Piano Portraits

The man is a genius. He makes the piano do whatever he wants it too, because he can. What's more, he was actually generous to play the rock songs in my outrageous keys, so for that alone, I worship at his feet. I can sing and people in the next room could think I'd hired him to come play accompany me. If I'd been one of his ex wives, I'd have wanted to walk away with nothing but his love and good will no matter what else he did, as long as he carried on making recordings like this. Oh, and sent me a freebie in the post

I have long been a fan of the very talented Mr Wakeman since his days in Yes. Anyone with the same thoughts will not be disappointed with this beautiful selection of tunes some pop some classical. Very clever little additions to some tunes, what Rick throws in to the Beatles opening track "Help" is nothing short of brilliant. Bowie tracks are incredible too. Quite relaxing played in the car while driving about, having said that it's not lift music by any means...Excellent and very annoying that someone is so full of talent to play so well. Money well spent, don't waste a second buy it now.

An excellent album by Rick Wakeman with fifteen piano interpretations and arrangements of pieces of music that have influenced him over his long career. They include two Beatles songs, two Bowie songs, one by his Yes stalwart Jon Anderson, one by 10cc, one by Led Zeppelin, one self penned, several classical and two hymns including Morning Has Broken which he played on the Cat Stevens album Teaser And The Firecat. All the pieces are played on a Steinway grand and are a pleasure to listen to. This is Rick's one hundredth solo album and may he produce many more.

Brilliant

I know that track order is subjective, but I would have swapped track 14 and 15.I was left on a too much a high after 15. Eleanor Rigby, the experience ended too abruptly.“I Vow To Thee My Country” Would have ended the journey more peacefully.But great long awaited album.If you like the sound of piano in the background , you’ll like this.If you like listening to the sound of piano, you’ll just love this.I have to say I am old and biased where Rick is concerned.But it's worth a punt.

If you like Rick Wakeman then buy this CD.If you don't like Rick Wakeman then this CD will change your mind.Fifteen great piano arrangements.Rick shows not only what a great pianist he is; but, also what a fantastic arranger he is.More please.And while you're about it, why don't you publish these arrangements so we can all have a go (and if you can publish arrangements for the beginner/intermediate player that would be great).The CD has a lovely clear Piano sound; the only fly in the ointment is the minimal sleeve notes.

Sorry but I found this disappointing. Nothing wrong with the piano craft and nothing wrong with the tune selection - mostly. Neither am I being critical of Rick Wakeman. My problem is that it comes across as a bit 'metronomic' - to me at any rate. I guess that's the problem when you have only one instrument to fill the silence. Sometimes it's the gaps between the notes that create the atmosphere - and there aren't many gaps at all. Perhaps if I listened to it more it would grow on me - CDs usually do. I guess it's just a personal thing.

Wakeman seems to be basing his current career discussing David Bowie on talk shows. This CD has his piano versions of several well known pop/rock songs, plus a nod to his classical side. Compared to his more long winded works from the 70`s, this is a breath of fresh air, and more like his more recent concert material. Not sure if a Portraits 2 follow up album would be a good idea though.

Excellent music from a great artist!

Un Wakeman più "popolare" e meno "progressive" impegnato nella rivisitazione di alcuni famosi brani di musica pop, oltre ad un paio di pezzi di musica classica.In ogni caso le interpretazioni non sono mai banali, sono molto interessanti ed eseguite con la maestria degna di un grande tastierista come lui.

I don't know how many copies I have owned of this one and all of them have had lots of cracks all over the place. It's a pity because it's a very good record!

Have seen Rick Wakeman dozen of times with YES & on his own,this is a wonderful CD.Cheers

Excelente selección de piezas de una variedad de estilos, muy al estilo de RW. La calidad de vinilo excelente.