Rick Wakeman - Close To The Edge (Solo Piano)

[@greg-warsaw4708]

There are many very good pianists - but here we enjoy a man who is also an extremely jolly good fellow, with sense of humour to match, great in telling stories, amusing people, such a nice contrast to a lot of hardly accessible musicians, full of pride and nose-up. When Rick sits behind a keyboard and a mic to speak to the audience, a splendid time is guaranteed for all.

[@chrisstevens8505]

I loved his show on Planet Rock on Saturday mornings ,his joke about the trainee zoo keeper is one of the funniest I've heard.

[@jondingwall5941]

He was an absolute riot at the hall of fame induction

[@MsLiamarasoares]

Can't agree with you more.

[@jimdalton01]

You are 100% right here ! I have been quite taken by his sense of humour, his genuine engagement and his undeniable talent and dedication to his craft,

[@mikekane9881]

I don’t think there are so many pianists at Rick Wakeman’s level. There is something about your comment that makes him sound mediocre, and that his personality is what sets him apart. I personally feel the focus should be on his tremendous musicianship.

[@nsgobbi]

Rick Wakeman has been a musical bless to me since 1973. God bless this man in particular his magical hands.

[@rlpd5218]

The magical brain the magical soul creates the hand movement as you know

[@pensadores-reflexoessobrer4581]

Amazing Guy, since 1970

[@isomeme]

I'm a beginner pianist at age 62, and a lifelong Yes fan. A few months ago, I worked out a right-hand-only version of the iconic guitar hook after the chaotic intro. It makes a great little exercise, and it also feels good playing my own version of even a small section of such a stunning piece of music. This solo piano arrangement is incredible, and obviously lightyears beyond anything I will ever be able to play. Still, it was thrilling to watch Rick's right hand move through that melody I know so well, launching from G-F# for the major side of the loop, G-F for the minor. It reminded me that we're both pianists, and that is a lovely feeling indeed. Thank you for inspiring me for half a century, Rick. Your music has changed my world.

[@sapinva]

As much as I love his keyboard work, I'll never get tired of hearing Rick on a real piano.

[@danatowne5498]

Same here. :)

[@ArchieDuke.]

Completely agree

[@MrAsBBB]

Yes I agree. My treat is playing Rick’s piano music when I am on holiday on a beach. Absolute bliss.

[@TomNemmer]

What do you mean by that? He obviously chose this piano.

[@RCAvhstape]

I did not know this existed. I am happier now.

[@magcat]

If you love this-me too-check out Keith Jared Koln-

[@davemcelderry7086]

A classical piece for the modern world

[@williamsporing1500]

I’ve always considered Yes as ‘modern classical music’. It will be listened to for hundreds of years.

[@mexton]

One of the greatest rock keyboardists of all time.❤

[@nsgobbi]

@@mexton One of the greatest keyboardists of all time.

[@simduino]

@@nsgobbi Actually the only one that is capable of making an incredible performance on a church organ, which is a pure achievement in it's own right.

[@nsgobbi]

@@simduino I’d like to contract Mr Wakeman to play Journey himself at my wedding, but there was an agenda problem at those times 😂😂

[@Balakuba]

​@@nsgobbi😂😂😂

[@Boblobblaw88]

"Was that something beautiful, amazing, wonderful, extraordinary beautiful?"

[@RicardoBirdlegs]

Even without the toffee apples it was.

[@bornagainbornagain6697]

No clowns?

[@RicardoBirdlegs]

@@bornagainbornagain6697 Rick is a clown.

[@males3165]

@@RicardoBirdlegs we all are

[@bornagainbornagain6697]

@@RicardoBirdlegs I fully agree, always makes me smile and laugh. Wonderful disposition and a wise ass. LOL

[@davidlyons3678]

I've followed Rick since 1973. He's been a very big part of my Life. Bless you rick

[@patrotten1284]

Me too❤

[@tedsilberstein9570]

I was at the Journey to the Center of the Earth concert at Madison Square Garden. At the end the crowd went wild and of course wanted an encore. Rick announced that because the performance was just the Journey story they didn't have an encore prepared but didn't want to disappoint, so he asked, how about we do the whole first side of Journey again, and that's what they did. The crowd went crazy, what an amazing experience, what an amazing musician and showman.

