Actually it is a very depressing comment. When you finish counting his fingers and then you look at yours. I’ll bet that people go like this: “ we have the same amount of fingers…what the f*ck is wrong with me!?!?” 🤣
But they are bloody massive!. I’m no small-handed man, but when I shook his hand once, it disappeared! Also, I can play the Merlin part at the end, but it’s not comfortable at all: you can tell the person who wrote it has a large span.
I am a prog rocker from the 70's, I have heard them all old and new. There is NO ONE who plays the keyboards like Rick Wakeman! Yes, his speed is amazing but what distinguishes him is his limitless talent, he is without equal. He has mastered so many genres of music and has a huge catalog of recordings. His solo output is staggering from New Age, classical, rock, soundtracks, huge production pieces with chorus, vocalists and orchestra; he does it all. This video still takes my breath away, wow!
It's not just playing ability which indeed limitless as you say, but Rick's always been an excellent composer and songwriter. He's written some terrific stuff in a variety of styles over the years, some of it astoundingly complex, others simply and catchy, and most all of it with just beautiful moments.
@@seabulls69 This was in 1989 at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, California (between San Jose and San Francisco and near the Bay, if you're not from around those parts). The performance was released on DVD, and it looks like Amazon has some used copies for sale, but they're kind of expensive.
@@seabulls69 A bit late response, but make sure you are looking up the Anderson, Bufurd, Wakeman, Howe concert. ABWH. All yes members but a side group formed late 80's early 90's.
Absolutely the best keyboard solo out there. I saw this show twice and have the DVD which I watch to this day and still amazed by this solo. Absolutely love YES and have for years and years.
I'm a retired Audio Mastering Engineer as well as classically trained pianist, and hardly a slouch on keyboards where I can perform classical selections from level 9+ of the Henle scale of difficulty. With THAT said, they broke the molds after creating persons such as Rick, Keith, Jordan, and a few others. There was a time in my mid to late 20's when I was on the road in a rather incredible progressive rock band for three years, where I could easily keep up with any one of them. But, now in my late 60's, I found that without that daily ritual of continual practice, I've fallen FAR behind these gods of the keyboards in regards to speed & agility. Never met Rick, (or Keith before his passing), but I played many ELP tunes on the road, including his version of Fanfare For The Common Man. Rick is simply an anomaly, and outstanding musician, with some of the MOST articulate fingering methods I've ever seen.
Took my little brother to see Rick last year. My dad complained to him, saying that my brother didn't practice enough. Rick looks at my brother and says, "do you have a girlfriend?". My brother replies "Yes sir i do", to which Rick says "That's all the practice you need". What a lovely man. :)
There are few who can play the keyboards like Rick Wakeman. A true pioneer who integrated electronic music with classic rock. Sometime it's OK to just watch and listen, and be awed by pure genius and talent!
he's not only a great player but generous and loving to his children. Met his daughter while I was doing a show at Severance Center here in Cleveland last month. He GAVE her a Yamaha C5 baby grand as a gift. What a great present!
One of the baddest ass keyboardist I've ever heard. Never been a big fan of keyboard or piano until I heard Rick wakeman. One of the baddest ass keyboardist I have ever met or heard tell of
No one is ever "best." He is my favorite though. I love the way he shakes out his hand before the fireworks begin. I can't even drum my fingers that fast. Madrigal is making me cry. "Tormato" is so underrated.
I have read some of these recent comments dissing Rick Wakeman and his fans and I am totally aghast. Do not criticize that which you cannot appreciate nor understand. This man is a true genius and is recognized as one of the finest keyboard players of all time. He has released a multitude of albums in all varieties of genres ranging from classical, new age, pop, rock and huge rock/orchestra productions, demonstrating his mastery of each. He is a true innovator with limitless talent.
instantly recognisable playing .... his chord voicing, melodies and phrasing sets him apart from any other keyboard player. For such big hands, he has incredible speed and fluidity.. Amazing musician...
One of my favorite keyboardists... Classicly trained, of course... I absolutely loved his performance with the Yes Union tour along with original keyboardist Tony Kaye back in 1991...
YES he is the best. Saw him and YES 6 times. Met him backstage in Denver. He has it all in terms of talent, but his musicianship is deeper than any other Rock keyboarder. Melody, harmony, mixed meters, textures, genres, styles. Wow.
hmmm ... Keith Emerson, at least during the Tarkus period? I think that composition (along with Roundabout, by Yes, with huge and stunning input from Rick, released the same year) provide pretty much the high water mark of keyboard-driven progressive rock.
No disrespect to KE intended, of course. I Saw ELP plenty, too, and KE is beyond amazing. By "musicianship" I was referring to Rick's knowledge of musical structures and applied theory, as well as mastery of styles (hence, "Melody, harmony, mixed meters, textures, genres, styles"). I suppose that I am looking to his studio work as well as time in Yes. . Totally agree as to high water mark. Tarkus is, imo, ELPs best product. Truly a great era, man.
Mind blowing. Been a fan of his records since I was a teen...70s, and so awesome to see him play. I'm blown away at how good he is...every. single. time.
