Rick Wakeman Biography ‘Caped Crusader, Rick Wakeman In The 1970s’ with Foreword by Elton John Now Available!

For Immediate Release

Rick Wakeman Biography ‘Caped Crusader, Rick Wakeman In The 1970s’
with Foreword by Elton John Now Available!

5/3/2012 – London, UK – Gonzo Media Group has just released ‘Caped Crusader, Rick Wakeman In The 1970s’ by veteran author, broadcaster and journalist, Dan Wooding, with a foreword by Elton John.

The book, the authorized biography of Rick Wakeman, who is arguably the world’s greatest rock keyboardist, is lavishly illustrated with dozens of photos from Wakeman’s extraordinary career which includes the time his career took off when he joined the folk group, Strawbs, in 1969, and played on three of their albums.

But the ultimate accolade – the biggest break of Rick’s career at that time – came shortly afterwards when a giant picture of Wakeman filled the front page of the Melody Maker in London, England, with the headline, “Tomorrow’s Superstar?”

The article said: “This is the man Keith Emerson hired a box at London’s Lyceum to hear. Since the twenty-one-year-old keyboard virtuoso joined the group [Strawbs], along with Ford and Hudson, [and] they’ve evolved into one of the most exciting bands of the folk-rock scene.”

Wooding’s book also includes fascinating descriptions of his several excursions with the British super group, Yes, and his many themed solo albums, including The Six Wives of Henry VIII (1973), Journey to the Centre of the Earth (1974) and The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table (1975).

Richard Christopher Wakeman (born May 18, 1949), was trained at the Royal College of Music in London, where he also went on to feature on songs by artists including Ozzy Osbourne, David Bowie, T. Rex, Elton John and Cat Stevens.

Wakeman has produced over 100 solo albums that have sold more than 50 million copies.

Elton John, in his foreword for the book, said, “Rick’s mastery of electronic instruments only adds to his abilities, and I think it is fair to say he was one of the reasons I stuck to the piano. I also admire his attitude to stage shows – always willing to take a gamble, but never sacrificing his musical ideals. Just as important, never losing his sense of humour and his sense of the ridiculous. Anyone who can put on an ice show at Wembley must be all right. I must add that Rick loves cars and is a fanatic when it comes to soccer. Therefore, he and I have an unbreakable bond.

“It has become fashionable to knock musicians who have been around a while, and who are still determined to persevere in what they believe in. It is very easy to be misunderstood along the way, but it is vital to ignore trends and get on with what you want to do. Rick will always do this because, quite simply, he’s that much better than everyone else.”

Wooding, 71, founder of ASSIST and the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net), and the author of 45 books, was the first journalist to ever write a story about Rick Wakeman. It occurred more than 40 years ago while he was working on a local newspaper in Ealing, West London.

“I was looking for stories for the paper and had just called in on a shop called the Musical Bargain Centre in South Ealing Road, and it was then that I heard someone playing amazing keyboards at the back of the store,” said Wooding. “I waited until he had finished and then talked with him. That person was Rick Wakeman and he told me that he was then a student at the Royal College of Music in London and was also doing sessions with different musicians. He told me had had just played piano on and arranged Morning Has Broken for Cat Stevens and also played Mellotron on Space Oddity for David Bowie. Both went on to become number 1 hits both in the UK and the USA.

“Rick told me that he had never been interviewed before, so I wrote up the story for the paper and we became best friends. He invited me to his home in Northolt and I sat there spellbound as he played for me on his home piano. I had never heard anything like it.

“I shared with him a little about my background, explaining to him that I was born of missionary parents in Nigeria, and it was then that Rick told me that he was also a Christian and had been baptized at South Harrow Baptist Church and, at that time, was also a Sunday School teacher there.

“As his career blossomed, I went on to write his authorized biography, and this latest one, which contains some updates, has been reissued along with Elton John’s foreword, and the three of us even had our picture taken together at Brentford F.C. for the back cover of the book.”

Wooding, who now lives in Southern California, added, “Rick and I have remained close friends for all these years and he has also performed several concerts for ASSIST in the United States.

“I am delighted that his incredible story, or at least the earlier part of it, can be told again for those in this new generation, who possibly don’t know too much about the ‘Grumpy Old Man’ that they see on British TV, will be able to learn about his incredible talents as a keyboard player, composer and songwriter.”

