Wakeman, Rick
Rhapsodies
Rare & Collectible Vinyl Records

Pristine & Rare 1979 Japanese 2LP Promo Label Gatefold With 2 Obi Strips; One Blue & One Thinner Red Strip. Different From The Purple & Yellow Obi From The Other '79 PRessing. “Most Of Wakeman's Albums Revolve Around A Concept; This Double Album's Only Concept Is Of A Collection Of "Rhapsodies," Which Here Seems To Mean "Enthusiastic And Improvisational Pieces." The Album Is Instrumental Except For The Opener, "Pedra De Gavea," Where The Electronically Treated Vocals Are Presumably By Wakeman Himself. Most Of The Pieces Are Concise For Wakeman, And Very Lively And Bright, With Engaging Lead Parts And Well-Chosen Keyboard Sounds (Something Wakeman Has Not Always Managed). "Swan Lager" Sets Music By Tchaikovsky And Grieg To A Reggae Beat. Wakeman's Version Of George Gershwin's "Rhapsody In Blue" Is Actually A Low Point, But His Version Of Gershwin's "Summertime" Is Nicely Done. This Was Wakeman's Last Album For A&M Records.” All Music Guide – Stephen Raiteri