Rick Wakeman - Return to the Centre of the Earth, 1999, concept album (prog. rock / UK)

Rick Wakeman - Return to the Centre of the Earth (1999)

Return to the Centre of the Earth is a 1999 concept album by Rick Wakeman. This work is a sequel to Journey to the Centre of the Earth, an earlier album by Wakeman released in 1974.

The album is narrated by Patrick Stewart and features vocals by Justin Hayward, Katrina Leskanich, Tony Mitchell, Ozzy Osbourne, Trevor Rabin and Bonnie Tyler.

The album was performed live in its entirety only twice. Both performances occurred in the Canadian province of Québec.

The world premiere performance of the album was in Trois-Rivières, Quebec on June 30, 2001. Performing with Wakeman were The English Rock Ensemble, his son Adam on keyboards, guitarist Ant Glynne, bass player Lee Pomeroy, and drummer Tony Fernandez. Vocals were performed by Luck Mervil and Fabiola Toupin in a rare English-language performance for the two Francophone artists.

The album was performed in its entirety again on July 15, 2006 on the Plains of Abraham in Quebec City. Wakeman was accompanied by an all-star 45-piece symphonic orchestra conducted by Gilles Bellemare, the Vocalys Ensemble (a 20 person choir), the English Rock Ensemble, various vocal guests including Jon Anderson, Annie Villeneuve and Vincent Marois and a narration from Guy Nadon. All this was augmented by a large set of giant screens, fireworks and lights. Wakeman has stated that this show was the highlight of his career.

Return to the Centre of the Earth  3/7 (5 songs): https://youtu.be/xyzg2xFzYoM :

- Mother Earth - 00:00

- Buried Alive (featuring Ozzy Osbourne) - 3:49

- The Enigma - 9:51

- Is Anybody There? (Featuring Bonnie Tyler) - 11:11

- The Ravine - 17:47

Track listing (full album): 

"A Vision" (2:34)

"The Return Overture" (2:39)

"Mother Earth" (3:48)

      - "The Shadow of June"

      - "The Gallery"

      - "The Avenue of Prismed Light"

      - "The Earthquake"

"Buried Alive" (Ozzy Osbourne vocal) (6:01)

"The Enigma" (1:18)

"Is Anybody There?" (Bonnie Tyler vocal) (6:35)

"The Ravine" (0:49)

"The Dance of a Thousand Lights" (5:41)

"The Shepherd" (2:01)

"Mr. Slow" (Tony Mitchell vocal) (3:47)

"Bridge of Time" (1:12)

"Never is a Long, Long Time" (Trevor Rabin vocal and guitar) (5:19)

"Tales from the Lidenbrook Sea" (2:57)

   - "River of Hope"

   - "Hunter and Hunted"

   - "Fight for Life"

"The Kill" (5:23)

"Timeless History" (1:10)

"Still Waters Run Deep" (Justin Hayward vocal) (5:21)

"Time Within Time" (2:39)

      - "The Ebbing Tide"

      - "The Electric Storm"

"Ride of Your Life" (Katrina Leskanich vocal) (6:01)

"Floating" (1:59)

      - "Globes of Fire"

      - "Cascades of Fear"

"Floodflames" (2:00)

"The Volcano" (2:10)

      - "Tongues of Fire"

      - "The Blue Mountains"

"The End of the Return" (5:23)

Personnel:

Rick Wakeman - keyboards

Justin Hayward, Katrina Leskanich, Tony Mitchell, Ozzy Osbourne, Trevor Rabin, Bonnie Tyler - vocals

Patrick Stewart - narration

Fraser Thorneycroft-Smith - guitar

Phil Williams - bass

Simon Hanson - drums

London Symphony Orchestra - David Snell, conductor

The English Chamber Choir - Guy Protheroe, conductor

Source: wikipedia

Rick Wakeman - The Seven Wonders of the World, 1995, concept album (prog. rock, art rock, symphonic rock, new-age / UK)

Rick Wakeman - The Seven Wonders of the World (1995)

The Seven Wonders of the World is a studio album by progressive rock artist and keyboardist Rick Wakeman, released in 1995.
The album explores instrumentally the themes of each of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. Each track is introduced by Garfield Morgan, giving a short biography of each wonder before the instrumental track begins. The album is free of any bombastic attack, and each track has a refined tempo and instrumental progression that outlines each wonder's attributes.

