The Six Wives of Henry VIII: Live At Hampton Court Palace

Performer: Rick Wakeman
Distributor: n/a

Notes: Personnel includes: Rick Wakeman (keyboards); Liza Strike, Judy Powell (vocals); Steve Howe (guitar); Chris Squire (bass); Alan White (drums); Barry St. John. Personnel: Rick Wakeman (keyboards); Pete Rinaldi (acoustic guitar); Dave Colquhoun (electric guitar); Sarah McCracken (violin); Amy Sims (cello); Jamie Thomas (horns); Adam Wakeman (keyboards); Jonathan Noyce (bass guitar); Tony Fernandez (drums); Ray Cooper (percussion). Photographer: John Spence . Released in 2009, veteran pianist/arranger/progressive rock giant Rick Wakeman's The Six Wives of Henry VIII: Live at Hampton Court Palace represented the first time that his groundbreaking 1973 song cycle had ever been performed and recorded in its entirety. Staying true to the project's foundation of Mellotron, Moog, and Hammond C3 organ, Wakeman's performance was bookended by two new pieces ("Tudorture '1485'" and "Tudorock," respectively) and included the previously unreleased track "Defender of the Faith," which was originally omitted from the 1973 version due to space restrictions. The performance also features narration from veteran British actor Brian Blessed, as well as backing by the English Rock Ensemble, who are accompanied by the Orchestra Europa and the English Chamber Choir. ~ James Christopher Monger Not only did this album help pave the way for progressive rock, but it also introduced the unbridled energy and overall effectiveness of the synthesizer as a bona fide instrument. Six Wives gave Wakeman his chance to break away from the other instrumental complexities that made up Yes and allowed him to prove what a driving force the keyboard could truly be, especially in full album form. More than just synthesized wandering, Wakeman astoundingly conjures up a separate musical persona by way of an instrumental ode to each of Henry VIII's wives through his dazzling use of the Mellotron, Moog, and Hammond C3 organ. For example, Wakeman's fiery runs and fortissimo thwarting of the synthesizer throughout "Anne Boleyn" is a tribute to her feisty temper and valiant courage that she maintained while standing up to her husband. With "Jane Seymour," on the other hand, Wakeman's playing is somewhat subdued and gentile, which coincides with her legendary meekness and frailty, as well as her willingness to cater to Henry VIII. Wakeman's masterful use of his synthesizers is not only instrumentally stunning, but his talent of magically shaping the notes to represent behavioral idiosyncrasies of his characters is itself bewildering. Yes bassist Chris Squire lends a hand on "Catherine of Aragon," while guitarist Steve Howe and drummer Bill Bruford appear on a few tracks as well, as does former Strawbs member Dave Cousins, playing the electric banjo. The Six Wives of Henry VIII unleashes the unyielding power of the keyboard as a dominant instrument, but also displays Wakeman at the beginning of an extremely resplendent career as a solo musician. ~ Mike DeGagne

Rolling Stone (6/21/73, p.69) - "..he has a brilliant feel for tasteful impressionistic composition...an exceptionally interesting instrumental album...production is superb.." Record Collector (magazine) (p.96) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "The 12 minutes of 'Kathryn Howard' mixes lovely trills with vaudeville touches..."

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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