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
- Journey to the Centre of the Earth, Pt. 1
- Journey to the Centre of the Earth, Pt. 2
- Anne Boleyn
- Concerto for American Commercial TV
Disc 2: Live at Winterland Ballroom 1975
- The Journey to the Center of the Earth, Pt. 1
- Catherine Howard
- Sir Lancelot & the Black Knight
- Anne Boleyn
- The Forest
- Arthur & Guinevere
- Merlin the Magician
- Catherine Parr
Disc 3: Live at Hammersmith Odeon 1976
- Music Reincarnate, Pt. 3: The Spaceman
- Catherine Howard
- Sir Lancelot & the Black Knight
- Arthur
- Music Reincarnate, Pt. 4: The Realisation
- The Forest
- Catherine Parr
- The Prisoner
- Merlin the Magician
Disc 4: The Maltings 1976
- Recollection
- Music Reincarnate, Pt. 4: The Realisation
- Sir Lancelot and the Black Knight
- Music Reincarnate, Pt. 3: The Spaceman
- Catherine Parr
- The Prisoner
- Merlin the Magician