29-08-2020, 17:24
RICK WAKEMAN & THE ENGLISH ROCK ENSEMBLE ~ The Red Planet
![[Image: R-15823810-1598711557-6701.jpeg.jpg]](https://img.discogs.com/y2G7TKKI2GSzK6xaXphBUlASD6I=/fit-in/300x300/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(40)/discogs-images/R-15823810-1598711557-6701.jpeg.jpg)
It’s about time Mr Wakeman gave us a joyous burst of progginess which is precisely what he’s done here. The album opens with what can only be described as a fanfare – a bombastic march heralding what’s in store - it wouldn't be Wakeman if it wasn't a tad overblown. He’s used the topography of Mars as his inspiration and premise – there are a lot of volcanoes I must say! I like it when an artist uses music to conjure imagery – especially landscapes, or in this instance, spacescapes – try saying that a few times in a row! I wonder if he has a space cape?? Lol! He’s had a number of those items of clothing over the past five decades – nothing if not entertaining, and I suppose that’s largely what it’s about, unless one is a shrinking violet which is about the furthest thing imaginable from Grumpy Old Rick.
Anyway – he’s dusted off the synths and does a good job of getting back to the business of evocativeness (hope that's an actual word), which to my mind, is what is at the core of the most successful progressive rock. It must have been thought about and have an essence and some heart, which this does. He is interested in things interstellar, Mars in particular, and IMHO, it shows. Whether your thing or not, I would say that this is the best thing to come out of the Wakeman stable in some years. I like the cover art too.
This is not a solo album per se, he employs the services of The English Rock Ensemble which comprises; Bass – Lee Pomeroy, Drums – Ash Soan, Electric Guitar – Dave Colquhoun (some ripping guitar solos) - all most respectable and seasoned musicians. The pieces range from lyrical to positively heavy (“The North Plain”) and are instrumental. All up a good listen – went back for a second – gonna leave it alone now for a bit … let it simmer.
This one appeals to me as a sample to link to - on this occasion -
It’s about time Mr Wakeman gave us a joyous burst of progginess which is precisely what he’s done here. The album opens with what can only be described as a fanfare – a bombastic march heralding what’s in store - it wouldn't be Wakeman if it wasn't a tad overblown. He’s used the topography of Mars as his inspiration and premise – there are a lot of volcanoes I must say! I like it when an artist uses music to conjure imagery – especially landscapes, or in this instance, spacescapes – try saying that a few times in a row! I wonder if he has a space cape?? Lol! He’s had a number of those items of clothing over the past five decades – nothing if not entertaining, and I suppose that’s largely what it’s about, unless one is a shrinking violet which is about the furthest thing imaginable from Grumpy Old Rick.
Anyway – he’s dusted off the synths and does a good job of getting back to the business of evocativeness (hope that's an actual word), which to my mind, is what is at the core of the most successful progressive rock. It must have been thought about and have an essence and some heart, which this does. He is interested in things interstellar, Mars in particular, and IMHO, it shows. Whether your thing or not, I would say that this is the best thing to come out of the Wakeman stable in some years. I like the cover art too.
This is not a solo album per se, he employs the services of The English Rock Ensemble which comprises; Bass – Lee Pomeroy, Drums – Ash Soan, Electric Guitar – Dave Colquhoun (some ripping guitar solos) - all most respectable and seasoned musicians. The pieces range from lyrical to positively heavy (“The North Plain”) and are instrumental. All up a good listen – went back for a second – gonna leave it alone now for a bit … let it simmer.
This one appeals to me as a sample to link to - on this occasion -
"The surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that it has never tried to contact us." ~ Bill Watterson