"The idea for an album with this title was first decided upon in the 1970s and indeed in my racehorse ownership days, there was indeed a race named after the title. The Seven Wonders of the World Handicap Hurdle, which sadly never happened on the day because of a frozen course!"  — Rick Wakeman


Pharos of Alexandria: https://youtu.be/WW36e_586lw :

The Mausoleum At Halicarnassus: https://youtu.be/hCgddgePPS4 :

Track listing:

(All music composed by Rick Wakeman)

1. "The Pharos of Alexandria: narration"   0:43
2. "The Pharos of Alexandria"   9:40
3. "The Colossus of Rhodes: narration"   0:43
4. "The Colossus of Rhodes"   7:04
5. "The Pyramids of Egypt: narration"   0:38
6. "The Pyramids of Egypt"   6:30
7. "The Hanging Gardens of Babylon: narration"   0:53
8. "The Hanging Gardens of Babylon"   5:10
9. "The Temple of Artemis: narration"   0:58
10. "The Temple of Artemis"   6:27
11. "The Statue of Zeus: narration"   0:47
12. "The Statue of Zeus"   5:36
13. "The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus: narration"   0:42
14. "The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus"   11:12


Personnel: 

Rick Wakeman - Keyboards
Garfield Morgan - Narration

Stuart Sawney - Percussion Programming, Engineering


Source: Wikipedia

Rick Wakeman - The Family Album, 1987, "concept" album (New Age / UK)

Rick Wakeman - The Family Album (1987)

The Family Album is a new-age album by Rick Wakeman for which he recorded a song for every member of his family including his parents, pets and even his computer.


Years later, after divorcing his wife Nina and the passing of this parents, Wakeman has stated he no longer listens to this album as it brings him sadness.

It's not really a concept album but it comes close.



The Family Album:   https://youtu.be/IiIfiEMvMag

Track listing:

01. "Black Beauty" (black rabbit)
02. "Adam" (Rick's 2nd son)
03. "Jemma" (Rick & Nina's daughter)
04. "Benjamin" (Rick's 3rd son)
05. "Oscar" (Rick & Nina's son)
06. "Oliver" (Rick's 1st son)
07. "Nina" (Rick's wife)
08. "Wiggles" (black & white rabbit)
09. "Chloe" (German Shepherd)
10. "Kookie" (Cat)
11. "Tilly" (Golden Retriever)
12. "Mum"
13. "Dad"
14. "The Day After The Fair"
15. "Mackintosh"

Note: The main melody for "Nina" was later used by Wakeman for "The Meeting", a song from the 1989 album Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe.


Mucisian: Rick Wakeman - keyboards

Production: John Burns - engineer



Source: wikipedia

Rick Wakeman - 1984 , 1981, concept album (prog. rock, UK)

Rick Wakeman - 1984

1984 is a 1981 solo concept album by British keyboardist Rick Wakeman, based on the classic novel Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell. Tim Rice penned the lyrics.

Full album (part 1 of 2): 
https://youtu.be/JHuyZArFiIk?list=PLIeRRviu1HMlVOe4pIYP3UGBcG819y8w1 



 https://youtu.be/g6VYEuZz1zQ :  1984 Overture:

https://youtu.be/oYTWPUVFbiw : Julia : 

Track listing:

(Source: Discogs)

Side One:

1. "1984 Overture / Wargames"   (Chaka Khan)
2. "Julia"   (Chaka Khan)
3. "Hymn"   (Jon Anderson)
4. "The Room (Brainwash)"  


Side Two:

1. "Robot Man"  (Chaka Khan & Kenny Lynch)
2. "Sorry"  
3. "No Name"  (Steve Harley)
4. "Forgotten Memories"  
5. "Proles"   (Tim Rice )

6. "1984"  



Equipment:

Acoustic Piano
Prophet 5
Prophet 10
RMI Synthesizer
Organ
OBX1
Mini-Moog Synthesizers
CS80 Organ
String Machine
Synclavier



Musicians:

Rick Wakeman – keyboards
Steve Barnacle – bass guitar
Tim Stone – Guitar
Gary Barnacle – saxophone
Frank Ricotti – drums

Vocals: Chaka Khan, Kenny Lynch, Steve Harley, Tim Rice, Jon Anderson


Source: Wikipedia

Rick Wakeman - Criminal Record, 1977, concept album (prog. rock, UK)

Rick Wakeman's Criminal Record (1977)

Rick Wakeman's Criminal Record is the seventh studio album by English keyboardist Rick Wakeman, released in November 1977. The album was recorded in Montreux, Switzerland after Wakeman rejoined Yes in late 1976 as they were making Going for the One. With its concept loosely based on criminality, the album is an instrumental progressive rock record with the exception being "The Breathalyser", in which Bill Oddie provides spoken vocals. Bassist Chris Squire and drummer Alan White of Yes also play on three tracks.



https://youtu.be/ilLD-rA-E7U : full album:

https://youtu.be/t-epSo72ezg : Judas Iscariot:

Track listing:

(All songs written and composed by Rick Wakeman) 

Side one:

1. "Statue of Justice"   6:20
2. "Crime of Passion"   5:46
3. "Chamber of Horrors"   6:40


Side two: 

1. "Birdman of Alcatraz"   4:12
2. "The Breathalyser"   3:51
3. "Judas Iscariot"   12:15