Why the title? Wooding says it comes from the fact that the blond figure of Wakeman would wrap his glittering shimmering cape around his giant frame and head on stage at arenas around the world to start another incredible performance on his battery of electronic keyboards.

And, even today, the “Caped Crusader” continues to push back the limits of music with his extraordinary talents.

The purchase a copy of “Caped Crusader” just go to: http://www.amazon.com/CAPED-CRUSADER-Rick-Wakeman-1970s/dp/1908728302/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1335474883&sr=1-1

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@cs.com

Zoiks! Online – Anderson-Wakeman “The Living Tree: In Concert” – Album Review

Anderson-Wakeman “The Living Tree: In Concert” – Album Review
One of my favorite all time bands is Yes, that said by Yes fan standards, I’m a casual fan. Albums like “Tales from Topographic Oceans” are just too challenging for me. So die hard Yes fans, if I get something wrong during this review, please forgive me. Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman are not in the current incarnation of Yes, so they’ve been hitting the road as a duo and released the live album “The Living Tree: In Concert.”

There are so many genres of music. You have folky, sing songy simple music like Simon and Garfunkel and Crosby Stills and Nash then on the complete other end of the spectrum you have really technical progressive music like Yes and Rush. Jon Anderson has the vocal range to play both folk music and progressive music and it’s never been more apparent than on “The Living Tree: In Concert.”

Rick Wakeman is a God when it comes to the keyboards. With Anderson’s story telling voice mixed with Wakeman’s technical skills you get one beautiful picture painted. Wakemen is such an amazing composer. He’s playing the musical score to the story that Jon Anderson is telling. The score is so complex and interesting and when Anderson sings on top of the score everything seems so simple and peaceful.

While they play Yes songs, it’s different than Yes. The songs take on a whole new light when it’s just Anderson and Wakeman. I think all Yes fans should experience “The Living Tree: In Concert.” Yes is the total sum of it’s parts, but with this you’re pulling two parts out and shining the spot light on them and it really makes for an enjoyable listening experience. It’s like hearing some of these songs for the first time all over again. I highly recommend Anderson and Wakeman’s “The Living Tree: In Concert.”

Bob Zerull is the Managing Editor of Zoiks! Online. He writes pop culture commentary, does interviews with bands, and reviews music and stand-up concerts. He also administers Zoiks! Online’s Facebook page. Follow Bob on twitter atbzerull. Email Bob at bob@zoiksonline.com.

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Examiner.com Review – Anderson/Wakeman, ‘The Living Tree In Concert Part One’

Sterling Whitaker-

It’s not the easiest thing to re-imagine the complex music of Yes in stripped-down arrangements for guitar, voice and keyboards, but that’s exactly what former Yes lead vocalist Jon Anderson and keyboardist Rick Wakeman did for this live album, which documents a series of performances the pair gave in support of their duo album The Living Tree.

The album’s track listing consists of familiar Yes classics interspersed with deep cuts from the Yes catalog, as well as songs from Anderson and Wakeman’s duo album and solo work. It’s not much of a musical stretch for songs like “The Living Tree (Part 1)” or “23/24/11″ to come off in this setting, since they were essentially tailor-written for this approach, and the pair delivers strong versions of those songs. But it is the Yes material that is the most challenging, and produces the most surprising results both pro and con.

“And You and I” is perhaps the best of that lot; it turns out that a piece of material that was fairly densely orchestrated as recorded has a strong enough chord progression and melody to stand up in a sparser arrangement. You wouldn’t mistake it for Yes . . . take away the drums, bass and guitars from the Yes recording, and that’s essentially what you have here. But it works surprisingly well, as does “South Side of the Sky,” a fan favorite from Fragile that also receives the stripped-down treatment.
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Anderson has performed “Long Distance Runaround” acoustically many times, so it’s not as much of a surprise that it works, but the duo’s quasi-reggae version of “Time and a Word” doesn’t serve the song as well as a straighter folk rendering probably would have.

It’s debatable whether this is actually progressive rock, per se; in the absence of most of the rhythmic arrangement elements, much of this material comes off more like progressive adult contemporary. But the dreamy atmosphere Anderson and Wakeman create proves a suitable showcase for the elements they brought to the music of Yes, and Anderson still possesses one of the most undeniably distinctive voices in rock music, even if he sings some of these songs in lower keys than the original recordings.

One very welcome addition is the closing song, “The Meeting,” a gorgeous performance of a mostly-overlooked song from the Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman and Howe project.

