Rick Wakeman – The Red Planet
Label: Madfish
Release date: August 28st, 2020
Website: https://www.rwcc.com
The man definitely needs no further introduction – RICK WAKEMAN is a musical legend both solo and of course because of his stints with YES. After many years of absence, “The Red Planet“ is his first proggy solo effort and a really exciting one it has become. All instrumental eight parts come with prominent help from IT BITES bass player Lee Pomeroy; skinsman Ash Soan (ex SQUEEZE) and longtime cohort for more than 20 years, Dave Colquhoun, on guitar. Together they are “The English Rock Ensemble“ and deliver a damn good performance. The CD is reminiscent of Ricks most famous solo attempt “The Six Wives of Henry VIII“ from 1973. Finally Mr. WAKEMAN dedusted his old analogue keyboards which make the record sound even better. Song lenghts vary from five to ten music, which is quite okay for a prog album and shouldn‘t ask for too much from the “normal listener“. The music fans however who haven’t liked WAKEMAN’s keyboard wizardry before won‘t change their minds now. But the ones who already have been keen on his work – like me – will absolutely love “The Red Planet“!
7/10
Andreas Höhn
Track List:
1. Ascraeus Mons
2. Tharsis Tholus
3. Arsia Mons
4. Olympus Mons
5. The North Plain
6. Pavonis Mons
7. South Pole
8. Valles Marineris
