The Six Wives of Henry VIII

Rick Wakeman

Overview

This release from prog rock legend Rick Wakeman captures a full performance of the artist's album The Six Wives of Henry VIII, recorded live at Hampton Court Palace in honor of the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII's ascension to the throne.

Product Details

Release Date:	10/13/2009
UPC:	0801213334094
Original Release:	1973
Source:	Eagle Rock Ent
Presentation:	[Wide Screen]
Sound:	[stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround]
Language:	English
Time:	2:05:00
Sales rank:	30,266

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Rick Wakeman	Primary Artist,Keyboards
Rick Wakeman	Performer
Yes	Primary Artist
Les Hurdle	Bass
Laura Lee	Vocals
Mike Egan	Guitar
Chris Squire	Bass
Barry St. John	Vocals
Liza Strike	Vocals
Dave Winter	Bass
Sylvia McNeill	Vocals
Judith Powell	Vocals
Frank Riccotti	Percussion
Steve Howe	Guitar
Ray Cooper	Percussion
Bill Bruford	Drums
Alan White	Drums
Dave Wintour	Bass
Barry DeSouza	Drums
Charles Cronk	Bass
Frank Ricotti	Percussion
Dave Cousins	Banjo
Dave Lambert	Guitar

Technical Credits

Rick Wakeman	Audio Production,Composer,Producer
Eric John Hopkins	Composer

Editorial Reviews

Not only did this album help pave the way for progressive rock, but it also introduced the unbridled energy and overall effectiveness of the synthesizer as a bona fide instrument. Six Wives gave Wakeman his chance to break away from the other instrumental complexities that made up Yes and allowed him to prove what a driving force the keyboard could truly be, especially in full album form. More than just synthesized wandering, Wakeman astoundingly conjures up a separate musical persona by way of an instrumental ode to each of Henry VIII's wives through his dazzling use of the Mellotron, Moog, and Hammond C-3 organ. For example, Wakeman's fiery runs and fortissimo thwarting of the synthesizer throughout "Anne Boleyn" is a tribute to her feisty temper and valiant courage that she maintained while standing up to her husband. With "Jane Seymour," on the other hand, Wakeman's playing is somewhat subdued and gentle, which coincides with her legendary meekness and frailty, as well as her willingness to cater to Henry VIII. Wakeman's masterful use of his synthesizers is instrumentally stunning, as is his talent of magically shaping the notes to represent behavioral idiosyncrasies of his characters. Yes bassist Chris Squire lends a hand on "Catherine of Aragon," while guitarist Steve Howe and drummer Bill Bruford appear on a few tracks as well, as does former Strawbs member Dave Cousins, playing the electric banjo. The Six Wives of Henry VIII unleashes the unyielding power of the keyboard as a dominant instrument, but also displays Wakeman at the beginning of an extremely resplendent career as a solo musician. ~ Mike DeGagne