Cirque Surreal

Performer: Rick Wakeman
Engineer: Stuart Sawney
Producer: Rick Wakeman
Distributor: E1 Distribution (USA)

Notes: Personnel: Rick Wakeman (keyboards, synthesizer); Chrissie Hammond (vocals); Fraser Thorneycroft-Smith (guitar); Phil Laughlin (bass instrument); Tony Fernandez (drums, percussion). Wakeman wrote this music to accompany performances of the Cirque Surreal, a modern, all-human circus employing high-caliber gymnasts and lighting effects. There are a variety of tracks, all of which are dominated by Wakeman's fine playing: uptempo rockers with screaming guitar solos, tuneful keyboard-led instrumentals, and a few slower pieces (one of which is, for some reason, punningly titled "Tubular Balls"). Four tracks feature vocals by Chrissie Hammond; the rest are instrumental. This is one of Wakeman's strongest rock band efforts since the '70s. ~ Stephen Raiteri

Keyboardist Rick Wakeman (who also played with the Strawbs and several other acts as a session player in the 1960s) began releasing solo albums while still a member of Yes, and let no grass grow under his feet after leaving that band for good in 1979. The ever-inventive composer and player has released over 100 albums since the '70s (nine in 1991 alone) and played on many more. With elaborate stage-shows (including a King Arthur on Ice in 1975 at Wembley Pool) and a musical style that balances prog rock with new age and just about every other keyboard-based pop style in between, he's carved a unique niche for himself. Between releasing albums, he also scores films, has hosted a weekly radio program, and is a familiar face on British chat shows.

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