Classical Composer Reacts to Judas Iscariot (Rick Wakeman) | The Daily Doug (Episode 562)

[@eduardovallepinheiro8981]

After so many YES song reviews, finally one for Rick Wakeman. By the way Journey To The Centre of the Earth and "King Arthur" albums also deserve a chance. 🎼🎵🎶🎼🎵🎹🎹

[@perry3928]

Agreed. Also 'No Earthly Connection'. Rick is an amazing composer and musician.

[@nicksodano4762]

Doug, react to the original "Journey" recording. I was lucky to see him in 74 with the narrator and orchestra.

[@CAGED1702]

Not to forget "The Six Wives of Henry Vlll"...🙂

[@leemarsh3569]

He played 1984 at a concert recently. Great to hear

[@crosswise6971]

+1 for King Arthur complete, all tunes there are outstanding

[@chelfyn]

Criminal Record is criminally underrated! So glad you listened to this amazing song.

[@Thyi-_-]

Guilt, Sorrow, Sadness, Malice, Evil, Regret, Forgiveness, and many other feelings that this one song provides. Rick is amazing, a genius of Keyboards and music♥️

[@jtchivers]

My absolute favourite piece by Rick Wakeman and one of the first pieces by him I heard, introduced to me by my French school exchange partner in the mid 1980s. Yes, it is the Anglican Easter hymn "There is a green hill far away". The words we sang from the standard Church of England hymn book, Hymns Ancient and Modern, were: "There is a green hill far away, Without a city wall, Where the dear Lord was crucified Who died to save us all." A lot of personal memories wrapped up in this piece too. My late father, who passed away in 1994, was a Church of England vicar. He very much liked his sacred music and especially the hymnal. He had started life as a piano tuner and ultimately ended up maintaining and building organ pipes for the church organ in the village church where he was vicar. So when I used to play this in the car, he was quite appreciative of it, enjoyed the pipe organ, and sang along in the "Green Hill" section. Being a vicar's son, I of course was compelled to attend church on a Sunday morning. I no longer have the faith I once had, but the good memories of community spirit linger, along with some of those beautiful hymns. And hearing this always takes me back to listening to it with my dad, so as well as just being my favourite Wakeman piece for all its power and dynamics, it also holds special memories for me. I've had the pleasure of visiting Vevey on more than one occasion and made a special pilgrimage to St Martin's church to see where this and the pipe organ part from Yes' Awaken were recorded. (around the same time). Thanks for sharing your thoughts and analysis of the piece, Doug. 👍

[@loftlegacy]

The sound of Rick’s Moog can cut through concrete. Legendary musician and raconteur who’s back catalogue is often criminally underrated.

[@kevin_g1164]

This a great song by Rick. And remember he recorded it 15 years before Phantom of the Oprea.

[@retohofmann5878]

My thought!

[@barrydaugherty5528]

But 6 years after Pink Floyd’s Echoes which lays out that theme as well!

[@FrasSmith]

Well, 9 years, but the point is still the same. 🙂

[@bobobear1977]

Heh..., the Phantom ting again. Nobody ever claimed that Lloyd Webber was particularly original. However, my main man Barry is correct, that very distinctive descending five note bass figure features very prominently on the Floyd's Echoes from the 1971 Meddle album.

[@cullenjohnson0]

Electric Light Orchestra did a very similar theme.

[@asharmstrong6730]

It's the same church organ and choir that appeared on Going For the One. Criminal Record was recorded at the same studio, Mountain Studios, in Montreux, as that album straight after.

[@caroleann_2142]

Veyvey. Switzerland, Rick is a Master❤ I know he's Classically trained, but just amazing to watch him play many times. I'm very lucky.❤

[@charlesdetrenck5045]

AWAKEN

[@sapinva]

Yep. But the sound is a lot better on Rick's record. Think they used a phone line to get some of the pipe organ tracks on tape for the Yes album.

