Rick's Journey
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Journey to the Centre of the
Earth
 We needed something special as a “Thank
You” to MOTH and Assistant MOTH for all they do for us on our UK visits, this
presented itself in the form of a concert. Celebrating the 40th
anniversary of the release of his landmark concept album, Rick Wakeman took to
the road with the Journey to the Centre of the Earth 2014 tour. Luck would have
it, Plymouth Pavilions was night three of the fourteen venue run, marvellous.
The show is based on the novel by Jules Verne, which marks its 150th
anniversary.
"This is the start
of a new Journey," said Rick, "the original score for the album had been lost
for so many years, making any new performances impossible. But after it turned
up without warning, we managed to restore it and add previously missing music
that was not included in the original performances. It has taken another half
decade to develop it into this tour, but I can't wait to take Jules Verne's
magnificent story on tour again." The original album was and is one of the rock
era's landmark achievements - a record that sold fifteen million copies and
rewrote the rules.
The short first half saw Rick come on alone wearing a suit and trainers. This easy-going chap told the audience of his beginnings. He started playing the piano at the age of five. At the age of eight his dad took him to a Peter and the Wolf concert and his love of classical music was born there and then, making him very committed to his piano lessons. He bought his first electronic keyboard at the age of twelve. At fourteen, he began playing with a succession of semi-pro bands. In 1968, Rick gained a place at the Royal College of Music, where he studied piano, clarinet, orchestration and modern music. He left the college after a year in favour of session music work.
Rick played Morning Has Broken by his long term friend Cat Stevens, who encouraged him to do as he wanted and not be bullied by record producers. This beautiful piece was followed by Life On Mars, Rick welcomed on stage Hayley Sanderson who sings it on her album, from here on in Rick called her Strictly (she has sung on the show for eight years). Introducing Bowie's classic, Rick dispelled the myth that his piano part was hard to write. “I played what I wanted and everybody worked around me.” He said working with David Bowie was a joy who also told him to follow his instincts and not be dictated to by record companies. Next Rick and vocalist Ashley Holt wowed us with Summertime (because they
used to play the song when they were in a band in their teens). Rick told us
that no other man could perform next to him on Journey as his friend had done so
in the beginning.
To wind up the first half Rick told us about his professor at the
Royal College of Music who would have him take a piece by one composer and
arrange it in the style of another. He then blew us away with Eleanor Rigby in
the style of Prokofiev.
Incredible, who could have seen that one coming. Time for a libation and
recollections about music.
In 1964 my first single was in My Boy Lollipop by Millie
Small
In 1965 my first album was Peter and the Wolf by Sergei Sergeyevich
Prokofiev
In
1966 my second single was Paint It Black by the one and
only........Rolling Stones
These three musical experiences shaped my love of black
singers, classical music and of course blues / rock / bad
boys
I asked Bear to recall his first three.
   In 1959 a Christmas gift of a record player
allowed me to play The Laughing Policeman.by Charles Penrose which made me
laugh.
In 1961 I bought The Scottish Soldier
by Andy Stewart – because I liked it. The ‘B’ side I remember had Donald Where’s
Your Troosers as I like to laugh.
In 1966 I bought my first album – Big Hits (High Tide and Green
Grass).
Well 1966 was clearly important to both of us in
becoming life-long Stones fans. Must try to see them once
more..............
Back to Rick. The second half
The New World
Symphony Orchestra, accompanied by The English Chamber Choir and the English
Rock Ensemble, all conducted by Guy
Protheroe took their places. I would have been terribly disappointed if Rick had
not walked on in a vast, shiny cape. I was not to be disappointed. The
audience were on their feet at the end of Journey, settled to an encore we were
treated to half an hour of Return to the Centre of the
Earth. Fantastic. Here’s hoping they bring both
albums out digitally re-mastered.
 The narrator, Philip Franks, sat on a throne at the back of the stage,
his wonderful, deep voice was perfect to tell the
story.
ALL IN ALL A FABULOUS NIGHT FANTASTIC PERFORMANCE |