This was either the opening or closing song (I was high) back in 76 in Fresno that hooked me on Rick and Yes. Still have some vinyl! Miss those days...
Like the way Rick has to occasionally look over to his left hand just to see what it is doing. Saw YES three times in the 70s and even when they were backing up the Eagles. Always thought he and Keith were the best Prog keyboardist and proud to say I saw Rick Wakeman play one day, so satisfied I saw him play...
I've had the excellent good fortune of seeing Rick in several settings, in the early years... Chicago ========= Fragile Tour Close to The Edge Tour Tales From Topographic Oceans Tour Journey to the Centre of the Earth Every time I saw him play, he "kicked it up a notch" (to borrow a phrase). It was outstanding!
That Merlin the Magician part requires some serious technique to play, let alone those single notes fast repetitions he does with two or three fingers shown earlier.
Pfft, like Keith could lay a finger on this guy! Rick Wakeman is the best keyboardist ever! That’s not to say Keith isn’t good, he’s certainly up there, but Wakeman is the most creative and talented. Just look at the flute sound solos in this video!
went to see him do a one man show in leamington spa, he didnt have his keyboards just a piano and interspersed his piano playing with anecdotes hie is a naturally funny man a great pianist and keyboad player
rick wakeman is best ever i saw him when he played with YES his keyboards were suspended in the air at the arena .. yes big wires adn rods of course and he was wired to the seat.. and the whole piano turned around and flipped in mid air
(The first time I saw this solo (on Pay-Per-View) I honestly couldn’t believe my eyes/ears it was so fast!) Actually - I did just see a video of a guy who recreated the solo from YESSONGS... it was pretty good. But there is NO ONE like Rick Wakeman. He is the raw talent in YES. Listen to “Close to the Edge”... the man is just a monster player. CTTE may have been Jon Anderson’s vision... but Wakeman made it possible with his composition and playing skills.
Filmed at The Shoreline in Mountain View, CA during the fall of 1989, just about 3 days after I watched him perform the exact same thing at the Griffith in Hollywood (just about 300 miles south). When I heard what might be referred to as "Act II" of this (just a bit after the 2:34 minute mark), I had to use binoculars from the guy sitting next to me to see what the hell he was doing. "HOLY JESUS TAP-DANCING CHRIST ON A POPSICLE STICK" was what he was doing!
If Squire would have joined this tour, it would have been one of the best for classic Yes. Wakeman was still at his prime, he was really the star of this tour.
Okay, so normally when I think about music notation I figured it's almost always better to write 64ths as a tempo change. Mr Wakeman actually makes a . good case for them here. :P
I agree with you 100%, Rick and Keith are at the same level, both sit atop the Mt. Olympus of keyboardists. Wakeman seems to get more accolades from the masses, but Emerson is every bit as deserving, if not moreso. He singlehandedly composed so many of ELP's most masterful instrumental adventures. ELP was also only a 3 piece band, and Keith not only carried much of it but was usually the main driving force. Rick deserves all his accolades as well, but he did have the benefit of Yes being a 5 piece band. Of course, his solo stuff is astounding. Thankfully we still have Rick with us. Among more modern keyboardists, Jordan Rudess from Dream Theater is pretty phenomenal, but not quite the pioneer Wakeman and Emerson were.
I've always been into ELP . Rick did a tribute to Keith after he passed away. It was a mix of his different songs done with that Rick twist. I think he did it all on the piano. When Rick was with Yes they made their best song Round about. When he left Yes they went back to being just another band. The only period where they made outstanding music was with Rick. To bad he didn't join Deep Purple, or Moody blues, or Stepping Wolf. They would have made dozens of million gold records. They would have loved in the top 10 for 10 years along with the Beatles and Stones, and ELO.
Ever listened to the Stephen Wolf album For Ladies Only. The whole side B is a piano solo by Johnny Kay. I had no idea how good the guy was on the keys until I heard that album.
@apieceofeight23 He's doing a (sort of) improvised keyboard solo while the rest of the band have a rest for a bit. Jordan Rudess of Dream Theater does solos like this as well.
![Rick Wakeman - Eleanor Rigby [Classical Connection 1991]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/t9A4gyvACGY/mqdefault.jpg)
Met this guy a couple of times... last time, over coffee I counted his fingers just to be sure he had the same number as I do!
Love this comment!
Best comment I read in a long time!
excellent 👍
Actually it is a very depressing comment. When you finish counting his fingers and then you look at yours. I’ll bet that people go like this: “ we have the same amount of fingers…what the f*ck is wrong with me!?!?” 🤣
But they are bloody massive!. I’m no small-handed man, but when I shook his hand once, it disappeared! Also, I can play the Merlin part at the end, but it’s not comfortable at all: you can tell the person who wrote it has a large span.