[@DavidButterworth-z3z]

I also recalled that. Ash. Funnily enough I have been listening to Going for the One a lot recently. What a great sound on Judas Iscariot. Excellent review, Doug. Thank you.

[@Ronnie1001]

The choir is singing the hymn: "There is a Green hill far away. without a city wall. Where the Good Lord was crucified, who died to save us all".

[@misterghee1]

Choirs are such a Great instrument

[@mickmmax]

Once in royal Davids city!

[@KrystalHarwood-z1b]

sort of reminds me of the wedding song from Mamma Mia

[@marcoscamargo7763]

For those who love the progressive sounds of 70's bands the great Rick Wakeman is one of the greatest keyboardists of all time. He still haunts those who listen to his fabulous records, recorded at different times. Great English genius. 🇬🇧 ♥️ 🇧🇷

[@callummackintosh750]

Criminal Record is my favourite Rick Wakeman album. My daughter chose The Birdman Of Alcatraz as the tune for our father-of-the-bride dance at her wedding 🙂 Yes, I cried🙂

[@simonal1989]

Hard to figure out how to dance to that track. It's not danceable at all!

@@simonal1989 I realized that it is 4/4 with some exceptions :-)

[@elvwood]

It's my favourite RW album too - I'm really sorry not to have been able to get it on CD, now I have no turntable any more...

[@michaelbushell4356]

I paid through the nose and bought a Japanese import. Essential for Judas and Birdman.

[@bookhouseboy280]

One of my favourite Wakeman albums along with 1984, Preludes to a Century, Out There, and the 2014 re-recording of Journey to the Centre of the Earth.

[@cosmickidd205]

King Arthur and the knights of the round table is my favourite Rick wakeman album,I hope you do a video on that masterpiece Doug,it's truly amazing.

[@371gm]

Merlin the magician is my favourite

[@markstears]

The entirety of "King Arthur" will always be my second favorite of RW's works for me, coming second only to "Judas Iscariot" from "Criminal Record". Those records saved my teenaged life back in the 70's, quite literally.

[@misterghee1]

The movie is fantastic aswell❤😊

[@rmyikzelf5604]

Yes! Or... Journey to the center of the Earth

[@davidc2882]

Anne of Cleves on Six Wives of Henry VIII is a BANGER. The drums and bass...and keys. Good lord.

[@stephenwest673]

Rick Wakeman is a master of his craft…i was 14 when i first saw him perform live at the Hammersmith Odeon in 1976 with the English Rock Ensemble having been blown away 3 years earlier when i heard Six Wives for the first time. I have seen him and met him on a few occasions…he is special and just 6 weeks ago i saw him again at the London Palladium…he is still rocking and creating…the guy is a legend ❤️❤️

[@NickBFlair]

I was at that Palladium gig, loved the way he introduced Adam - very Rick. First saw him on the Yes CTTE tour, which I think was in 73.

[@Humb7757]

Thank You Doug For doing this, it’s been a long time favorite album From Rick Wakeman! Since its original release 👌

[@abababaTV]

One of the greatest keyboard album in entire Prog Rock History !!!

[@SF_Bud]

My guess is that Rick wrote out the choir parts using his Mellotron choir voices, which are all Ooooos and Aaaaaas, and then decided to use a real choir for the recording. Rick played organ in his church as a teenager for years, so he is no stranger to pipe organs or choirs.

[@armandourso1526]

It’s amazing : we started to listen Progressive Rock … and then : pipe organ and classic music ! Thanks to Rick Wakeman ! Hugs from Brazil 🎉

[@terrymattingly6843]

The same pipe organ is on Awaken and Parallels on "Going for the One."

[@charleswagner2984]

Jon kept him company with his harp and tambourine in Saint Martin's Church. There are a couple short videos of them warming up on what looks like a sound check. I did hear a tambourine just before There Is A Green Hill Far Away part. I bet that was Jon.