[@ze1054]

No words apart from Thank you Mr Wakeman..

[@ShirlySutton]

Wonderfull , another favourite of mine is the late Keith Emerson .

[@jamesbowen8960]

They were really good friends. I miss Keith and Greg Lake . They died in the same year.2016

[@ardyla0909]

this is heavenly

[@Migglefitch]

You know what i picture when i close my eyes and listen? A leaf blowing in the wind moving from yard to yard doing a dance with the wind. ❤🌹

[@fredgarv79]

How about this one I did?kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqi1aqmGZbB0fbMsi=wE5Z5LKAI9RhWJqv

[@lucapolidori8817]

At his concert i Rome in 1990 I was below the stage just in front of him. The place was small so I was very close...and I can't tell how many fingers he has on his hands. One of the best concerts I've ever been to in my whole life. He pleyed the whole Journey to the centre of Earth (without the narrator) in one shot.

[@realkarfixer8208]

Thank you Mr. Wakeman, for sharing that with us. Incredibly generous.

[@nsgobbi]

One of the pieces I selected for my wedding ceremony in the church was exactly an extract from “Journey”. I asked the lady pianist: are you able to play that ? She replied: provided I have the music sheet… and she did it !! 👏🏼

[@jolyonholloway483]

Beautiful transcription of the original turning it into a piece that could have been composed by one of the great classical composers.It shows why this music has had,and will have,such longevity.

[@artysanmobile]

I appreciate your enthusiasm, I truly do. But modern song form is distinctly different from any of the works we know as ‘greats’ of the classical period. Literally all of the classical composers were expressing themselves to an unbelievably complicated plan. Those are the pieces that are kept alive by conductors with top orchestras and virtuoso soloists who study years to play a single piece. Rick is an exceptional player and arranger for a smaller group accompanying a singer. Those things bear few if any similarities and he’d be first to note that.

[@ElixifyMusic]

I prefer Rick to most of the so called great classical composers. . .

[@papadave6800]

What an incredible piano piece by an incredibly gifted pianist. This song helped usher me into my teens, during an era when progressive artists like yourself, Rick, set a high bar that has never even come close to being reached, let alone surpassed in the decades since. That was an amazing time for music lovers like myself, and this video is a poignant reminder of that. Thanks for your immense contribution to the soundtrack of my life.

[@jonathansmith3742]

RIck should get a Grammy for this.

[@dawnclaibourne2183]

The song may be titled "Closer To The Edge", but I feel closer to heaven now...

[@K2-dd3vm]

Ha ha ha ! Me too...😇

[@AudioAtmos]

To me Rick Wakeman will always exemplify YES. When he sits at a Grand it becomes obvious what I love about his playing.

[@LukasMatejka-du5hb]

truly one of the greatest records ever made..... easily up there with "Dark Side of The Moon", "Sgt. Pepper", "Pet Sounds", "Queen II", "2112" etc.......

[@ricardosegawa2714]

It is always a pleasure to listen to Mr. Wakeman play!

[@slowneutron6163]

Rick n Chick. The best there ever was.

[@alanparsonsfan]

@slowneutron6163 Love me some Return To Forever too, but you are leaving out Keith Emerson...

[@TvDaddyAndTheTabloidArmy]

​@@alanparsonsfan Tyner, Lisitsa

[@angelobonacini]

This man enchants me today as he did 50 years ago! Extraordinary!

[@ostreetsteve1259]

An amazing piece of music by 5 very blessed Musicians that just happened to call themselves "YES" "Seasons have passed me by" ! I get up every time I hear "Close to the edge".

[@pedrobrunet6669]

WOOOOOWWWW .. GRACIAS MAESTRO .. TENGO 65 AÑOS Y HACE MAS DE 50 QUE ERES UNO DE MIS COMPAÑEROS DE RUTA .. GRACIAS CRACK .. GRACIAS X TANTO .. UN ABRAZO GIGANTE DESDE BARILOCHE REPÚBLICA ARGENTINA 🇦🇷

[@gustavovattuone1216]

Magic!!!!! With all Best regards a nd best wishes from Argentina. dearest Rick.

[@billtomson5791]

In some ways, this solo piano version outshines the original. And I love the original.