If you’re looking for Yes, you won’t find it here. But if you’re open to interesting new interpretations of the music of Yes, there’s still plenty to like about The Living Tree In Concert Part One.

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Lords of Metal review – Anderson / Wakeman – The Living Tree Live In Concert Part One

Anderson / Wakeman – The Living Tree Live In Concert Part One
Gonzo Multimedia
file under prog / metal sympho
Winston : When Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman in 2010 finally came to it, without the usual bustle and fuss of their former lord Yes bread to record an album showed once again how special their musical talents match. In “The Living Tree ‘are nine songs, though with only keyboards and vocals, still quite varied. Some songs are a candidate for treatment Yes, others breathe an intimate and warm atmosphere in the form in which they are cast. One year after the tour that the two together under names in the UK, now with ‘The Living Tree In Concert Part One, “a live album. Obviously much work of that particular album, but also some Yes songs in an acoustic and stripped jacket just as charming maintained. For example the song “And You And I”, the legendary ‘Close To The Edge “album in 2012 will celebrate its 40th anniversary, it continues to stand as majestic. Anderson, now 67, has some wear on his voice, even through a recent illness, he still knows that feeling across. Like a Peter Gabriel that still can. Wakeman has lost none of his virtuosity and melodic provides a platform for Anderson, who makes good use of.You just hear this prog veterans together to read and write. It may sound harsh, but this combination gives me as a fan more than the current Yes formation able to produce. Anderson currently touring solo with bijtitel “The Voice of Yes’ and on this live album, he makes it again twice over that. Now it is hoped that a second part may hopefully come up with songs from the tour that Anderson and Wakeman recently in America. According to reports (see interview with Anderson elsewhere in this theater), Europe this two man project also live at work and I look very forward to it. This CD is a nice souvenir and hopefully a warm-up time.

Rating: 85/100

http://www.jonanderson.com

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SoundPress.net Review – The Living Tree In Concert Part One

Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman of Yes Branch Out
with The Living Tree In Concert Part One!!
In 2009, Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman released The Living Tree. The stark yet stunning CD received rave reviews and the two former Yes bandmates toured in support of the album. The recorded concerts featured tracks from The Living Tree and reworked Yes classics. The Living Tree In Concert Part One was compiled and overseen by Jon and Rick with the two choosing highlights from their highly successful tour of 2010.

The end result was a dozen delicate yet dynamic songs that showcased Jon’s expressive vocals and Rick’s varied and vivid keys. SoundPress.net had the pleasure of seeing the pair in November of 2011 and The Living Tree In Concert Part One captured much of the magic and melody that we experienced at our show.

The CD starts with Anderson strumming an acoustic as Wakeman added atmospheric keys and sounds to “And You And I”. The piece was elegant and expansive and sets the tone for the rest of the chosen material. “Living Tree (Part 1)” was a vibrant and visionary tune filled with lyrics about love that meandered into the reflective “Morning Star”. The rearranged “Long Distance Runaround” was intriguing with Rick filling in the space and sound with intricate keys. “The Garden” and “Living Tree (Part 2)” were glowing and graceful.

The classic “Time And A Word” was a catchy combination of animated acoustic guitars and crafty keys countered by the stark and singular “Just One Man”. “23/24/11″ was a serious song questioning war. “Southside” was mystical in its new form followed by the slower “House of Freedom” and closing with a memorizing “The Meeting”.

The Living Tree In Concert Part One is a warm live recording demonstrating that as Jon and Rick continue to branch out they still have a lot to offer fans from both their contemporary and classic catalogues. And, as the title part one implies, more may be forthcoming!
Tracks:
1. And You And I
2. Living Tree (Part 1)
3. Morning Star
4. Long Distance Runaround
5. Garden
6. Living Tree (Part 2)
7. Time And A Word
8. Just One Man
9. 23/24/11
10. Southside
11. House Of Freedom
12. The Meeting
• Info: — USA CA/2011: www.jonanderson.com (Laura Turner Lynch/SoundPress.net)

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Austrian review of The Living Tree In Concert Part One

The two legends YES Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman have been 2010, “The LivingTree” album released. Then it went tremendously reduced to pure minimalism if we like, on Anderson’s unique voice and Rick Wakeman piano, that’s it. Have except that the two also various YES Classics (four to be exact) installed in their 2010 live set recorded in Englandwith – not much different it is with “The Living Tree In Concert Part One”.