[@julieabraham3566]

Wakeman, of course, noticed something very similar in Phantom of the Opera. He said something to the effect of, "Either Webber stole it from me, or I stole it from him ten years before he wrote it!" Classy man, that he is, let it go from there. No lawsuit or fuss.

[@martinharnevie]

Both Andrew and Rick did many pieces with Tim Rice as well.

[@KrystalHarwood-z1b]

interview?

[@julieabraham3566]

@@KrystalHarwood-z1b I saw it well over a decade ago and do not recall who he was talking to or when it took place but I wish I could find it again!

[@briansomething5987]

To be fair, that part sounds a lot like Pink Floyd's Echoes, which came out 6 years earlier.

[@daveh9335]

Sir Richard Wakeman I am glad you have seen him live on solo tour and with Yes. Genius.

[@andrewwillan3372]

Every Good Friday I used to listen to this together with Simple Mind's East At Easter. I now add Tull's Passion Play to this list. Bought Criminal Record aged 17. Awesome after all these years.

[@levileme8062]

Rick Wakeman, Rick Wright and John Lord. The keyboard masters in my opinion.

[@JayantaParmeggianiSimoni]

Also Tony Banks

[@disgruntledtoons]

​@@JayantaParmeggianiSimoniAnd Kerry Minnear

[@edub1961]

One of the greatest albums of all time!!!! A masterpiece!!! Thank you Doug!!!!!!

[@eduardoalmeida61]

Greetings from Satolep

[@davidkershner7513]

One of my favorite reactions from you!!! I think I've even sent you a message about this piece in the past. This is my all-time favorite thing Rick Wakeman has ever done. I love how you heard the Phantom similarity (and Floyd). Personally, I always thought ALW stole the concept from Wakeman. So glad you loved this!!

[@CormacMacCormac]

For a full album please do Rick Wakeman's Journey to the Center of the Earth. It is just what it sounds like, a musical retelling of the story. One of my favorite albums ever.

[@rmyikzelf5604]

Yes

[@stevebrereton3479]

When Rick is playing a pipe organ, it is always sublime. Throw in his utter mastery of the MiniMoog and there you have it.....

[@kellieelliott5198]

Isn’t it something that you have these phenomenal English composers in this century (Wakeman, Emerson, Wright, & Jones)? That just dawned on me this morning.

[@sagebooker]

Your chain is clearly the only one where we can listening to this sort of music, thanks !

[@rk41gator]

Rick Wakeman's pipe organ on 'Awaken' is also awesome.

[@plj471]

Six wives for me is the zenith of Ricks solo work. The musicianship throughout is excellent not like the Red planet where it sounds like they are using a drum machine and there are so many missed oportunities for soloists to excel. I think when all the members of YES clicked they were outstanding. This piece for me was a foray into what could be done.

[@stevebrereton3479]

I utterly agree. There is a raw energy in 'Six Wives' that is just not there any more.

[@leonardojensenribeiro7252]

I just LOVE Rick Wakeman. He was in my state a few weeks ago, with his final solo tour! He respected so much our country (Brasil) as no other international artist would come here in the beginin of the 70's, and his presence in a lot of towns, including Porto Alegre, the capital of my state, was something that change the live music in Brazil forever. And he was the keyboardist for Yes, Black Sabbath (few times), Ozzy (co-op and his son in tours), DAVID BOWIE (life on mars and space oddity) and the amazing solo career.

[@kevinjekyll1521]

What a great reaction to a truly gifted musician. I started off with Yes, then quickly realised each member were able to do their own projects as well. I have enjoyed all his solo offering, of which there are quite a few. How people like Rick keep on producing such quality music is just baffling to me. It's good to see someone who knows the mechanic of music so well, to appreciate it for what it is. I hope you do at some point do some more of his work.

