Songs Of The Middle Earth: Inspired By Lord Of The Rings (Collectables)

Performer: Rick Wakeman
Distributor: Gotham Distributing Corp.

Notes: Thanks to the timely release of the massive Lord of the Rings movie cycle and perhaps seeing a potentially new and untapped fan market, BMG appropriated material from Rick Wakeman's Heritage Suite and Seven Wonders of the World recordings, retitled the songs based on various names and places in Tolkien's novels, and repackaged this CD to appear as if Wakeman spent time toiling away in his studio to work on a tribute album. This illusion is passed off successfully for casual listeners, but die-hard fans may already own most of this material. Nevertheless, the production here is exactly what you would expect from a Wakeman record: crisp, clean production with technical wizardry and musical acrobatics abound. While Tolkien fans may find this a curious release to pick up, loyalists might want to consider sitting this one out. ~ Rob Theakston

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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