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Rick Wakeman - The Legend Live In Concert 2000
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 This DVD and CD set documents the UK tour Rick Wakeman embarked upon in 2000. He provides a wondrous solo performance with just himself and his keyboards. He successfully entertains a small crowd in an intimate setting on this night. He obviously does not need a supporting band to play his large catalog of material, his superb keyboard talents are quite enough to entertain.
I had no idea that Wakeman was such a great storyteller and humorist. His tales between songs are very colorful and full of wit and humor. He includes some of his best solo work along with the Yes tracks “And You and I /Wondrous Stories” presented in one song. He speaks of his former band mates with fondness. He said this about Jon Anderson-“Jon is the only person I know that is trying to save the world and living in another.” The crowd roared, and I did as well.
“The Nursery Rhyme Concerto” is a charming number. Rick tells the crowd which famous composer’s music is set to each nursery rhyme. It made it much more interesting to listen to that way. “Children of Chernobyl” is a hauntingly beautiful song. Composed lovingly for all the young children that contracted leukemia after the horrid tragedy, it proved to one of the evenings most emotional and moving. The Beatles get a wink and a nod from the keyboard wizard when he performs his own version of “Help/Eleanor Rigby,” much to the audiences delight.
This is technically excellent DVD. The sounds, colors, lights, and shots of Wakeman’s fingers rolling over the keyboards proved to be a very effective visual experience making the audio that much more enjoyable. I liked the way the camera did a wide angle shot of the keyboard at waist level of Rick then faded out to a full shot in the background then brought it back in to the front view of the stage. In case you were interested, Rick was not wearing his famous robe this evening, instead he wore a crushed black velvet suit and seemed comfortable and moved around quite easily.
This DVD was different and very special in that it was much more up close and personal than it would have been if he were with his band. I feel now that I know him as person, not just as another entertainer that I enjoy.
© Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck |
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