Equipment used:

Steinway 9' Grand Piano
Minimoog synthesizer
Polymoog synthesizer
Hammond C3 organ
Birotron
Mander Pipe organ - recorded at the church of St. Martin, Vevey, Switzerland
RMI computer keyboard
Harpsichord
Fender Rhodes 88 electric piano
Hohner clavinet
Baldwin electric harpsichord
Church organ


Personnel:

Rick Wakeman – keyboard, producer
Chris Squire – bass
Alan White – drums
Frank Ricotti – percussion
Bill Oddie – vocals on 5
Ars Laeta Choir of Lausanne, Switzerland
Robert Mernoud – Conductor
John Timperley – engineer
Dave Richards - engineer



Source: Wikipedia

Rick Wakeman - The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, 1975, concept album (prog. rock, UK)

Rick Wakeman - The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table (1975)

The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table is the third studio album from the English keyboardist Rick Wakeman, released in April 1975 on A&M Records. Its concept based on the legend of King Arthur and the various figures and events associated with him.
Wakeman performs with an orchestra, choir, and his rock band, The English Rock Ensemble.

Much of the album was written while Wakeman, at 25 years old, recovered from his first of three minor heart attacks at Wexham Park Hospital. After a specialist advised him to stop playing and retire, he ignored it, and wrote "The Last Battle" on the same night.


https://youtu.be/spBiRO_qzPo : 

Musicians:

Rick Wakeman – synthesisers, keyboards, grand piano
Gary Pickford-Hopkins – lead vocals
Ashley Holt – lead vocals
Geoff Crampton – lead and acoustic guitars
Roger Newell – bass guitar
Barney James – drums
John Hodgson – percussion
The English Chamber Choir


Track listing:

(All tracks and lyrics were written by Wakeman)

Side one:

"Arthur" – 7:26
"Lady of the Lake" – 0:45
"Guinevere" – 6:45
"Sir Lancelot and the Black Knight" – 5:20


Side two:

"Merlin the Magician" – 8:51
"Sir Galahad" – 5:51
"The Last Battle" – 9:41




Source and more info: Wikipedia

Rick Wakeman - Journey to the Centre of the Earth, 1974, concept album (prog. rock symphonic rock, UK)

Rick Wakeman - Journey to the Centre of the Earth (1974)

Journey to the Centre of the Earth is the second album from the English keyboardist Rick Wakeman, released in May 1974. With its concept based on Jules Verne's same-titled science fiction novel, the album tells the story of Professor Lidenbrok, his nephew Axel, and their guide Hans, who follow a passage to the Earth's centre originally discovered by Arne Saknussemm, an Icelandic alchemist. Wakeman performs with the London Symphony Orchestra, the English Chamber Choir, and a group of hand-picked musicians for his rock band which later became The English Rock Ensemble. Actor David Hemmings narrates the story.


The album received some negative reaction upon its release, with music critics having described the record as a "classical pastiche...genuinely appalling" and "brutal synthesiser overkill". Journey however, was well received by others.

Track listing: 


(All tracks written by Wakeman)

Side one:

"The Journey"/"Recollection" – 21:20

Side two: 


"The Battle"/"The Forest" – 18:57


https://youtu.be/YJ9W2pZwvlY : Full album:

https://youtu.be/3WvXPZNC0z8 : The Journey:

In 1999, Wakeman released a sequel, Return to the Centre of the Earth. He re-recorded the album with additional parts previously removed from the original score due to time constraints, in 2012.

Wakeman presumed that the original conductor's score was lost when his record company MAM collapsed in the early 1980s. However, a "huge cardboard packing case" arrived at his house in 2008 which stayed in his garage for "about five months" before he found the score at the bottom which was damaged by water. A year was spent digitising and forming the complete score with conductor Guy Protheroe. Wakeman re-recorded the album with an orchestra, choir, and members of his English Rock Ensemble band as a studio album, incorporating 20 minutes that was previously cut. As Hemmings died in 2003, the narration is voiced by actor Peter Egan. Released on 20 November 2012, the new album is packaged with a one-off magazine published by Classic Rock and a copy of the 1974 Royal Festival Hall concert program.

https://youtu.be/q9g10wdemd8 : full album/concert

https://youtu.be/8wFag3o10wg : The Journey:

2012 re-recording: 