But even here only dominated the piano himself and Mr. Anderson, at times dreamy deep under the skin of two continuous progressive rock legends, two veterans, two exceptionalmusicians, who – as you said, at least – are blind. Apart from the “Living Tree” material (stand out in which the two great “Morning Star” and “23/24/11″), it is mainly the “Fragile”rag “Southside of the Sky,” which this deliberate reduction to the essentials did damn good.

By the way: On the basis of the subtitle may be speculated to a decoupling of this second live tour, rumored to be with material from the U.S. foray by Anderson / Wakeman.

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ANDERSON / WAKEMAN – THE LIVING TREE IN CONCERT PART ONE

Together in search of the truth, the key to happiness and the meaning of our existence, no simple sounding task, but when two hearts beat as you stand very far. This is certainly the case with the brilliant musical duo Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman. Already at the world famous prog-rock band Yes were alchemists as they left their words and sounds coalesce into songs such crawling under your skin like a cloud floated into another cosmos.Published in 2009 on their album “The Living Tree” you heard all that wear anything but sit on their formula. Today, they plunge us into a live edition of the tour accompanying the album, recorded under the name “The Living Tree In Concert Part One”. With only the unique timbre voice of Jon Anderson, a warm-sounding classical guitar and the master keys of Rick Wakeman, this sounds totally stripped down versions of old and recent songs very subtle. It’s a wonderful album full justice to in this Christmas period and puts more emphasis on inner strength that emanates from each song.

Since 1971, the masterpiece “Fragile” from Yes, strings together the duo Anderson / Wakeman successes together with gems like “Close To The Edge”, “Tales From Tropografic Oceans” and “Going For The One”. Despite the huge success it was not always Peis and quiet inside Yes and walked them so many times their own artistic paths, but the link was forged between the duo and united them in 2006 as a tour in which both his own work as Yes classics covered were. The crowning glory was put together with the release of their “The Living Tree” album, this live album actually and the unfulfilled promises that were made then. When the duo assured us some old Yes classics recast and placing on the album, but eventually it was decided to only new songs. Today, however, the fans of “The Living Tree in Concert Part One” to indulge a series of successful operations of their known work, without calling into the new songs, because there are again some highlights from that ensure highlights of the album. However, if you Jon Anderson’s delightful series of ascending guitar “And You And I” from their smash hit “Close To The Edge” is heard, and by the subtle play of Rick Wakeman synth, you are like old fan immediately sold. Almost seamlessly connect, new songs like “Living Tree” or the absolute top romantic waltzing “The Garden”, combined with piano and synth work, with the old classics. Surprises holds, the two also in store for us as a summer reggae adaptation of “Time And A Word”, a more subdued version of the otherwise strong “South Side Of The Sky”, where crackling voice of Jon Anderson some wear shows in the higher echelons voice, while in “Long Distance Runaround”, another classic of the same successful album “Fragile”, opt for a more sensitive, baroque editing.

Do you want something unique in your home to this peaceful Christmas day then you should look no further than “The Living Tree Live Part One” of the illustrious duo Anderson / Wakeman. Their timeless music brings you into this subtle musical framework immediately in the right atmosphere and many guest will be amazed at the Christmas table, overloaded and serenity. We look forward to the second part of this series.

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Yes Legends Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman To Release ‘Anderson / Wakeman -The Living Tree In Concert Part One’

For Immediate Release

Yes Legends Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman To Release
‘Anderson / Wakeman -The Living Tree In Concert Part One’

11/5/2011 – London, UK – As a follow-up to their critically acclaimed CD ‘The Living Tree’ from 2010, YES legends Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman prepare to release ‘Anderson / Wakeman – The Living Tree In Concert Part One’ on Gonzo Multimedia on November 28th. The CD was recorded during the duo’s British tour in 2010 and comes housed in a sleeve design by Mark Wilkinson who was also responsible for the design of the artwork for ‘The Living Tree’.

Having worked together on and off since 1971′s groundbreaking YES masterwork ‘Fragile’, Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman have traveled similar musical paths that have eventually and happily led their careers back together again. The duo began performing live together in the UK in 2006 playing both classics from the YES catalogue and selected tracks from the pair’s individual solo releases. In 2009 Anderson and Wakeman recorded the highly anticipated album ‘The Living Tree’ which garnered rave reviews worldwide. In 2010 it was announced that Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman were to tour together once more at the end of the year. The wildly successful tour featured material from their time with YES, but more importantly material from the duo’s new CD ‘The Living Tree’. A collection of live highlights from the tour were compiled and overseen by Jon and Rick for the upcoming release ‘Anderson / Wakeman – The Living Tree In Concert Part One’.

