The Best of Rick Wakeman – Original Live Recordings (Audio CD)

Product Information

• UPC: 0724348859822
• Label: Serious Music Ltd. (Manufactured under license from The Product Exchange/Serious Music Ltd., U.K.)
• Format: CD – Original Live Recordings
• Country of Manufacture: United Kingdom (recorded at Bajonor Studios, Isle of Man)
• Release Year: (Recorded live; release details on album not specified, design indicates circa 1998–2000)
• Product Type: Live Compilation/Album
• Catalog Number: WB 885982

Overview

Experience the electrifying live performances of the legendary progressive rock keyboardist Rick Wakeman with The Best of Rick Wakeman – Original Live Recordings. This album captures the spirit and virtuosity of Wakeman's dynamic live shows, showcasing extended suites and epic compositions that have defined his career. From the dramatic fusion of Elizabethan rock with a call to “Make Me A Woman,” to the multi-part epic suite After Henry featuring movements such as Catherine of Aragon, A Crying Heart, Jane Seymour, A Crying Heart (Part 2), and Catherine Howard, this album is a testament to his mastery on the keyboards and his innovative approach to live performance.

Also included are the electrifying renditions of The Realisation/The Prisoner and the majestic King Arthur suite, which features the moving segment Guinevere. Each track has been recorded live with precision, offering an immersive experience that transports you to the heart of a Rick Wakeman concert.

Product Features

• Original Live Recordings:
  Relive the magic of Rick Wakeman’s live performances, featuring extended suites and dynamic musical arrangements.

• Epic Performances:
  Enjoy long-form tracks displaying Wakeman’s impressive keyboard mastery and storytelling through music.

• All-Star Musicians:

  • Keyboards: Rick Wakeman
  • Bass and Guitars: Davy Paton
  • Drums and Percussion: Tony Fernandez
  • Vocals and Percussion: Ashley Holt
    Additional live support is provided by stage crew and technical personnel, ensuring a superb sound quality.

• Expert Production:
  Recorded and mixed at Bajonor Studios (Isle of Man) with engineering and mixing by Stuart Sawney, and produced by Rick Wakeman for Serious Music Ltd.

• Dedication & Authenticity:
  All tracks are written and composed by Rick Wakeman, with the album dedicated to his family—a testament to his musical journey and personal inspiration.

Track Listing

1. Elizabethan Rock / Make Me A Woman – 10:00
   (Composed by Rick Wakeman)

2. After Henry – 20:34
   Featuring the following suite movements:

   • Catherine of Aragon
   • A Crying Heart
   • Jane Seymour
   • A Crying Heart (Part 2)
   • Catherine Howard (Composed by Rick Wakeman)

3. The Realisation / The Prisoner – 9:40
   (Composed by Rick Wakeman)

4. King Arthur – 20:37
   Including the segment “Guinevere”

Interesting Facts

• Live Performance Brilliance:
  This album captures the true energy and innovative spirit of Rick Wakeman’s live shows, offering extended compositions that are both musically complex and deeply engaging. The live recordings bring out the nuances of his keyboard play that studio versions sometimes miss.

• Epic Suite Arrangements:
  The multi-part suites — notably After Henry and King Arthur — demonstrate Wakeman’s ability to blend classical influences with rock dynamics, creating an immersive narrative through music.

• Collaborative Excellence:
  Backed by seasoned musicians such as Davy Paton, Tony Fernandez, and Ashley Holt, and supported by skilled stage and technical crews, these performances highlight the synergy and professionalism behind every live rendition.

• Production Quality:
  With additional recording and mixing done by Bajonor Studios on the Isle of Man and engineered by Stuart Sawney, the album stands as a high-quality document of Rick Wakeman’s live legacy.

Publishers

Produced and released by Serious Music Ltd. under license from The Product Exchange and manufactured under license from Serious Music Ltd., U.K. Cover design by Studio van Dijken, Enschede. Special thanks to Korg, Celestion, Kurzweil, Voice Crystal & Metra Sound. For more details, please visit Rick Wakeman’s production partners and affiliated websites.

We value your feedback! Share your experience with this product to help others make informed decisions. Your review is important to us!

Hashtags

English:

#RickWakeman #LiveRecordings #ProgressiveRock #ElizabethanRock #AfterHenry #KingArthur #OriginalLiveMusic #KeyboardVirtuoso #EpicLivePerformance #ProgRockLegend