[@louise_rose]

Patrick Moraz' solo debut "The story of i" (1976; the title was originally just "i" or rather his personal logo, to the despair of record shops ;) ) is an amazing album too, with great songwriting, playing and rich, fabulous Latin-influenced arrangements by the m,an himself - who had worked with a Brazilian ballet troupe as their music director and in-house pianist/keyboardist for around eighteen months before he moved to the UK). Superb - none of the other Yes guys are on it but instead a great deal of French and Brazilian musicians, John McBurnie on kead vocals (very good), Andy Newmark and Alphonse Mouzon on drums (both superb!) and of course Moraz himself playing spectacular jazz/prog rock keyboards. I first heard it around the same time as first hearing Relayer (around 1980) and it was an immediate favourite with me...Moraz' later albums are sometimes an uneven bunch (his keyboard playing is always interesting though) but this one album is a standout. It won the "Keyboard Album of the Year" award for 1976, quite deservedly.

[@styles8007]

Rick played the Church Organ at St. Martin Church in Vevey Switzerland. I believe this was recorded after the Yes "Going for the One " sessions in 1976. Thank you for sharing this treasure piece of music. 👍

[@paulehney4581]

Rick is indeed a musical genius.

[@egroegmcdonald9870]

I cannot help but be transported to 1977 hearing this. Altered state, putting this on the turntable and slipping on my high end Pioneer cans. Being lifted and carried away by this music feeling physically exhausted, emotionally drained yet exalted by the listening. What major label would even consider this today? Listening today, the effect of the piece remains the same. Stunning.

[@markusantonio4866]

Altered States starring William Hurt is a great movie. 1980 sci fi horror.

[@ijmanchester]

Correct, the hymn is 'There Is A Green Hill Far Away and the first verse is 'There is a green hill far away, without a city wall, where the dear Lord was crucified, who died to save us all' and I used to sing it every Easter at school in the UK

[@tentruesummers9043]

As well as a gifted player and composer, he's also a brilliant arranger.

[@Kombi-1]

I'd recommend Alan Parson's Tales Of Mystery And Imagination - The whole album is a wonderful experience! ✨

[@finger3181]

Arthur Brown killed it on that record

[@baldrbraa]

St. Martin’s Church in Vevey is also where he recorded Awaken, using Swiss phone lines to connect to the studio in Montreux. Yeah, he phoned it in.

[@stephaniethurmer5370]

Awesome Doug and thanks for listening to the request!!

[@jonslocum354]

Rick explains in his Grumpy old picture show ( dvd) that he went to a performance of Phantom, and heard a bit of his Judas Iscariot. He said did I nick that from Phantom? No, I wrote my Judas Iscariot 9 years earlier. Here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3S7eq2opqxooJo and Yes Doug, they actually sing there is a green hill far away in this version. Thank you Doug for posting this!

[@Synthnerd11]

Dear Doug, thank you for your video on this magnificent piece. There's not much I can't tell you about "Judas". I became obsessed with it when I first heard it (when I was much younger!). I'd only been learning the organ for a few years back then, and hearing Rick use the instrument so well here, along with one of my favourite synths, and percussion instruments was electrifying. If I'd known that you were going to do this, I would have sent you my transcription of the score 😁. Anyway, if you're interested in hearing it again, here's my performance of it kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKvOdomapNWcntk It'll never be as good as Rick of course, but it was a labour of love. Footnote: a few years after I made this, I was able to visit Switzerland where I spent a few days in Vevey, and spent an afternoon playing that same organ in St. Martin's ... that's one bucket list item ticked!

[@eduardovallepinheiro8981]

Your performance in that video is awesome. Bravo !

[@Synthnerd11]

@@eduardovallepinheiro8981 Many thanks.

[@joserenatooliveira6368]

Many thanks Doug for listen to our suggestions and include this masterpiece in your channel.

[@Arcadia61]

Never heard anything of Rick Wakeman I didn't like. So talented.

[@deniserb4754]

Majestic! Simply that! Nr. Wakeman is a genius.

[@chencoilufi]

Each time I listened to this song, that dramatic and strong ending made me think; Maybe Rick created this part thinking it represents the exact moment when Judas betrayed Jesus; the most infamous moment from every existent story.