[@ReverbAndBeer]

While my fellow 15 year old guitarists were lifting the record needle back a thousand times trying to learn Steve Howe's licks on Close to the Edge, I was doing the same but learning Rick Wakeman's keyboard riffs on my guitar, instead. I based my entire lead guitar style on the melodic yet powerful four-note arpeggio that opens and closes the first side of the album. Those four notes have brought me joy for the past half-century. Thanks Rick and Jon!

[@paullevine1813]

I remember when Close To The Edge came out & still have my original record & Rick was already well known in music circles for his work on other folk's records but he took the opportunity with YES to shine like super nova. I have the DVD from Yesongs 1972 which i believe was done at The Rainbow Theater & was watching that the other night & when Ricks turn comes round to do stuff off his first solo LP well that's just jaw dropping musicianship & still these days, he's lost nothing but a little hair & has a great sense of humor. I did get to see Yes in 73 in MD. & Live is nothing close to the DVD & a TV. Those were the days in the 70s when real playing was the important thing. In Rock they don't get much better than him. 🎹 I'm not a keyboard player but i do play guitar & have since the mid 60s. Thanks, Rick, for all the awesome things you've given over the long years.

[@Fred_Lougee]

I remember in 1980, I was in 10th grade, a friend had just gotten a walkman and was listening to Fragile. His eyes were saucers, his jaw was slack. Song ended, he stopped it, took off the headphones. Started making noises about how mind-blowing the music was. I asked which song in particular, he said Cans and Brahms. Ah...another Rick Wakeman fan is born.

[@mellissadalby1402]

Being so long ago, it's easy to forget just what great musicians these guys are.

[@francescoraso5607]

Fantastico maestro Wakeman! Grazie sempre per la sua musica meravigliosa!

[@johntecce5533]

I saw him this past spring, He's incredible

[@williamsporing1500]

I’ve seen Yes 19 times, and his center of the earth tour in Cincinnati (gentle giant was opener) God bless you sir. And thank you for all the wonderful music and helping me keep my sanity, for all these decades.

[@Jean88Lem]

Yes and GG in opening? Do you know you're a lucky man?

[@williamsporing1500]

@@Jean88Lem it wasn’t Yes, it was Rick Wakeman and the English rock ensemble. Wakeman ‘journey to the center of the earth’ tour. It was an amazing show. Somewhere around ‘77 I think.

[@b3bilco]

​@@williamsporing1500A friend saw Yes on the "Close To The Edge" tour with 6 piece Gentle Giant opening, & the promotor thought it would be a good idea to put "Peaceful Easy Feelin' " era The Eagles between the two bands. The Eagles got boo'd off the stage.

[@williamsporing1500]

@@b3bilco lol…I can see that. I’ve never been an eagles fan, but I guess some folks like them. I’m trying to think back (too many years, too many joints) and I think I’ve only seen them once where they had an opener, and that was the Alan Parsons project, who were very good. I think Yes opened for Sly Stone at Cincinnati gardens? As I said, too many years, too many joints….lol

[@jeffschielka7845]

Rick Wakeman THE FINGERS. THE MASTER. FOREVER YES❣️❣️❣️🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹👍😎

[@petiqueba]

The mastery of a piano/keyboard master. Amazing!!!!

[@mgmurray100]

Major fan since I was a small lad, Yes was my first concert in Cleveland around 1973. This piece is the most amazing solo, rivaled by only Beethoven or Mozart. I suddenly can see the genius in all the albums clearly, and more vividly. Thank you for this gift.

[@thevintagepassion]

You are simply one of a kind Rick!!

[@philipanderson2627]

now that was rather splendid

[@manuellimparcero]

Yes!

[@ДаринаБеликова-в3в]

Мелодика , ритм и гармонические последовательности этой импровизации очень напоминают фольклор народов Северного Кавказа, таких, как, грузины, ингуши, чеч енцы , кабардинцы, и другие. Это музыка гор, красивой природы диких, малонаселённых мест, где свободно обитают невидимые человеку духи.

[@Frank_nwobhm]

Amazing. He's playing every part except the vocals...effortlessly.

[@jolyonholloway483]

Some of the vocals are there too.I get up I get down.I turned around and pointed revealing all the human race.

