Symphonic Rock Cornucopia: The Myths and Legends of Rick Wakeman 4CD Boxed Set

Rick Wakeman – The Myths and Legends of Rick Wakeman (‎ Purple Pyramid, 2022)

Progressive rock icon Rick Wakeman has released a boxed set of live recordings titled “The Myths and Legends of Rick Wakeman”. The collection includes live recordings made during the 1970s. Undeniably, this was a prolific and highly creative period for Rick Wakeman. Notably, the keyboard maestro released a series of ambitious symphonic works that included a progressive rock band section led by his remarkable keyboard arsenal of synths, Mellotron, organ and piano; symphonic orchestras; singers; and narrators. This newly released boxed set highlights memorable live performances of these major works.

The 4-disc set includes some of Wakeman’s most memorable work, including The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and The Knights Of The Round Table; The Six Wives of Henry VII; and Journey to the Centre of the Earth. This is symphonic progressive rock at its best.

The live anthology is packaged in a superb clamshell box with individual wallets for each show along with a 16-page booklet with liner notes and vintage photos.

“It’s really lovely to see some of the music I’m most proud of, released in a new way, and presented so well… I’m still wondering though if I am more of a myth than a legend!” says Rick Wakeman.

Track list:

Disc 1: Live In North America 1974

1. Journey to the Centre of the Earth, Pt. 1
2. Journey to the Centre of the Earth, Pt. 2
3. Anne Boleyn
4. Concerto for American Commercial TV

Disc 2: Live at Winterland Ballroom 1975

1. The Journey to the Center of the Earth, Pt. 1
2. Catherine Howard
3. Sir Lancelot & the Black Knight
4. Anne Boleyn
5. The Forest
6. Arthur & Guinevere
7. Merlin the Magician
8. Catherine Parr

Disc 3: Live at Hammersmith Odeon 1976

1. Music Reincarnate, Pt. 3: The Spaceman
2. Catherine Howard
3. Sir Lancelot & the Black Knight
4. Arthur
5. Music Reincarnate, Pt. 4: The Realisation
6. The Forest
7. Catherine Parr
8. The Prisoner
9. Merlin the Magician

Disc 4: The Maltings 1976

1. Recollection
2. Music Reincarnate, Pt. 4: The Realisation
3. Sir Lancelot and the Black Knight
4. Music Reincarnate, Pt. 3: The Spaceman
5. Catherine Parr
6. The Prisoner
7. Merlin the Magician