“The live recordings have a unique feel, the way we perform the show, it’s as though all the songs ‘old and new’ were written just a few months ago, all very timeless,” says Jon. “For many years Jon and I have felt it was really important to record all we do,” adds Rick, “whether for general release or just personal purposes, the decision being very much that of quality. We were so happy with the way that the live music was happening that we felt this was a must to record and put out a mixture of the music, both old and new, as a record of where we are at, at this moment, and also perhaps giving a hint as to where we can go on to. Music for us is progressive in all genres, and this album is yet another stepping stone in that quest.”

Tracks include:

And You & I
Living Tree (Part 1)
Morning Star
Long Distance Runaround
The Garden
Living Tree (Part 2)
Time and a Word
Just One Man
23/24/11
Southside of the Sky
House of Freedom
The Meeting

Here’s what the press are raving about the Anderson / Wakeman North American tour:

“Anderson and Wakeman not only proved that they make a vibrant twosome, but also it’s possible to reinvent YES classics without sacrificing any of the towering ambiance. Anderson’s earnest songwriting combined with Wakeman’s virtuosic vision on the keyboard/synthesizer made for a night of beautiful music.” David Hens – Examiner, Buffalo

“Anderson and Wakeman were the heart and soul of YES, and as much as I hate to say it, they seem to be better off without their former band mates. If you do have a chance to see them, you will not be disappointed, the duo’s incredible version of ‘Awaken’, that they end their regular set with, is worth the price of the admission alone.” Thom Jennings – Backstage Axxess

“This was an intimate concert, not an arena spectacle, and it underscored just how strong these great YES songs are when stripped of their musical excesses.” Greg Haymes, Times Union, Albany

“Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman aren’t YES. But the two musicians are certainly a major factor in that band’s best work. And in YES-land, Anderson and Wakeman certainly beat out the other live music options currently on display.” Jeff Miers – Buffalo News”

To purchase ‘Anderson / Wakeman – The Living Tree In Concert Part One’ ahead of its release date: www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk
www.voiceprint.co.uk,

For more information:
www.JonAnderson.com
www.RWCC.com
See Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman in concert in North America: http://jonanderson.com/tour.html#awtour
Jon Anderson’s OPEN: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/open-single/id474552662?ls=1
Press Inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, Billy James, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@cs.com

Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman (Yes) discuss their collaborative album and tour – ‘examiner.com’

Jordan Blum, Progressive Metal Examiner

Are there any plans to release a live CD and/or DVD of this tour?

John Anderson: Yes, we have a live CD. [It’s] just part one of the show; the second part will be from this current USA tour.

Rick Wakeman: Jon and I haven’t really discussed this, as the live album from the UK tour has only just been released. Personally, the next thing I’d like to see from Jon and myself is a DVD; one that is put together from a special one-off show in a special venue. I think we could do something very special. I’m sure Jon and I will chat about it on the tour. We chat all the time so the subject is bound to come up as to “what’s next!”

I’ve heard about an Anderson/Wakeman/Rabin collaboration album. Any news or comment on that? Why exactly do you want to do this project with each other?

RW: [I'm] waiting to hear from Trevor at the moment. To be fair, I certainly haven’t chased him, as I’ve been so busy this year (as indeed Jon has and certainly Trevor as well). I really want this to happen; I believe it could be amazing in so many ways. I will certainly play my part in trying to bring this to fruition.

JA: We’ve talked about creating a project; it’s just finding the right time to work together.

How did The Living Tree project come to be? What made you guys want to work together on a project (besides the obvious Yes connection).

JA: We had been touring in 2007 together and had so much fun, so last summer we talked about touring the UK in October of last year. [We] started writing songs to perform on stage together, [and] we eventually wrote enough songs for an album.

RW: Jon and I have talked about doing an album together for years (ever since we wrote “The Meeting” together, to be exact). We never, ever wanted to force the issue, though, as that is a mistake. True composition is inspirational and you can’t just bring that on. Too many albums these days have good sounds and good playing, but [they] lack in substance and compositional material. We didn’t want that to happen, so we were very, very picky about the music we used. A lot [of it] never made it to the recording studio, that’s for sure. We really made it work for me, and I think Jon as well, is the excitement we both had waiting to receive each other’s input as the music went back and forth. Because of the time change, it was not unusual for me to get up in the early hours of the morning to see what Jon had sent through!

