http://www.soundpress.net/files-feature-articles/fa-2012-05-25-rick-wakeman.phpRick Wakeman - Soaring in the 70's!Caped Crusader -- Book Review
A SoundPress.net Feature Article by Rich and Laura Lynch
Did you know that Rick Wakeman - the "caped crusader" - played the Mellotron on David Bowie's "Space Oddity" and piano for Cat Stevens on "Morning Has Broken"? During the late 60's and early 70's Rick was an in-demand session musician. Wakeman recorded with a wide range of artists including Elton John, Ozzy Osbourne and T. Rex.
The recently re-released biography Rick Wakeman - Caped Crusader is filled with fun facts about the talented keyboardist as he emerged as one of the most important musical icons in the world in the 1970's. It is the story of a young man immersed in music as he charted his course as his chart-topping career unfolded. The book is an entertaining and informative read. Fans of Rick's early work should enjoy the details about his days in The Strawbs, Yes and his solo projects.
After The Strawbs, Rick soared to new heights with Yes but the sky was the limit with a number of successful themed solo albums including The Six Wives of Henry VIII (1973), Journey to the Centre of the Earth (1974) and The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table (1975).
The 1970's was a prolific period for Rick Wakeman and this decade and his childhood is chronicled in Rick Wakeman - Caped Crusader. We learn of his love of sports and the conflict it caused with his other passion - the piano. The book follows Rick to the Royal College of Music, his tenure with The Strawbs and then into Yes. Wakeman was a man who liked his pint but was passionate and precise in regards to his art.
Rick Wakeman - Caped Crusader is filled with amusing antidotes, insights into his musical muse, numerous photos and countless quotes. We also learned that Wakeman was a hard worker. Wooding goes into the finer points regarding the creative process for his concerts and the above mentioned epic albums.
Dan Wooding author of Rick Wakeman - Caped Crusader is also the founder of ASSIST and the ASSIST News Service (http://www.assistnews.net/) and has penned 45 books. In 1968, Wooding was a reporter for a local newspaper in West London where he met Wakeman. Dan was the first person to interview Rick and he was thrilled with the publicity at that time. The two have remained friends ever since.
In the 1970's Rick was a flamboyant personality and player and the capes personified these traits. He enjoyed much success with Yes and with his own lavish productions consistently charting. Wakeman was a prankster yet considered by many to be a pioneer for instrumental concept albums. Rick also embarked on a number of business ventures including a company that created cases for transporting music gear.
The book concludes with Rick's views on family, friends, life as a musician and religion. The decade was a creative period for Wakeman as documented in Rick Wakeman - Caped Crusader. Rick did not rest on his laurels and since the 70's Wakeman has produced over 100 albums and is known for his work on the BBC comedy series "Old Men". Rick Wakeman may no longer wear capes but he continues to fly to new heights in his art!
Related Links: For more information on RICK WAKEMAN and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Rick Wakeman Website
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