“Softsword” came to life following a commission Rick Wakeman received to compose music for the finale of the 1991 Dickens Festival at Rochester on Medway in Kent. Rick later adapted the themes he had written for this event and developed them into songs and instrumental pieces. The resulting album featured guest musicians Chrissie Hammond (vocals), David Paton (guitars and bass) and Annabel Blakeney (gemshorn) and took its title from the nickname given to King John by medieval English barons.
Unavailable for some years, “Softsword – King John & the Magna Carta” has been newly re-mastered and features an illustrated booklet with a new sleeve design and continues the series of official Rick Wakeman releases on Esoteric Recordings.
Track Listing
1. Magna Carta
2. After Prayers
3. Battle Sonata
4. The Siege
5. Rochester Collage
6. The Story of Love (King John)
7. March of Time
8. Don’t Fly Away
9. Isabella
10. Softsword
11. Hymn of Hope