How was the material written? How do the songs on The Living Tree differ from your solo work stylistically?

RW: I would go into my studio with my engineer, Erik Jordan, and literally think, “Jon Anderson.” I could see him in the studio and I could hear his voice constantly in my head, and from that, music evolved that I felt pretty confident that Jon would want to add melody, ideas, lyrics, and meaning to. The majority of the time, that’s exactly what the outcome was. We would then send the files to Jon and he would work on them and send them back. Then we’d do more work on our end and send them back again. This ping pong programme continued until each track had reached fulfillment. When I write for me, I think, “me.” I believe true composition can only be achieved if the mindset it correct. Therefore, it is important to think constantly about the goal you are trying to achieve.

JA: Rick would send me MP3s of music and I would sing melodies and lyrics and send them back for his thoughts. He sent this wonderful music, so it came very easy to sing ideas. It’s as though we were in the same studio (well, we are on the same planet). I think using the internet is so great. It was such fun to receive the music.

Will you be playing The Living Tree in its entirety? What about other songs? Can you discuss specific Yes or solo material that will also be included?

JA: We will perform most of the songs from The Living Tree plus Yes classics, including “Awaken.” It’s great to do the songs stripped down, [and] we might play the Paul Simon song “America.” We have a lot of fun on stage; Rick likes his jokes, so it’s a very relaxed evening [full] of fun and good music.

RW: No, but quite a lot of it! It’s a mixture of music that Jon and I have been involved with over the years. Of course, there’s some acoustic Yes stuff with very different arrangements (obviously). But they work very well and are very enjoyable to play.

In terms of that other material, how have the songs been reworked for this new tour?

RW: There are no rules on how to do this. It’s the pair of us in a room, working together and playing together and running through all the possibilities that could work. [We] then choose what we think is best for the song and the concert.

JA: For some reason, both the old and the new songs take on their own life, as though we wrote them all last month.

The press release says, “The duo promise a magical evening of music and humor for all who attend!” What kind of humor can attendees expect?

JA: We talk about how we wrote the songs, and sometimes Rick gets very “blue.” Rick does stand-up in the UK, so you never know what he’s gonna come out with.

RW: Stuff that makes them laugh, hopefully!!! We don’t rehearse what is said between pieces. I tend to interrupt Jon a lot and away we go. Jon has a wonderful sense of humour and the most infections laugh I think I’ve ever heard.

As a duo, you’re being billed as the “’Heart and Soul’ of Prog giants YES.” How do you respond to this assessment? Does it imply that your contributions were more important than the other members’?

JA: No, not really. I think they say that to show how important we were to the band’s creative process.

What do the other members of Yes think about your collaboration? Has there been any response from anyone?

JA:I don’t know what they think; we are not in touch anymore. That’s life.

Well thanks for taking the time to speak with me, guys. I’m a big fan.

RW: Sure, Jordan.

JA: Happy to do it.

Legendary Keyboard Wizard: Rick Wakeman – Herald de Paris

BY AL CARLOS HERNANDEZ ON SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

HOLLYWOOD (Herald de Paris) – Richard Christopher Wakeman is an English keyboard player, composer and songwriter best known for being the former keyboardist in the progressive rock band Yes. He is also known for his solo albums, contributing to the BBC comedy series Grumpy Old Men and for Rick’s Place, his former radio show on Planet Rock that aired until December 2010. He still programs Radio out of Dublin on a station called Nova.

Wakeman has produced over 100 solo albums that have sold more than 50 million copies. In November 2010, Wakeman was awarded the Spirit of Prog award at the annual Marshall Classic Rock Roll of Honour awards.

Wakeman was born in West London. He purchased his first electronic keyboard at 12 years of age. In 1968 he studied the piano, clarinet, orchestration and modern music at the Royal College of Music before leaving after a year in favor of session music work. He
went on to feature on songs by artists including Ozzy Osbourne, David Bowie, T. Rex, Elton John and Cat Stevens. Wakeman joined the folk group Strawbs in 1969 and played on three of their albums.

He first joined Yes in 1971 to replace Tony Kaye and left the group in 1974 to work on his solo career. He returned in 1976 before leaving with lead vocalist Jon Anderson in 1980. Wakeman was part of the side project Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe, a group of ex-Yes members formed in 1989, and the eight-member Yes line-up that followed until his third departure in 1992. He returned for two years in 1995 and once more in 2002, where he was part of the band’s 35th anniversary tour until its end in 2004.