[@StanleypeterDickinson]

Annie Lennox vocals.❤

[@jolyonholloway483]

@@StanleypeterDickinson Jon Anderson vocals.This is Yes!

[@joconnor57]

Still amazing after all of these years! Thank you Rick.

[@luz_aslana691]

Major soundtrack of the joyful moments of my life! Rick!

[@InnerLightDimension]

The first time I saw Rick play this live was 10-1-77 in Houston when I was 14 and have been a fan ever since!

[@michaelbeerbados3291]

Clip at least 25 years old --but still great..CTTE -greatest recorded song in history.

[@AVSSharky]

Saw Rick when his Journey to the Center of the Earth album came out and left totally speechless after the amazing concert I had just witnessed. He is what people call a MUSICIAN…period!

[@morbidmanmusic]

anyone who plays music is a musician. That coming from a 62 year old one. If you like yes, check out my covers of this song and Gate of delirium on my page.

[@carlosalbertoteixeira375]

O man, so beautiful. Made me cry. Thanks for everything you wrote and played.

[@liz-paiva]

Rick Wakeman, always divine music!

[@marcosorlandovita4514]

Absolutely 💯 brilliant, as always !!! Thanks Mr Wakeman !

[@onepingonly1941]

No one would ever know, hearing this, it's rock and roll. Phenomenal.

[@simduino]

Not exactly rock-n-roll, progressive rock is the right term.

[@cigarmerchant2238]

Since I saw Rick play this live in Atlanta GA when it came out in the early 70s, I have to say that whatever your interpretation of CTTE is, is at time my favorite rendition of it. Thanks Rick...

[@faustdownunder]

Brilliant work, Rick. The piano version gives new life to this now over 50 years old YES music.

[@billtomson5791]

YES it does.

[@keithhawkins8262]

BRILLIANT 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏

[@styles8007]

Simply the best. Thank you, Rick, for sharing this treasure piece of music to the world. Cheers from Indiana. God bless you, Sir.

[@kentalanlee]

Thank you Rick. Opening up KZbin to find this treasure is like finding an old bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape hiding under some boxes in my cellar. Remarkable.

[@carolmorgan1291]

Seen rick live several times and had the pleasure of meeting him after piano recitals evening in Lowestoft.. fantastic down to earthbloke with such entertaining stories from his life and my favourite keyboard wizzard ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@earthoid]

I've always loved this song. It's so interesting to hear the pure piano version as played by the master himself.

[@GuitarBassCigar]

Thank you, Rick. My music collection wouldn't be the same without your contributions. Be well, sir!

[@tomkershaw4384]

I love the sound of a Steinway and Rick makes it magic.

[@simduino]

Rick is the David Gilmour of keyboards/piano/organ

[@markstevens6568]

Just brilliant; what a star! Great band, great music, great musicians, but this is a unique version of one of their greatest songs. Thank you sir!

[@mdkramster]

Jesus, man. You are amazing.

[@timin770]

Rick, youve heard every compliment in the world so I will simply say.....Thank You

[@jimdenogean2217]

God Bless you Rick fan over 50 years your music will be heard for 500 years or more.

[@januszostrowski7264]

I loved our chat here in New Hampshire USA.

[@BAMtastico]

September 1978, had front row seats for Yes at The Houston Coliseum with Rick Wakeman staying on stage for a solo performance during an intermission. Still one of my favorite concerts.

[@antonymous123]

Random youtubealgorythm brought me here. After2times digging this melody my legs started to give me goosebumbs with no explanations. A gem this 1 is 2 me from now on. Thank you Rick.

[@monicadriscoll645]

One of my all time favorite keyboardists!

[@marcelomonetti4279]

Thanks Mr Wakeman , brilliant as always , music in my soul forever

[@arthouston7361]

Very nice. I first met Rick backstage at a Yes show with my friend and colleague Ed Sciaky. I had followed Rick's work with Yes and the Six Wives album, and as a kid who grew up listening to music on the Angel and Seraphim labels, I knew right away that Rick was the real deal. One of the commenters below said that Rick is fighting cancer. Tell him that he is on my prayer list as of today. I enjoyed seeing Rick talk on the 700 club. Also, I decided to start learning piano at age 68, so it is never too late. I have vivid memories of sitting with Ed at the Spectrum in Philly, as the speakers carried the Firebird Suite out over the audience while the band moved onto the stage to take their places, and Rick would swell his keys right into Siberian Khatru. Thank you, Rick.

