Now
as the Hermans Hermits song from 1965 goes, 'I'm her 8th old
man, (Im Henery)" if you recall, but 7 years later in late
72 and early 73 Rick Wakeman took the Henry (the)
VIII thing to a new crescendo with an album that is still viewed among
the most brilliant examples of instrumental English rock music of
it's era. Before I wrote this review I was thinking, what made The
Six Wives Of Henry VIII such a unique example of music that
was almost equaled several years later on early '80s albums Mike Oldfield
made for the new generation of instrumental Euro-rock of the future
fans. Also some of what made the original Lp so brilliant could be
rooted in at least two different discussions by people who know about
such things. Clearly, key to the album was brilliant studio work from
two of the greatest English engineer / producers in recorded music
historyKen Scott, Bowies engineer, from 1970 on, who was
the first producer able to translate on to tape Bowies core
genius (noted on his unparalleled engineering on Ziggy Stardust)
as well as further engineering by another brilliant English mind
David Hentschel (whose name is actually misspelled on the original
A&M CD from the late 80s!) The other thing that made the
original Six Wives album so incredible came down to Wakemans
band in the studio, including many of his band mates in
Yes and The Strawbssuch as Chris Squire, Bill Bruford, Alan
White, Steve Howe, Dave Cousins. The Six Wives Of Henry
VIII was such an unexpected achievement for its time although
sadly, Wakeman would end up leaving Yes after what some refer to as
their most complex, groundbreaking album, Tales From Topographic
Oceans. Eagles press release says the Six Wives album
has sold more then 15 million copies since 1973. So its revealing
that 35 years or so since Tales, Rick is back with a newly
recorded version entitled The Six Wives Of Henry VIII - Live
At Hampton Court Palace that is simply amazing. Released on
CD and DVD, the recording and accompanying video captures Wakemans
complete May 2009 performance live at Hampton Court Palace. In addition
to it being the first time the entire Six Wives album has ever
been performed in concert, this new version includes an original track
left off the A&M Records 73 Lp for time reasons, while also
including new music that actually opens and closes the live set. For
the two Hampton Court shows, Rick was backed up by a full rock band
including his son Adam Wakeman, who adds additional keyboards,
plus cool guitar sonics from Dave Colquhoun, drummer Tony
Fernandez, Jethro Tull bassist Jonathan Noyce among others,
plus two different decent sized orchestras. Even with so much going
on, Rick and his now legendary keyboard virtuosity rise to the occasion
to honor his first solo progressive classical rock masterpiece in
a new updated version. This first ever live CD of The Six Wives
Of Henry VIII sounds great while the stunning video production
presented by Eagle Rock on both DVD and Blu Ray will have the high
end, wide screen / hi def crowd glued to their sofas! Yes fans, dont
miss this. www.EagleRockEnt.com