Aspirant Sunrise [Remaster]

Performer: Rick Wakeman
Engineer: John Burns
Producer: Rick Wakeman
Distributor: MSI Music Distribution

Notes: This album is part of Wakeman's "Suntrilogy" of new age keyboard relaxation music. All of the pieces are slow, gentle, melodic, and peaceful. There isn't any of Wakeman's characteristic complexity or virtuosity here, but the albums fulfill their stated purpose. (Wakeman donated part of the proceeds from these three albums to the Council for the Protection of Rural England.) ~ Stephen Raiteri While some of Rick Wakeman's travels into new age music have relinquished some spiritedness, the same cannot be said for Aspirant Sunrise, a somewhat clich�d and inactive expedition into the realm of relaxation. Used as a means to bring musical enlightenment to a world filled with tension, Wakeman's delicate keyboard playing trails off into mundane electronic runs, short of his usual instrumental adeptness. Even though his attempts at conjuring up tranquilizing motifs are apparent, they tend to imitate other run-of-the-mill new age albums and are void of his trademarked keyboard style. Tracks such as "Dewy Morn" and "When Time Stood Still" offer up the best hint of his artistry, teased with some interesting synthesizer meanderings. The rest of the songs are bright in nature, but would have been bettered by some escalating rhythms or slight time changes within the realm of Wakeman's conceptual intentions. Aspirant Sunrise is the first in a two-part set (the other being Aspirant Sunshadows) meant to be played at the end of a stress-filled day. ~ Mike DeGagne

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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