Wakeman began his solo career during his first run with Yes. His perhaps most known records were his first three: The Six Wives of Henry VIII (1973), Journey to the Centre of the Earth (1974) and The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table (1975).

Much to the delight of fortunate music fans in the Eastern part of North America, music legends and former YES members Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman will be playing a select number of engagements this coming Fall 2011. The legendary duo performed a series of successful concerts in the UK in 2010 in support of their critically acclaimed CD release The Living Tree and are now bringing their highly anticipated show to America. Having worked together on and off since 1971’s groundbreaking YES masterwork Fragile, Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman have traveled similar musical paths that have eventually and happily led their careers back together again. Now, once again, the duo promise a magical evening of music and humor for all who attend. “Expect a night of music, full of YES classics and new adventures in song from The Living Tree album and moments of brilliance, humor and affection born from a friendship and musical partnership that has lasted 40 years,” says Jon. “We knew from the responses on the last YES tour that the acoustic section was extremely popular and that many of the pieces could be re-arranged and adapted to make very interesting and, hopefully, enjoyable new ways of playing YES music and our own music,” adds Rick. The tour is being produced by Metropolitan Talent Presents and is booked by Keith Naisbitt of Los Angeles based Agency for the Performing Arts. John Scher co-CEO of Metropolitan says, “We are incredibly proud to be presenting the North American debut of this legendary duo. Jon and Rick ARE the voice and sound of YES, as well as famously successful solo performers. This tour will be a real treat for their legions of fans.”

UK press recently commented about the Anderson Wakeman tour:

“One of the songs played on the night was the impressive ‘23/24/11′ (from Anderson Wakeman – The Living Tree), the true story of a soldier out in Afghanistan who had that amount of time left to serve as his tour of duty. Looking round at the audience there wasn’t a dry eye left in the house. Once more the combination of Jon’s amazing vocal style and the lyrics work perfectly.” – Ian D. Hall, LS Media, UK

“Anderson showed yet again that he is the true voice of YES…Wakeman provided the keyboard wizardry and a stream of stories.” – Ian Harvey, Express & Star, UK

“Supporters of these two legends can witness, close up, their unique bond which spans almost 40 years; and why these two are being billed as the ‘Heart and Soul’ of Prog giants YES.” -Classic Media, UK

“Constant humorous interludes and witty interjections from the pair helped enliven the show and added a welcomed lightness. Not only were these anecdotes entertaining, they were also insightful…these two are a perfect creative partnership.” – Neil Mach, Staines Weblog

Herald de Paris Deputy Managing Editor Dr. Al Carlos Hernandez spoke candidly with Rick last week:

AC: You said recently that you had dreams for Yes in the twilight years. Now that it is over forever, are you planning to achieve those dreams though your collaboration with Jon?

RW: I have many different dreams that I want to fulfill, but dreams change all the time as different things occur in your life. I never saw Jon Anderson and I working together as a replacement for the now “dead” dreams I had with the band Yes. What Jon and I do is totally stand alone. I have great affinity and understanding with Jon. Spiritually and musically we work together very well. It is special to find someone with whom you are in tuned on so many levels.

AC: What do you mean when you say that you and Jon have been on a parallel musical journey?

RW: Just that, really, we are from very different backgrounds and different musical upbringings but somehow they both work when they are married tighter. This is because both Jon and I regard music as a gift from another level and that gift comes to us in many different forms. The end game is to proffer that gift in the form of music to share with others. Both Jon and I have that feeling inside of us. We believe that music is another language that can be understood by all and enjoyed by all and some people are the lucky ones, like Jon and I who are transmitters of this gift. We both classify this as an honor that is not to be abused

AC: During the development of The Living Tree album, you and Jon created music at different locations and shared music via computer sharing files. How have computers and New Media, including YouTube, changed the way music is created? Does the process violate the creative process, which many view as organic and/or spiritual?

RW: Jon and I have a great understanding musically which is as close to telepathic as you can imagine. True we were thousands of miles apart, but Jon was “in the studio with me” while I was putting the music together to send to him to work on, and so it worked fantastically…

AC: How has Christianity formed the music now and over the years?

