Step-by-Step Guide: The Making of Rick Wakeman’s Rock Group
Rick Wakeman is a name synonymous with the world of progressive rock. With his virtuoso keyboard skills and flamboyant stage presence, he has been entertaining music fans for over five decades. But behind every great band, there is a story – a tale of creativity, hard work, and perseverance. In this step-by-step guide, we will take you through the making of Rick Wakeman’s Rock Group.
Step 1: The Concept
Any great endeavor begins with an idea. In Wakeman’s case, it was to form a new band after leaving Yes in the mid-1970s. He wanted to create a group that would focus on pure and unrestrained rock n’ roll energy intertwined with his signature keyboard wizardry.
Step 2: Assembling the Musicians
Once the concept was clear, Wakeman needed to assemble the right players to bring it to life. This process involved finding musicians who shared his vision while also being talented enough to handle the complex musical arrangements that he had in mind.
The original lineup consisted of Wakeman on keyboards (of course), Ashley Holt on vocals, Roger Newell on bass guitar, Barney James on drums and Gary Pickford Hopkins on guitar.
Step 3: Selecting Repertoire
After assembling his dream team of instrumentalists; they had a unique and challenging task at hand – Finding songs that were both classic thrashers as well as impactful vehicles for their individual skill sets.
Many songs from their debut album “Rock N Roll Prophet” were interpretations of existing classics such as Chuck Berry’s “Sweet Little Sixteen”, Elvis Presley’s “Don’t Be Cruel,” among others that did justice to guests expect Ryan Evans’ roaring vocal treatments- he reportedly broke equipment twice while recording!
This blending of classic tracks combined with an intense delivery helped define them apart from contemporaries such as Kiss or Led Zeppelin- ultimately solidifying its reputation as one of the most exciting exemplars in the genre.
Step 4: Rehearsing
With a repertoire in place, it was time to bring the music to life. Rick Wakeman’s Rock Group rehearsed extensively, tirelessly working on their sound and stage presence.
Their rehearsals weren’t just limited to refining their technical abilities; they also spent considerable time developing an immersive experience for concert-goers that often included extravagant visuals – something you’d expect from Yes! As per reports they had some wild concepts initially including holograms projecting out into the crowd!
Step 5: Recording
Once all of their performances were perfected, it was time for them to hit the studio for recording. The resulting effort not only demonstrated technical acumen but also conveyed an unwavering passion for rock n’ roll that still resonates with fans today. Its infectious grooves, anthemic choruses (‘Rick’s Riff’ comes straight to mind) and riveting overall tone made “Rock N Roll Prophet” a musical statement capable of standing up against any rising tide.
Years later its palpable influence can be heard among contemporary groups like Foo Fighters who covered ‘Gimme Some Money’, originally recorded by fictional band “Spinal Tap”.-
Key Takeaway:
At its core Rick Wakeman’s Rock Group remains powerful because of its adherence to excellent technique while explaining one of rock’s archetypical narratives- embracing boldness and collaboration at every turn. By focusing on each aspect of song creation – from concept to recording – with discipline and passion; Rick Wakeman created something that will continue inspiring new generations of creatives well into the future.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rick Wakeman’s Rock Group
Rick Wakeman’s Rock Group is one of the most iconic bands in the history of rock and roll. The band, led by legendary keyboardist Rick Wakeman, has been delighting audiences with its unique blend of progressive rock and classical music for over four decades now. With such a long and illustrious career, it is only natural that people have many questions about this iconic group.
Here are some frequently asked questions about Rick Wakeman’s Rock Group:
Q: Who is Rick Wakeman?
A: Rick Wakeman is a world-renowned keyboardist who has played with some of the biggest names in music. He rose to fame in the early 1970s as the keyboardist for the progressive rock band Yes. Since then, he has released numerous solo albums, collaborated with countless artists and bands, and has also composed music for movies and television.
Q: When was Rick Wakeman’s Rock Group formed?
