Rick Wakeman is known to prog rock fans as a cape-wearing keyboard maestro, who came to prominence as a member of Yes. In all the turbulent years during his various Yes stints he also nourished a respectable solo career, often criticised for being a bit too full of average moments. 2012 brings about another look into his past – a live album dating into the 2003 period. In the Nick of Time documents the performances in support of Wakeman’s Out There album.
Wakeman is joined by his faithful New English Rock Ensemble, this time with Ashley Holt instead of Damian Wilson, who was the singer of choice on Out There. The album contains compositions you’d come to expect from Wakeman from his classic 70s albums. Of course, there are a few tracks from the Out There album, as he was promoting the album at the time and even some music from Return to the Centre of the Earth. It is for these rare live tracks that this album could be an enticing proposition for unadulterated synth fanatics. The band is in fine form, Wakeman’s synth sounds actually sound good and the choice of tracks is not too predictable. I’m not a fan of everything Wakeman has done, but this live album shows The New English Rock Ensemble in a wonderful light. All the guys are spectacular, with Wakeman delivering the biggest blows.
Definitely a worthy document if you're a Wakeman fan. The playing is fierce throughout and especially Wakeman shines on this, with no cheese for miles around. A synth extravaganza for sure, but done in good taste.
8 out of 10
This review was made possible by the record label Gonzo Multimedia and Glass Onyon PR.
Check out Rick's Gonzo Artist Page
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