Record Reviews

RICK WAKEMAN ~ THE MYTHS AND LEGENDS OF KING ARTHUR AND THE KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE (DELUXE EDITION) A&M 600753562604 (Barcode: 600753562604) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1974 - 1975 Released: 2014 This is the third (second studio) album by British keyboardist / composer Rick WakemanFind albums by this artist, one of the most prominent and prolific figures of the Progressive Rock movement. The album was recorded after Wakeman left (for the first time) the legendary Prog group YesFind albums by this artist, and features members of the band that took part in the recording of his previous album ("Journey To The Centre Of The EarthFind albums with this title") as well as the English Chamber ChoirFind albums by this artist and Orchestra. In many respects this album continues the pattern set up in its predecessor, which puts Wakeman in the centre playing an array of keyboards, accompanied by a Rock group including vocals and supported by a large orchestra and choir. Of course Wakeman did not invent the concept of combining orchestra and choir with a Rock band; that has been tried out with various degrees of success many times before. The most important issue in an attempt to create a Rock-Classical Fusion is always the extent of integration between these two musical universes, which is supposed to give birth to a symbiotic hybrid. Unfortunately such organic fusion does not happen neither on its predecessor nor on this album and Wakeman uses the Classical elements as an extension of his palette of sounds, as if he had another synthesizer at his disposal, but not as an extension of his musical horizon. When stripped down from all the excess ornamentation, which is not easy mind you, the album does present some decent melodic content. Wakeman always could weave some pretty nice tunes, which absurdly hold water better in their simplicity than when glazed up by layers upon layers of sugary glitter. Having said all that, Wakeman knew how to maximize his success and push the boundaries of the Rock / Prog idiom into the extravagant grandeur, which could flourish for just a brief period of time, when the circumstances allowed it, writing down a fascinating period in Rock´s history. Wakeman never lacked neither the vision nor the ability to actually make projects like this one become a reality, which is a virtue he deserves praise for, regardless of the net musical value that was actually created. This Deluxe Edition is quite a vulgar attempt to sell the same material again, as it offers absolutely nothing worthwhile in return for its price. There are no bonus tracks at all and the accompanying DVD brings high definition stereo and quad mixes of the same material (God only knows what for?). Overall this album brings back on the market music that did not age well, which is dishonestly packaged. It retains its historic value when judged in perspective.

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