Rick Wakeman / Solo Piano Show In Tokyo 2014 / 2CDR

Rick Wakeman / Solo Piano Show In Tokyo 2014 / 2CDR / Non Label

Translated Text:
Live at Tokyo International Forum Hall C, Tokyo, Japan 1st July 2014

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It is a valuable source of Rick Wakeman that were not performed only one concert at a time Osaka, and Tokyo. I have received much attention in Japan that special performance at the piano solo whose contents are different from the UK tour which was conducted between April-May this year.

Than the original master recording by the person provided, this work is fully recorded in high-quality audience recording of the finest level, the Tokyo International Forum performances July 1. Mean that recording from the best position in the fourth column, the sound of the piano have been captured in a thick delicate sound, making it easy to listen, to the content of high quality.

This concert was held in two parts across the rest of about 15 minutes in the middle. While the orchestra tape Pachelbel work of “canon” is flowing, one part appeared Rick slowly. You start playing to match the tape. Venue to the atmosphere, such as the classic hall like at this point. I am listening venue drinking Katazu brilliant technique of Rick. Greeting with a microphone first song is finished. You me laugh venue “World Cup, England, dub, Japanese Mai, dub” and is sprinkled with Japanese. It has a talk sprinkled with jokes and episodes of the time between songs thereafter. Can ask also how fun applause occurs from the audience the name of your album comes out, and try to be funny and Rick also to meet with it. Highlights of the one part I think the “Journey To The Center of the Earth”. That is a magnificent song, politely, there is no doubt that to overwhelm all who hear a very impressive is how are played delicate solo piano of Rick.

Play will be performed two parts also across the MC of Rick as well. Highlights of two parts would be two songs of Jesus again. How this two songs popular in Jesus “comrade” and “a strange story” or become a piano solo? In the air taut so that the audience of the venue also 1 no sound miss hear, that beautiful melody will continue to spread to fill the venue. In addition, two songs of the Beatles, which is arranged to brilliant is also very good can.

Beautiful music that has been Issued spun from “magician of the keyboard” just. You can feel the impression whether so different music that was familiar usually only turns piano solo. I think I would like to hear all means not only prog fans and Jesus, for those who love the classic.

大阪、東京と１公演づつしか行われなかったリック・ウェイクマンの貴重な音源です。今年４月から５月にかけて行われた全英ツアーとは内容が異なるピアノソロでの日本特別公演ということで非常に注目されました。

本作は7月1日の東京国際フォーラム公演を、録音者提供によるオリジナル・マスターより、極上レベルの高音質オーディエンス録音で完全収録。4列目のベストポジションからの録音ということで、ピアノの音が太く繊細なサウンドで捉えられており、聴きやすい、高品質な内容になっています。

本公演は途中に約１５分間の休憩を挟んだ２部構成で行われました。１部はパッヘルベル作「カノン」のオーケストラテープが流れる中、ゆっくりとリックが登場。テープに合わせて演奏を開始します。この時点で会場はまるでクラシックホールのような雰囲気に。リックの華麗なテクニックに会場も固唾をのんで聞き入っています。１曲目が終わるとマイクを持って挨拶。日本語を交えて「ワールドカップ、イングランド、ヘタクソ、マイジャパニーズ、ヘタクソ」と会場を笑わせてくれます。その後も曲間で当時のエピソードやジョークを交えて話をしています。自分のアルバム名が出ると会場から拍手がおこり、リックもそれに応えるようにおどけるといった楽しい様子もうかがえます。１部のハイライトは「地底探検」ではないでしょうか。リックのソロピアノであの壮大な曲が、丁寧に、繊細に演奏される様子はとても感動的で聞く者すべてを圧倒することは間違いありません。

２部も同様にリックのMCをはさんで演奏が行われます。２部でのハイライトはやはりイエスの２曲でしょう。「同志」「不思議なお話を」というイエスでも人気の高いこの２曲がピアノソロではどうなるのか？会場のオーディエンスも１音も聞き逃さないよう張り詰めた空気の中、あの美しいメロディが会場いっぱいに広がっていきます。また、華麗にアレンジされたビートルズの２曲も大変素晴らしい出来です。

まさしく「鍵盤の魔術師」から紡ぎ出された美しい音楽。普段聞き慣れた音楽がピアノソロになるだけでこんなに印象が違うのかを実感できます。イエスやプログレファンだけでなく、クラシック好きの方にもぜひ聞いていただきたいと思います。

Disc 1(50:09)
1. Pachelbel’s Canon In D 2. Catherine Of Aragon Catherine Howard 3. Morning Has Broken
4. Journey To The Centre Of The Earth 5. The Meeting 6. Merlin The Magician

Disc 2(52:17)
1. The Jig 2. Life On Mars 3. Dance Of A Thousand Lights 4. King Arthur Suite
5. And You & I / Wonderous Stories 6. Help / Eleanor Rigby 7. Gone But Not Forgotten