Wakeman left the progressive/folk rock band the Strawbs in 1971 to join Yes, his first album with them being Fragile. But such virtuosic talent couldn’t be contained and in 1972 he recorded his first solo album, The Six Wives of Henry VIII.* It was “recorded across 1972 with an advance of £4,000 from A&M. Rick Wakeman's concept album 'The Six Wives of Henry VIII' became a worldwide sensation when it was released in 1973, but it took more than 30 years for the progressive rocker to get a chance to.

Rick Wakeman – The Six Wives of Henry VIII (1973/2014) FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96kHz Time – 00:36:49 minutes 750 MB Genre: Rock Source: DVD Audio © A&M Records Recorded: February – October 1972 at Morgan and Trident Studios, London, England. 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. Lynette knackstedt cause of death. 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. Pink panther passport to peril free download mac. 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.

Tracklist Hide Credits A1 Catherine Of Aragon Bass – Chris Squire, Les Hurdle Drums – Bill Bruford Engineer, Mixed By – Ken Scott Guitar – Mike Egan, Steve Howe Percussion – Ray Cooper Vocals – Barry St.