A: The band was formed in 1974 after Wakeman left Yes to pursue his solo career. At first, they were known as The English Rock Ensemble but later changed their name to Rick Wakeman’s Rock Group.
Q: What kind of music does Rick Wakeman’s Rock Group play?
A: The band is known for its unique mix of progressive rock and classical music. They are famous for using complex arrangements featuring keyboards accompanied by full orchestras or choirs.
Q: Which albums are best remembered from the group?
A: Some of their most popular albums include ‘Journey to the Centre of Earth’, ‘The Six Wives Of Henry VIII’, ‘The Myths And Legends Of King Arthur And The Knights Of The Round Table’ among others.
Q: Who else has played in Rick Wakeman’s Rock Group besides him?
A: Over the years, several musicians have played with the band including drummer Tony Fernandez, bassists Chris Squire (Yes), Alan White (Yes), and vocalist Ashley Holt.
Q: Where has Rick Wakeman’s Rock Group performed?
A: The band has played in many venues across the globe including Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall, Madison Square Garden among other iconic concert halls.
Q: Will Rick Wakeman’s Rock Group ever reunite for a tour or album?
A: Although there is no official news of a reunion as of now, fans can only hope that someday the band will come together to perform their memorable music once again.
In summary, Rick Wakeman’s Rock Group is an iconic band that has produced some of the most memorable songs in rock history. Their unique blend of progressive rock and classical music has delighted audiences for over four decades now. With such an impressive legacy, it’s no wonder people have so many questions about this iconic group!
The Top 5 Facts You Need to Know About Rick Wakeman’s Rock Group
Rick Wakeman is undoubtedly one of the most accomplished keyboardists in the history of rock music. With his magical fingers and virtuosic playing style, he has left an indelible mark on some of the greatest records ever made. In addition to his work with Yes, Wakeman also had a prolific solo career and was involved with other musical projects. Here are five facts you need to know about Rick Wakeman’s rock group.
1. Yes Was Not His Only Project
Yes is arguably one of the greatest progressive rock bands in history, and for many people, Rick Wakeman’s involvement with Yes is what defines his career. However, it was not his only project by any means. Before joining Yes, he was a member of Strawbs; a folk-rock band that had moderate success in the UK during the early seventies. After leaving Yes for the first time in 1974 following disagreements over their musical direction, he embarked on a successful solo career releasing several albums throughout the decade.
2. The Mythical King Arthur Album
One of Rick Wakeman’s most celebrated works is his 1975 concept album ‘The Myths and Legends Of King Arthur And The Knights Of The Round Table’. The album came about following extensive discussions between Wakeman and author Martin Golembiewski on how to portray various elements from Golembiewski’s book ‘The Grail Quest’. One of the most striking things about this album is its complex layering of classical instruments such as choir, brass sections alongside distorted electric guitar sounds resulting in masterpieces like “Merlin” or “The Last Battle”.
3. Journey To The Centre of The Earth
Following on from ‘King Arthur’, Rick Wakeman continued exploring orchestration/classical themes in popular music when he released what many consider one of his defining works: ‘Journey To The Centre Of The Earth’. This concept album based on Jules Verne’s novel tells the story of Professor Lidenbrock’s journey to the center of the earth, and through its expert blending of rock and orchestra, makes it an enduring classic.
4. Evolution Of Keyboard Set-Up
Rick Wakeman has been known to use some unusual keyboard setups over the years, sometimes using up to eight keyboards on stage at once. His set-up often incorporates multiple synthesizers including analog models along with more modern MIDI controllers like Korg M3s or Roland Jupiters. Throughout his career, he also used various customised racks for his equipment that were so huge they had to be wheeled onto stage in trucks!
5. Continual Collaboration
Finally, one of Rick Wakeman’s most notable traits is his continual collaboration with artists all around the world. His albums bear witness to this diverse list of collaborations: from famous musicians such as Elton John or David Bowie (who played saxophone on “Life On Mars?”), to less-known entities like English folk group Tiddasong, which he produced their second album ”In a Modern Folk Style.” This constant exploration allowed him not only to keep growing musically but also provided opportunities for upcoming artists.
