Search - Rick Wakeman :: Retro

This is what I love him for

H. Koerner | Biberbach, Ohio United States | 08/27/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"nice, if you like Journey to the Centre of the Earth, The Six Wives of Henry VIII and Myths & Legends Of King Arthur & The Knights Of The Round Table, or 1984, you will like this too. Cool idea to actually make an album on instruments you put away for 30 years and more, plus a familiar voice (same singer as on above albums). Yes, it's full of cliches and some cheesy patterns, but purposely and excellently played on keyboards from the 70s. It has been weeks now and I am still getting goosebumps when I listen to it.

"

Wakeman invents a new wheel with old equipment

Eddie Lancekick | Pacific Northwest | 10/13/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"London born keyboard extraordinaire and YES piano/keyboard veteran Rick Wakeman delivers yet another superb medley of keyboard tunes with the 2006 release of "Retro". This album might not stick out title wise when lined up with the dozens of albums he has released as a solo artist, but it is one of the most interesting. On this album, Wakeman used a lot of old keyboards he had that had not seen the light of day for over 20 years. Despite technical difficulties throughout the recording process, Wakeman is able to still bring magic to our ears through this collection of old hardware.



One thing that sticks out in my mind on this album is the overall mood. Many times when listening to something that can be as emotional or enthralling as instrumental recordings are the fact that many sometimes seem "dated" within the realm of an era, decade, or even sound from that artist's previous band. This is not the case with RETRO. There are some great vocals throughout this album as well as songs that are less "synth" sounding and laden with groove and rock. "Just another day" starts out with some zany in and out synth sounds that remind me of the intro to Van Halen's synthesizer solo "1984". The track is multi layered with several different instruments to give it a rich sound. Eventually it takes off into an almost classical tone with an Arthurian feel to it. The band has a zippy, jazz sounding tune with "leave the blindfold" that also incorporates some soft female vocals that do nothing but add to the magic. Things slow down some with "Retrospective" and by now you could never guess that this equipment in many people's minds would be "outdated". The landscapes that Wakeman paints with his keyboards are soothing and powerful at the same time. To further show the diversity of his vision, The final track "The Stalker" clocks in at over eight minutes long and sounds like something that would give Tangerine Dream a run for their money when doing 80's scores for films that required uplifting tempo's and eerie harmonies.



Its hard to compare this 10 track album against all the other fine recordings he has done over the years, but to me RETRO does the one thing it needed to; further solidify that despite the old equipment or the age of the man behind the keyboard, Rick Wakeman is an artist to be cherished in the realm of music still today."

Excellent and very interesting

ERROL ARIAS | VALENCIA, CARABOBO Venezuela | 11/03/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you've been wondered how is to listen modern prog rock with the vintage synths, here is the chance to find the answer from who maybe is the greatest keyboardist in the prog rock world. With very nice sounds, real drums and good voices, this album is a must for everyone who want to know how intense is the vintage synths sound in the prog rock field. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED"