunities for Rick and Adam to have a bit of fun.

In all, a reasonable way to obtain the two albums at a budget price. The presentation is however very poor, with no booklet or information of any sort. Check the number of discs you are getting before buying too!