[@jasman71]

Doug you should give Vangelis a listen. Soil Festivities, Voices, Mythodea, Heaven and Hell and others really good albums Love Rick Wakeman, my favourite keyboard player and a really funny guy!

[@claudekeppenne5345]

I agree with you 100%! I am a fan of music and I love the organ and in particular: J. Lord, K.Emerson, R.Wright, T.Banks, (C.Carpenter) and Rick WAKEMAN.... The latter has a subtlety and an extraordinary degree of finesse! After each entry into symbiosis during these communions, I come out different, transfigured, it's very special! Thank you for bringing these monuments back to life for us! A seventythree-year-old Belgian music madman ​

[@ge0rgeharris218]

Doug, you are providing the text he's providing the music! Wakeman is doing his part and you are doing yours! Both of you are great contributors!

[@slackdude1]

Walked into a bookstore selling dodgy second hand records back in early eighties. Got this because I loved six wives. Knocked out. Did some flaky ones back then too but still listen to this

[@ublej]

Echos (1971) - Judas Iscariot (1977) - Phantom of the Opera (1986)

[@cazgerald9471]

From Wikipedia: When Wakeman turned seven, his father paid for weekly piano lessons with Dorothy Symes which lasted for eleven years. She recalled that Wakeman "passed everything with a distinction" and was an "enjoyable pupil to teach, full of fun and with a good sense of humour", but noted his lack of self-discipline when it came to practising. In 1960, Symes entered Wakeman in his first music competition and he went on to win many awards, certificates, and cups in contests held around London. Wakeman then took up the clarinet at age twelve and in his teenage years, attended church and learned the church organ, became a Sunday school teacher, and chose to be baptised at eighteen.

[@getexis8685]

Church organs are fabulous in their sound... the echo provided by the walls of a cathedral is fabulous and unique from monument to monument.

[@mmcc8657]

Twice you mentioned echoes of “Phantom of the Opera”, just remember Phantom was premiered 9 years later !!!

[@infoanorexic]

I had this album on vinyl, when it first came out. It was lost in a fire. I'd forgotten about this cut entirely. I remember, most, "Birdman Of Alcatraz" and "The Breathalyzer," which I believe is the only cut you will find in the album that has "lyrics" 🥴😵 that were written specifically for it.

[@7649angel]

Loved watching your response to this. Great music! Thank you.

[@andycorbett3052]

When making the album, Rick recorded all of his bits up front and then asked Chris and Alan to add bass and drums after he had left the studio. Allegedly, after listening to the tapes, Alan referred to Rick as a Charlie, Uniform, November, Tango, as there were no click tracks on the tapes because Rick did not like working with them.

[@danielpatera2974]

Que maestria musical! Hoy ya nada de esto existe.. No hay publico contemporaneo que lo valore. Saludos!

[@richardtaylor6187]

Always a favorite of mine, Judas Iscariot! What an amazing, overwhelming, terrifying, inspiring piece of music! Rick Wakeman is great, especially his solo work! (The choir was used as another instrument.)

[@andrewwillan3372]

I've played this on every Good Friday fòr years. Alongside Simple Mind's East at Easter. And recently, Tull's Passion Play.

[@gwynnew317]

An interesting note, Rick being ambidextrous, had his piano strung BACKWARDS. On stage he was surrounded by keyboards and at times he would be playing the one in front of him and behind him at the same time. He's a musical genius!

[@rogerhennie8939]

Lots of great stuff on this album.

[@bojiden]

Nice this is rad! You should totally check out more of Wakeman's solo stuff! A reaction of his entire "King Arthur" album would be amazing.

[@omisan59]

This is so emotional piece what Rick written ;-)

[@davemolino-hn6rp]

Wakeman is genius bought this album 1975 I think this album is fantastic all the tracks Seen rick over 20 times in concert Check out bird man of alktraz 5 layer piano You are correct is green hill far away hymn The pipe orgen I believe was recorded in Switzerland There is no one better than Rick wakeman He brings me to tears when listening to him play

[@darrenjones5885]

Watching Doug listening to music reminds me of my experience listening to Clannad’s Gaelic lyrics. I hear the sounds of the language but don’t understand it. There’s a deeper experience for Gaelic speakers. Doug understands the language of music and has a deeper experience whereas I just enjoy the sounds.