RW: I write quite a lot of Christian and multi-faith music. I believe that at the end of the day, all those who believe worship the same God. It does not directly influence everything I write certainly, because Jon is extremely spiritual as well. It does portray itself in many aspects of our writing without being dictatorial. It may make you think a bit, but it will never lecture.

AC: I was told once by guitarist Carlos Santana that there is music that inspires and music that incites. Would you say that the type of music you have created over the years fits into this prescription?

RW: That is interesting. He has a good point. I would prefer to think that anything I have been involved with inspires rather than incites.

AC: You have produced over 100 solo albums with over 50 million units sold. What do you consider your best work so far and what is the vision of your music for the future?

RW: Impossible question to answer, to be honest, as there are so many different styles of music over the forty years plus I have been recording. I would probably give you a different answer every day to this one!

AC: You have played on some of the most popular recordings with rock royalty over the years. What are a few of the highlights and low lights?

RW: No low lights at all, to be honest. You can learn from everything you do. Music is a never ending apprenticeship course and the day you stop learning is the day they band the final coffin in. High lights are many. Working with David Bowie on Hunky Dory was an honor, as was recording Morning Has Broken with Cat Stevens. Working with Ozzy on Osmosis in New York was fantastic and also performing with some of the world greatest orchestras too, boy, I have been blessed!

AC: Anyone who you would have liked to work with but have never been afforded the opportunity?

RW: Quite a few really: Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, Elvis, Jimi Hendrix, Otis Redding, this list could go on and on…

AC: If you were to put together a super group of all the artists you worked with over the years, what would that line up look like?

RW: Depends on what kind of music we are going to play, to be honest with you. The guys I have in my own band would be my first choice. Great players and we have a great understanding of how we play tighter. For the record, that’s Lee Pomeroy on bass, Dave Colquhoun on guitars, Tony Fernandez on drums and Ashley Holt on vocals.

AC: What was the best performance experience ever?

RW: Probably at Hampton Court two years ago performing the Six Wives of Henry VIII. Then, perhaps, it was performing Return to the Centre of the Earth in Quebec five years ago. Or maybe it was Journey to the Centre of the Earth at The Hollywood Bowl in 1974. Or maybe it was Tokyo, or Australia, or Moscow, or Poland…there are too many highlights to list!

AC: You are touring with Jon Anderson. What is your ultimate goal in this tour?

RW: My goal is simply to send people home with smiles on their faces, having enjoyed a really nice night of music and fun.

AC: Are you still passionate for live performance?

RW: Yes! I am as passionate as ever, but I will admit to not enjoying the traveling anymore. I have had enough of hotel rooms after forty plus years. That is why I tour so little these days.

AC: Who do you listen to?

RW: There’s quite a mixture really. I pull something at random off the shelf and put it on, or randomly hit buttons on my old Wurlitzer jukebox which is fill of Soul Music.

AC: Where do you get your inspiration?

RW: Who knows? I never question where it comes from but I’m grateful that it does!

AC: You did radio for a while?

RW: I still do. I have a radio production company and, at the moment, I broadcast a show on Saturday for a Dublin based radio station called Nova.

AC…and some acting?

RW: Still do. I do a lot of mainstream television in the UK – either acting or being a presenter or host. And very little playing music, would you believe?

AC: Would you ever consider pursuing other theatrical arts to the exclusion of music?

RW: I could never have a life without music. I’m lucky I can mix the two – and long may that continue!

AC: Why is soccer the best sport in the world?

RW: I think any sport where you can link yourself to a team is special, whether it is soccer, American football, baseball, rugby or whatever. As long as it is something you can latch onto. I have two soccer clubs that I am passionate about: Manchester City and Brentford. I am also passionate about the Chicago Cubs, would you believe?

AC: Tell us about your work with The Heritage Foundation and how our readers from around the world can help.

RW: I am involved with quite a few charity organizations and I get a lot of pleasure from that involvement. Probably the best way to get information, if anyone is interested, is to check the websites on some of the places I support and see if you can help in a small (or large!) way. They are: Helen House, The Heritage Foundation, The British Forces Foundation, Help For Heroes, Kids ‘n Cancer, UK Masonic Charity, Friends of the Animals, Cats Protection, Oldham Cats.

AC: And in the end, what would you like your legacy to be and how would you like history to remember you?

RW: Oh Crikey! That’s a tough one. My father once said to me “Son try to leave this world a slightly better place than the one you were brought into by contributing, for the good of mankind, whatever small gift you may have been given. I suppose that is what I can hope for really.

Edited by Susan Aceves