Overall, Rick Wakeman’s immense talent and exceptional work have left an indelible mark on music history. From his eclectic keyboard set-ups to his ever-evolving collaborations and solo works focusing on classical themes we can surely conclude that Rick Wakeman was always pushing boundaries whenever possible!
The Evolution of Rick Wakeman’s Rock Group: A Look Through the Years
Rick Wakeman is a legendary figure in the world of rock music, famous not only for his prodigious keyboard skills but also for his dynamic stage presence and eclectic musical stylings. Over the course of several decades, he has played with some of the most iconic figures in rock history, including David Bowie, Lou Reed, and Yes. However, it is as a solo artist and bandleader that he has truly left his mark on the music world.
Wakeman’s career began in earnest in 1971 when he joined prog-rock supergroup Yes as their keyboardist. At the time, Yes was at the forefront of a new movement in rock music that combined complex musical arrangements with ambitious conceptual themes. With Wakeman’s virtuosity on display, they released a series of classic albums including “Fragile”, “Close to the Edge”, and “Tales from Topographic Oceans”.
However, after six years with Yes, Wakeman left to pursue a solo career that would showcase his unique talents as a composer and performer. His first major release was 1974’s “Journey to the Centre of the Earth”, an ambitious concept album that retold Jules Verne’s classic tale through music. The album was an instant hit and solidified Wakeman’s reputation as one of rock’s most innovative artists.
Over the course of several subsequent albums, Wakeman continued to push boundaries in both his musicianship and compositional style. He experimented with electronics on albums like “The Six Wives of Henry VIII” (1973) and “No Earthly Connection” (1976), explored classical forms on records like “Criminal Record” (1977) and “Rhapsodies” (1979), and even dabbled in pop music with releases like “1984” (1981) and “Silent Nights” (1985).
In addition to his solo work, Wakeman also formed his own band in the 1970s. This group, simply called “Rick Wakeman’s Band”, featured a rotating cast of musicians and produced several albums including “White Rock” (1977) and “Rhapsodies in Concert” (1981). With this band, Wakeman was able to showcase his musicianship in a live setting and explore new, often avant-garde arrangements of his music.
The 1990s saw Wakeman continue to evolve as an artist. He took on numerous ambitious projects during this time, including the orchestral work “Fields of Green” (1996) and the New Age album “Cirque Surreal” (1996). In addition, he reunited with Yes for several tours and albums in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Today, Rick Wakeman remains one of rock’s most innovative and respected figures. Through his solo work, collaborations with other artists, and leadership of his own bands, he has dedicated himself to pushing boundaries both musically and creatively. For fans of progressive rock or keyboard virtuosity in general, there are few artists who can match what Wakeman has accomplished over the course of his long career.
Great Moments in Rick Wakeman’s Rock Group History
Rick Wakeman is a legendary rock keyboardist and composer who has been enthralling fans with his distinctive sound for over five decades. His contributions to the music industry have been immense, and his name is synonymous with some of the most iconic moments in rock music history.
Throughout his career, Rick Wakeman played with several bands and musicians, producing breathtaking performances that left audiences spellbound. Here are some of the greatest moments in Rick Wakeman’s rock group history:
1. Yes – Awaken
Rick Wakeman joined the English progressive rock band Yes in 1971, and quickly became one of its defining members. One of their most memorable collaborations was “Awaken,” a sprawling epic that showcased their virtuosity and musical prowess.
Wakeman’s keyboard work on this track is nothing short of awe-inspiring: from the ethereal Mellotron introduction to the thunderous Hammond organ solos, he weaves intricate melodies that captivate listeners from start to finish.
2. The Strawbs – Lay Down
Before joining Yes, Rick Wakeman cut his teeth playing for The Strawbs, a British folk-rock band known for their catchy tunes and poetic lyrics. Their hit song “Lay Down” features an unforgettable piano intro by Wakeman that sets the stage for Dave Cousins’ soulful vocals.