[@Ronnie1001]

For Doug's "Relationships" series... Clannad - Na Laethe Bhi - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYjXdadqmNVrn5I "Good-bye to the days, that were turning so lightheartedly... I had a sweetheart from summer up to winter, my dearest love"

[@darrenjones5885]

@@Ronnie1001 As beautiful as ever. I’m trying to remember context, perhaps a visit by Pope John Paul II, when the late Donny Macleod was commenting on someone singing in Scots Gaelic and said “It’s like hearing the language of God.”

[@garrydriver8812]

I think the hymn you are looking for it "for those in peril on the sea"

[@4absentfriends]

One of Rick's finest solo efforts (IMHO).

[@leemarsh3569]

Great to see you review his work. Rick is a lovely guy. My fav concert was Henry at Hampton Court with Brian Blessed doing narration!

[@PeterDAmoreMusic]

Awesome! When I met Rick I asked him about the making of this album, and he said that Chris and Alan from Yes did their parts after his were already recorded.

[@simonal1989]

What they put down was so good, Rick wanted to go back and change some of his parts accordingly, but the budget had run out and ran out of time.

[@onsesejoo2605]

If you listen the song "Awaken" from Yes' album "Going For The One" , the pipe organ is the same instrument, from Vevey, together with the trademark Moog synth like here as well.

[@EvilSean62]

you made me smile ! at 5 :42 you turned your head and delivered your verdict I heartily agree there's no faking that look without looking like you faked it lol ...that was for true rick has so much work under his belt and is an inspiration to many , not just for his sterling musical work

[@andrewwallace4481]

Rick Wakeman's Criminal Record is a Huge Favourite of Mine👍

[@rhubarb_runner2]

I'm there right with you. Birdman of Alcatraz is my favorite of Rick's, Judas Iscariot is outstanding, and yet I think the other side of the LP is even better.

[@frankswarbrick7562]

I don't miss words at all. Neither here nor in most instrumentals (even those with choir).

[@wardka]

Even in the classical world I love wordless choir or wordless soprano, as in the eerie Sinfonia Antartica by Ralph Vaughan Wulliams

[@davidlyons3678]

Once you heard Rick. There's nothing else

[@charlesgough3528]

Now I have to go buy it.. I've had the Six Wives of Henry the Eighth in my playlist for years and sadly never branched out to his other works. Thank you for this upload.

[@soggytom]

You really, really, REALLY need to hit Wakeman's catalog, roughly pre-1984. And that includes the album "1984". Criminal Record is as tight and meticulous as Six Wives, but with grander compositions and more Squire and White.

[@grumpydickus]

I've just recently bought this on vinyl. The whole album is just incredible

[@ignatzmuskrat3000]

A good one for Easter is Vangelis' track Heaven And Hell part 1. He also uses a choir sans lyrics.

[@jasonwalsh7921]

Hey Doug.. its interesting you picked up on the phantom of the opera feel… as with all things Rick there is a story to that which he tells whilst talking about this tune in his “Grumpy old man” live stage show.. the gist of his story goes that he was invited along with other celebs of the day to go see the opening night of phantom of the opera back in 1985… as he is sat in the auditorium the overture plays as the chandelier is flying out and the now famous “phantom lick” is heard.. well he recognises it as his lick from his Judas tune.. and after the show he takes it up with Andrew Lloyd who after much discussion agrees to pay him an amount of money to continue using the lick in the show and the rest is history 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@lylesmith3506]

I was introduced to this album in 1984, it’s been my favorite from Rick ever since. So damn good.

[@imfrcd]

The Six Wives of Henry the Eighth.

