Rick Wakeman, the legendary English keyboardist, presents "Piano Odyssey," a captivating studio album released on 12 October 2018 under Sony Classical. This collection is a harmonious blend of progressive rock, symphonic rock, and art rock, showcasing Wakeman's virtuosic piano skills and innovative arrangements.
"Piano Odyssey" is a testament to Wakeman's versatility, featuring a mix of original compositions and reimagined classics. The album includes fascinating arrangements of well-known pieces like "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Strawberry Fields Forever," and "Roundabout," alongside his own original works such as "Rocky (The Legacy)" and "Cyril Wolverine." Each track is meticulously arranged for piano, strings, and chorus, creating a rich and immersive listening experience.
The album spans a diverse range of styles, from the hauntingly beautiful "The Wild Eyed Boy From Freecloud" to the energetic and dynamic "Largos." Wakeman's mastery of the piano is evident throughout, as he seamlessly transitions between delicate, introspective melodies and powerful, dramatic passages.
With a duration of 54 minutes, "Piano Odyssey" offers a comprehensive journey through Wakeman's musical prowess. Whether you're a longtime fan of progressive rock or a newcomer to Wakeman's work, this album is sure to impress with its technical brilliance and emotional depth.
(P) 2018 Rick Wakeman under exclusive license to Sony Music Entertainment
Tracks
While My Guitar Gently Weeps (Arranged for Piano, Strings & Chorus by Rick Wakeman)George Harrison, Rick Wakeman, The Orion Strings, Guy Protheroe, English Chamber Choir
Liebesträume / After The Ball (Arranged for Piano, Strings & Chorus by Rick Wakeman)Rick Wakeman, Franz Liszt, The Orion Strings, Guy Protheroe, English Chamber Choir
And You & I (Arranged for Piano, Strings & Chorus by Rick Wakeman)Steve James Howe, Chris Squire, Jon Anderson, William Scott Bruford, Rick Wakeman, The Orion Strings, Guy Protheroe, English Chamber Choir
Rocky (The Legacy)Rick Wakeman, The Orion Strings, Guy Protheroe, English Chamber Choir
The Boxer (Arranged for Piano, Strings & Chorus by Rick Wakeman)Paul Simon, Rick Wakeman, The Orion Strings, Guy Protheroe, English Chamber Choir
The Wild Eyed Boy From Freecloud (Arranged for Piano, Strings & Chorus by Rick Wakeman)David Bowie, Rick Wakeman, The Orion Strings, Guy Protheroe, English Chamber Choir
Strawberry Fields Forever (Arranged for Piano, Strings & Chorus by Rick Wakeman)John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Rick Wakeman, The Orion Strings, Guy Protheroe, English Chamber Choir
Roundabout (Arranged for Piano, Strings & Chorus by Rick Wakeman)Steve James Howe, Jon Anderson, Rick Wakeman, The Orion Strings, Guy Protheroe, English Chamber Choir
Cyril WolverineRick Wakeman, The Orion Strings, Guy Protheroe, English Chamber Choir
Jane SeymourRick Wakeman, The Orion Strings, Guy Protheroe, English Chamber Choir
Largos (Arranged for Piano, Strings & Chorus by Rick Wakeman)Antonín Dvořák, George Frideric Handel, Rick Wakeman, The Orion Strings, Guy Protheroe, English Chamber Choir
Bohemian Rhapsody (Arranged for Piano, Strings & Chorus by Rick Wakeman)Freddie Mercury, Rick Wakeman, The Orion Strings, Guy Protheroe, English Chamber Choir, Brian May