[@gregm6652]

Well, the video's out of sync but who cares, listening and watching Rick play is always a treat. Keith, Rick, John Lord, we all were so fortunate and did not realize it. Cheers!

[@rlpd5218]

You took the words right out of my mouth my friend blessings to them all

[@puremusicartminami-azabu7943]

Hope Venerable Rick Wakeman continues to perform his best until the end of his life.

[@simduino]

Many great musicians from the 70's like Chris Squire have already left us and this will most certainly be another mayor loss when it happens, unfortunately there are none that can even stand in his shadow, just like Chris's.

[@stevemd6488]

masterful

[@earleford8889]

Thank you so very much. Hope for the Future!

[@juliodicarlo5313]

Great reduction! Saludos desde Buenos Aires.

[@rayt9428]

Wonderful to watch a master at work, thanks so much for sharing and bringing back so many happy memories of my youth

[@thomassicard3733]

i've been playing piano for 54 years, now. AND I'm only 29 (again). Rick, Keith, Van, Artur, Vladimir, Evgeny, etc... I could go on for a long time. GREAT, GREAT, GREAT pianists.

[@thedrumdon2485]

so thankful for this and am reminded of seeing you guys through the decades and the magic that you continue to capture and preserve - thank you Mr. Wakeman!

[@danatowne5498]

Thank you! The most wonderful touch on a piano that I have ever heard in my 65 years of listening to every kind of music...

[@csflmich2239]

Simply beautiful!

[@LeewardStudios]

Just wow, one of my favorite songs and albums growing up. This version is beautiful. Not to take away from everyone else.

[@latexsolarbeef4990]

....he came up with this accompaniment at 23....that is NUTS!.........

[@phillipschloss3984]

A ray of cosmic sunshine on my high school years. What a record this was

[@performtransform]

So beautiful! Your music has been a consistent refuge and inspiration to me for nearly 50 years now. Thank you so much for enriching my life, Mr. Wakeman! However, please know my wife does blame you for my analog synth collection!

[@magog6852]

This dude really is the best.

[@manoahduriec4013]

J'écoute ce trésor musical au milieu de mes plantes, dans le soleil du matin, et tout est merveille. Merci Rick Wakeman, merci Yes !❤

[@robertartese808]

Beautiful Rick! More of that please!

[@kevinlewis6541]

Epic Classic 😎 Thank You Mr. Rick Wakeman. I can't wait to see you in October in Rochester NY with my teenage son. He is a rising musician. Beginner!! But he is doing well and his music teacher and choir teacher just love him.

[@entrenos378]

Superb performance. If you've followed Yes over the decades, you know Close to the Edge is a full blown prog song from the 70's. It took me back to my childhood. Thank you!

[@ny10980]

BRAVO...That touched my heart!

[@Absorka20]

I was laughed at by my 62 year old coworker when I suggested Rush 2112 was on par with Mozart, I was including bands like Yes as well. You can take a song like this and turn it into a wonderful example of chamber music. This song can also be orchestrated into a larger piece. And it’s performed by the man himself, who I have seen play this live 2x in the early 90,s. awesome, thanks for sharing.

[@bgraif]

Classical true, ala modern. Reminds me of piano music of classical composer pianist Ned Rorem.

[@shortaybrown]

Soooo nice! It’s like a mix between Debussy and the Goldberg variations. I love this!!

[@atcusugs]

Ascoltarla è sempre una rinascita interiore personale! Grazie!

[@toddelder3842]

Simply beautiful and amazing…

[@tangerinedream7211]

First saw yesterday at the Stoke City ground, be the summer of 73 or 74, been a fan since. One of Ricks best piano solos is Life on Mars, brings tears of joy to the eyes .

[@Audio-apps]

Refreshing anew the joy the original recording always brings to me. Thank you.

[@JuanJoseViaderoRivas-zh3gk]

Superb. Thank you Mr Wakeman for your music, you're an absolute God on keyboards.