[@cyberqid]

I love this album because Alan White and Chris Squire jam with Wakeman on a few songs.

[@unamacarana]

Criminal Record is probably Wakeman's Masterpiece. At his compositional and arranging peak. An outstanding record.

[@jamesgilgannon4164]

My favourite all time Rick Wakeman track.

[@ronwilliams2647]

Doug on Ricks solo albums he uses very little if any vocals at all He lets his fantastic keyboard playing do all the talking...singing .etc. Exception Journey to the Centre of the Earth ..which in my opinion is a masterpiece.😊

[@paulardoin]

In 1993, before e-commerce was a thing and Rick Wakeman's solo albums (beyond Six Wives and Journey to the Centre) were impossible to get in the USA, I bought a CD of Criminal Record on my first trip to the UK. One of my favorite albums (certainly my favorite of Rick's) and this is my favorite track from it. I was delighted to see this pop up in my KZbin feed yesterday!

[@MuzixMaker]

Rhapsodies was the last A&M release, then nothing in the US.

[@Sam_Utah]

Hymn sounded like refrain from Jerusalem to me. Rick's organ work with the moog always jaw dropping to me.

[@onerays]

I really think you should do Journey to the Centre of the Earth,. Been waiting for more than 2 years.

[@rinaldocoutinho7028]

Finally my Master shines here! Please more and more Wakeman.

[@peterrear2864]

Very under rated album just brilliant

[@edlogtenberg9988]

Bought it when it was released, still listening to it. Best album together with ytcoe

[@fastcakes]

There Is A Green Hill Far Away - what I sang at my first public performance as a soloist aged 5 at The Harvest Festival at St. Peels Methodist, Thornaby in 1960

[@hoknes]

My favorite instrumental song of all time / Rick Wakeman's greatest song - played this so many many times !!!

[@cartelesargentinos]

Judas Iscariote is Amazing! Please 🙏. Put de studio release.

[@pierrekandel5504]

He recorded the album while he was recording the Going for the One album I think. It's obvious with Judas Iscariot where the organ and the choir were also used for "Awaken", the best track of the album and one of the most inspired in the entire Yes catalogue (and my favorite too). Wakeman is so much inspired in Judas Iscariot and so much inspired in Awaken.

[@DavidLazarus]

Wow! I have Criminal Record on vinyl, but it's been ages since I've heard it as I had no way to play it for many years. I need to revisit it. Notice the album title is "Rick Wakeman's Criminal Record". That's a bit of Rick's humor for you. I only just discovered yesterday that Rick has a new album out (since February 2023) called A Gallery of the Imagination. The way Rick talks about it, the album should be fantastic. I'll definitely buy it soon. I bought The Red Planet back 2021 and was not disappointed. It's the same musicians on the new album with the addition of with the addition of Hayley Sanderson singing on some of the tracks. I think she's one of the best singers that he's worked with over the years from the excerpts that I heard. Though I like his vocals on some songs here and there, I'm not a huge fan of Ashley Holt. Rick Wakeman's solo career far outweighs anything he's done with other bands in sheer quantity. I'm pretty sure that he has more than 80 solo works to date. I have many, but probably only about 25% of his total works. I'll close with saying that I am very thankful that I got a chance to meet and talk to Rick during his 1993 acoustic tour. He's a wonderful guy. He was working off of about 4 hours of sleep and it was about 11pm and he still had an interview to do. Nevertheless, he spoke with fans for about 30 minutes after his performance. That was very gracious of him as I am sure that he was exhausted.

[@saarnoldbhm]

Thank you!

[@katarinawikstrom2578]

Finally, some pipe oragan! (Yes I'm a pipe organist)

[@longswim97]

As is always the case with Rick Wakeman, there's always so much pure music going on, you don't need anything else. So much going on.......!

[@fernandotor3266]

Oh what a great music. Had not listened to Rick on a while

[@samday9328]

There is a Green Hill far away, without a city wall, where our Dear Lord was crucified, He died to save us all.