Wakeman’s piano lines dance around Cousins’ lyrics, adding depth and emotion to the song’s message of hope and resilience. It remains one of The Strawbs’ most beloved tracks to this day.
3. David Bowie – Life on Mars?
In 1971, David Bowie recruited Rick Wakeman to play keyboards on his groundbreaking album “Hunky Dory.” The masterful collaboration resulted in one of Bowie’s biggest hits: “Life on Mars?”
Wakeman’s piano arrangements lend an otherworldly quality to Bowie’s surreal lyrics, elevating them into a timeless masterpiece. From its haunting opening bars to the soaring finale, “Life on Mars?” is a triumph of rock artistry.
4. Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe – Order of the Universe
In 1989, Rick Wakeman reunited with his former Yes bandmates to form Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe (ABWH). Their eponymous album features one of their most epic tracks: “Order of the Universe.”
Wakeman’s keyboard work on this track is nothing short of miraculous: he effortlessly switches between synths, pianos and organs, creating a sonic tapestry that transcends genres and eras. “Order of the Universe” is a testament to ABWH’s creative vision and musicianship.
5. Rick Wakeman – Journey to the Centre of the Earth
In 1974, Rick Wakeman released his first solo album: “Journey to the Centre of the Earth.” This ambitious concept album retells Jules Verne’s classic novel in musical form, featuring lush orchestral arrangements and complex keyboard interplay.
“Journey to the Centre of the Earth” remains one of Wakeman’s most enduring works, showcasing his range as a composer and performer. The album has since been adapted into a live show, complete with theatrical effects and stunning visuals.
These are just some examples from Rick Wakeman’s illustrious rock group history. His contributions have left an indelible mark on rock music culture and continue to inspire new generations of musicians today. Whether collaborating with legendary bands or forging his own path as a solo artist, Wakeman remains an undisputed master at his craft.
Why Rick Wakeman’s Rock Group Continues to Inspire Musicians Today
Rick Wakeman is a name that any music enthusiast would recognize as one of the greatest keyboardists of all time. As a founding member of the progressive rock band Yes, he brought his unique style and complex arrangements to the forefront of the genre. And while Yes may have been his biggest success, Wakeman’s solo work and various collaborations have shown just how far his influence has spread over the decades.
But it’s not just his technical prowess on the keys that continues to inspire – it’s also his creativity, humor, and fearlessness in pushing boundaries. Throughout his career, Wakeman has embraced experimentation in music, blending different genres and incorporating new sounds and technology into his compositions.
One of the most notable examples is perhaps “Journey to the Centre of the Earth,” an album based on Jules Verne’s classic novel that featured a full orchestra and choir alongside Wakeman’s keyboards. It was a massive undertaking for its time, but it paid off with critical acclaim and commercial success.
Wakeman continued to push himself with other projects like “The Six Wives of Henry VIII” (where each piece represented one of Henry’s wives), “No Earthly Connection” (an exploration into alien life forms) and even creating atmospheric soundscapes for blockbuster movies like “Star Wars.”
In addition to these larger-than-life projects, Wakeman has also proven himself as a talented collaborator with other artists from various genres including David Bowie (“Space Oddity”), Black Sabbath (“Sabbra Cadabra”) and Elton John (performing solos on albums such as “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” as well as touring with him).
All this combined has meant that many musicians today still look up to Rick Wakeman for inspiration. His ability to blend so many styles into something entirely new is still impressive even by today’s standards.
But beyond technical achievements or cutting-edge musical experiments – another significant factor behind Wakeman’s lasting influence is his humor and captivating stage presence. Featuring everything from capes and top hats to a keytar attachment to his Hammond organ, Rick Wakeman’s performances were always energetic and unforgettable.
In conclusion, whether it’s his keyboard mastery, musical innovation, or larger-than-life personality on stage – there are many reasons why Rick Wakeman continues to inspire musicians even today. He has left an indelible mark on the music world that will continue to influence generations of players for years to come.