R2OK!

childprufe · Joined: 22 Dec 2006 Posts: 212 Location: lincolnshire

I had the great pleasure and privilege of seeing Rick Wakeman doing his one man show in Lincoln last week. If anyone gets the chance, go and see him. He is a brilliant musician and the most amusing, droll speaker you could hope to see. A true professional.
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Standing on Ray Moore's shoulders

ColinB · Guest

childprufe · Joined: 22 Dec 2006 Posts: 212 Location: lincolnshire

Rick told a brilliant anecdote in relation to Morning has Broken. Apparently he was approached by Cat Stevens and asked to do the musical arrangement, but apparently the hymn only has 3 verses and the full recording would last about 90 seconds. Rick suggested a flowery introduction which would drag it out to just under 2 minutes. Still not long enough so Rick agreed to using the flowery piece in the middle and at the end, extending the piece to 2minutes 40 seconds - still not long enough. He then suggested a key change and an interval piece that would extend the recording to over 3 minutes - that will do nicely.
The recording then became a HIT - Top of the Pops loomed and Rick got a request for the score of his arrangement. Rick was still awaiting payment for his original work, so his reply to TOTP was "No".
Apparently there have been numerous requests over the years for the arrangment, but it has never been written down, so the answer remains "No".
Rick claims he was eventually paid in 1990, but the score remains in his head.
To hear him play it live, you would not know the difference from the piece he first played 40 years ago.
Rock on Rick
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Standing on Ray Moore's shoulders

ColinB · Guest

I like Rick Wakeman, he's one of Britain's true characters as well as being a truly superb musician. He really does make me laugh with his wayward conversations with David Jensen and also phone callers on Planet Rock.

I'm listening to "Roundabout" (from the album "Fragile" by Yes) and his keyboard playing is unbelievably good.

becky sharp · Joined: 01 Dec 2008 Posts: 6814

I was neither one way or the other in my views of Rick Wakeman then a few years ago he did a programme on the BBC, round Easter time, about the song Amazing Grace, tracing it's history etc, and I found myself really warming to him....would like to see more of him in this type of thing.

Judy Collins sang it in a cathedral whilst she was just sat there talking to Rick about it........a lovely moment....

preraphaeliteangel · Joined: 16 Nov 2010 Posts: 249 Location: Yorkshire

I saw Rick Wakeman's one man show at the Grassington Festival this year and it was absolutely superb. His timing in telling an anecdote is second to none and of course the music was excellent. I'd definitely recommend see it if you get the chance.

Soulsister · Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2010 10:15 am Post subject:

I've always been a little bit in love with Rick Wakeman. Great musician and very funny guy - I'd love to see him live but sadly I don't think our local theatres are big enough to host a Rick Wakeman show - as a matter of interest, what size were the venues where you folks saw him?

I did go to see Alan Price earlier this year and he was excellent. Like Rick a very funny bloke,a great raconteur, very droll, and he had the audience in stitches. I'd only gone to see Maggie Bell who was guest vocalist, but Price was a revelation.

I'll have to start listening to that Planet Rock show.

ColinB · Guest

preraphaeliteangel · Joined: 16 Nov 2010 Posts: 249 Location: Yorkshire

childprufe · Joined: 22 Dec 2006 Posts: 212 Location: lincolnshire

There was a series of concerts in churches this year, the one in Lincoln only held about 250 and attendance was about 150. Rick was one of the featured aristes. Others included Courtney Pine and Alfie Boe. It was an innovative idea that will hopefully be repeated.
Have a word with your local vicar............ Smile

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Standing on Ray Moore's shoulders