1. "Preface to the Journey"   1:11
2. "The Journey Overture"   2:25
3. "Journey's Dawn"   3:38
4. "Crystals"   0:33
5. "The Gothic Cathedral"   1:07
6. "A Quest for Water"   1:18
7. "The Hansbach"   2:54
8. "Fervent Prayer"   0:41
9. "The Recollection"   2:32
10. "Lost & Found"   0:43
11. "Echoes"   3:49
12. "4 Miles"   0:18
13. "The Reunion"   2:40
14. "A New Vista"   0:50
15. "A World Within a World"   2:13
16. "The Raft"   1:06
17. "The Battle"   5:55
18. "Cumulus Clouds"   0:38
19. "The Storm"   2:01
20. "The Cemetery"   1:28
21. "Quaternary Man"   4:49
22. "Mastodons"   0:55
23. "The Forest"   2:30
24. "Ages Of Man"   1:55
25. "The Tunnel"   1:53
26. "Hall of the Mountain King"   0:52
27. "Mount Etna"   3:12

=====================================================================

Wakeman's equipment:

3 Mellotrons
2 Minimoog synthesisers
Grand piano
Hammond organ
Rhodes electric piano
RMI electric piano
Hohner clavinet

Honky-tonk piano


Additional musicians:

Gary Pickford-Hopkins – vocals
Ashley Holt – vocals
Mike Egan – electric guitar
Roger Newell – bass guitar
Barney James – drums
David Hemmings – narration
David Measham – conductor
London Symphony Orchestra
English Chamber Choir





Source and more info: Wikipedia

Rick Wakeman - Six Wives of Henry VIII, 1973, concept album (prog. rock , instrumental rock / UK)

Rick Wakeman - Six Wives of Henry VIII  (1973)

https://youtu.be/UjjYT90yFxE

The Six Wives of Henry VIII is the first studio album (also a concept album) from the English keyboardist and composer Rick Wakeman as a solo artist, released in January 1973 on A&M Records. It is an instrumental progressive rock album with its concept based on his interpretations of the musical characteristics of the six wives of Henry VIII. Wakeman decided on the concept in 1972 while he toured the United States with the progressive rock band Yes. As he read a book about the wives on his travels, melodies he wrote the previous year came to him and were noted down. Wakeman plays a variety of keyboard instruments including piano, Minimoog synthesiser, Mellotron, harpsichord and organ. Musicians from Yes and Strawbs, who he performed with prior to Yes, also play on the album.
The album received generally positive reviews from music critics. It reached number 7 on the UK Albums Chart and number 30 on the US Billboard 200. It was certified gold in 1975 by the Recording Industry Association of America and has sold 15 million copies worldwide. In 2009, Wakeman performed the album live for the first time at Hampton Court Palace for the 500th anniversary of Henry's accession to the throne. Each track was re-scored with added elements that could not be there due to time restrictions on the vinyl record.


Conception:

In August 1971, Rick Wakeman joined the English progressive rock band Yes to replace keyboardist Tony Kaye. While on tour of the United States in early 1972 to promote their fourth album Fragile (1971), he bought four books at an airport bookstall in Richmond, Virginia, one of them being The Private Life of Henry VIII by Nancy Brysson Morrison. As he read about Anne Boleyn on the subsequent flight to Chicago, a theme he recorded in November 1971 ran through his mind. He often scribbled down pieces of music while travelling, but could not find a theme to put them to. Said Wakeman, "I had been searching for a style to write in and suddenly I found it in writing music about these six ladies...I would concentrate on one of the wives and then music just came into my head and I would write it down. Sometimes I was flying, other times I was on stage, or just in front of the piano at home...The "Six Wives" theme gave me the thread, the link, I needed to give me a reason for putting these pieces of music together." He explains the album's concept in its liner notes: "The album is based around my interpretations of the musical characteristics of the wives of Henry VIII. Although the style may not always be in keeping with their individual history, it is my personal conception of their characters in relation to keyboard instruments."

More info about recording, release and reception:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Six_Wives_of_Henry_VIII_(album)



Additional musicians:

Bill Bruford – drums (A1, B2)
Ray Cooper – percussion (A1, B2)
Dave Cousins – electric banjo (A3)
Chas Cronk – bass guitar (A3)
Barry de Souza – drums (A3)
Mike Egan – guitar (A1, A2, B2, B3)
Steve Howe – guitar (A1)
Les Hurdle – bass guitar (A1, B2)
Dave Lambert – guitar (A3)
Laura Lee – vocals (B2)
Sylvia McNeill – vocals (B2)
Judy Powell – vocals (A1)
Frank Ricotti – percussion (A2, A3, B3)
Chris Squire – bass guitar (A1)
Barry St. John – vocals (A1)
Liza Strike – vocals (A1, B2)
Alan White – drums (A2, B1, B3)
Dave Winter – bass guitar (A2, B3)



Track listing:

All tracks were written by Wakeman, except where noted.

Side A:
"Catherine of Aragon" – 3:44
"Anne of Cleves" – 7:53
"Catherine Howard" – 6:35

Side B:
"Jane Seymour" – 4:46
"Anne Boleyn 'The Day Thou Gavest Lord Hath Ended'" – 6:32 (Wakeman, E. J. Hopkins)
"Catherine Parr" – 7:06