Rhapsodies

Rhapsodies

Real Gone Music concludes its survey of Rick Wakeman s solo recordings for the A&M label with yet another first-time-on-CD-in-the-U.S. release, this time of his last album for the label, a double-LP from 1979. Unlike many of his other solo records, Rhapsodies consists of short, largely improvisational pieces (17 in all for a 2-LP set that s practically Ramones-style for this composer!) that are brimming with the whimsy and prodigious chops we ve come to expect from the erstwhile Yes keyboardist. On the lighter side are the opening track, Pedra da Gavea, which sets keyboard licks and processed vocals to none other than a Bo Diddley beat, and Swan Lager, which arranges one of the main themes from Swan Lake as a reggae number! But Wakeman s closing solo piano take on Summertime is nothing short of gorgeous, and reminds us that, lurking behind the prog rock god/clown faÃ§ade, was a sensitive and fully mature artist...when he wanted to be. Otherwise, enjoy the dizzying array of musical ideas and motifs from the flying fingers of Mr. Wakeman, with artful annotation by Bill Kopp. Produced by Tony Vischonti of David Bowie fame.

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