I am a prog rocker from the 70's, I have heard them all old and new. There is NO ONE who plays the keyboards like Rick Wakeman! Yes, his speed is amazing but what distinguishes him is his limitless talent, he is without equal. He has mastered so many genres of music and has a huge catalog of recordings. His solo output is staggering from New Age, classical, rock, soundtracks, huge production pieces with chorus, vocalists and orchestra; he does it all. This video still takes my breath away, wow!
Jobson from U.K.
Jordan Rudess. He can do the speed and stay in time.
beautifully said
Superb. Have seen them all, but for me Rick remains unchallenged.
It's not just playing ability which indeed limitless as you say, but Rick's always been an excellent composer and songwriter. He's written some terrific stuff in a variety of styles over the years, some of it astoundingly complex, others simply and catchy, and most all of it with just beautiful moments.
I was sitting about 100 feet away from him that night. Damnedest thing ever!
When and where was this? I'd like to get a DVD of the entire concert.
@@seabulls69 This was in 1989 at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, California (between San Jose and San Francisco and near the Bay, if you're not from around those parts). The performance was released on DVD, and it looks like Amazon has some used copies for sale, but they're kind of expensive.
That's amazing. This video changed my life. My mother plays for our church
@@seabulls69 A bit late response, but make sure you are looking up the Anderson, Bufurd, Wakeman, Howe concert. ABWH. All yes members but a side group formed late 80's early 90's.
I like how Rick looks like he just woke up a half hour before the show and can play a great composition flawlessly
that's because he did just wake up half an hour before the show!
His name is Wakeman after all
Rick doesn't need to utilize any onboard Arpeggiator's on his machines. He just simply plays the Arpeggio's himself.
Sequencers. Moog system 15
@@JetEarlewood Yeah, but not here.
Like any classical pianist , no ?
The Chuck Norris of keyboard players. 😉
Nelson Robert Willis at Nick plays some, and can play. Many “musicians” today can barely play anything it seems!
Absolutely the best keyboard solo out there. I saw this show twice and have the DVD which I watch to this day and still amazed by this solo. Absolutely love YES and have for years and years.
Could you please tell me on what DVD I can see this wizardry again?
The Neil Peart of keyboards.
So you're putting Peart on the Mt. Rushmore of drummers. That's a bold statement. Wakeman for sure is with keyboardists...Peart, not so much.
@@subzero07094 Easy there tiger.
@@ToddBaker2112 If you think Peart is top 5 drummers you need some new ears, tiger.
I mean.. I get what you mean by saying this. But imagine commenting on Neil Peart saying he’s the rick wakeman of drums.
@@subzero07094 Peart, Bruford, Collins, Cobham.
I'm a retired Audio Mastering Engineer as well as classically trained pianist, and hardly a slouch on keyboards where I can perform classical selections from level 9+ of the Henle scale of difficulty. With THAT said, they broke the molds after creating persons such as Rick, Keith, Jordan, and a few others. There was a time in my mid to late 20's when I was on the road in a rather incredible progressive rock band for three years, where I could easily keep up with any one of them. But, now in my late 60's, I found that without that daily ritual of continual practice, I've fallen FAR behind these gods of the keyboards in regards to speed & agility. Never met Rick, (or Keith before his passing), but I played many ELP tunes on the road, including his version of Fanfare For The Common Man. Rick is simply an anomaly, and outstanding musician, with some of the MOST articulate fingering methods I've ever seen.
Took my little brother to see Rick last year. My dad complained to him, saying that my brother didn't practice enough. Rick looks at my brother and says, "do you have a girlfriend?". My brother replies "Yes sir i do", to which Rick says "That's all the practice you need". What a lovely man. :)
There are few who can play the keyboards like Rick Wakeman. A true pioneer who integrated electronic music with classic rock. Sometime it's OK to just watch and listen, and be awed by pure genius and talent!
he's not only a great player but generous and loving to his children. Met his daughter while I was doing a show at Severance Center here in Cleveland last month. He GAVE her a Yamaha C5 baby grand as a gift. What a great present!
Yeah clevelander
2:54 When you procrastinated so you have three hours to write a 1500 word paper
This is just so fantastic. I was fortunate to see Yes live in Madison, Wisconsin in 1979, with Rick.
Was that the In the Round concert they had back around that time ?I may have been there as well.
What truly ticks me off is that he doesn't even look like he's trying yet brillant..
I always love to hear Rick blast through that Korg solo!
Since he has a mullet too I have to say this is now the most amazing thing I've ever seen.
One of the baddest ass keyboardist I've ever heard. Never been a big fan of keyboard or piano until I heard Rick wakeman. One of the baddest ass keyboardist I have ever met or heard tell of
No one is ever "best." He is my favorite though.
I love the way he shakes out his hand before the fireworks begin. I can't even drum my fingers that fast.
Madrigal is making me cry.
"Tormato" is so underrated.
What's more amazing that what he is doing with his right hand at 3:00, is the fact that his freakin left hand is playing something too.
Mr Richard Wakeman is the Buddy Rich of keyboards.
I had to check my playback speed! For a second I thought I must be on 1.5 speed.
I was not.
The first concert I ever went to in my life was on the ABWH tour in 1989, on this very tour, and it was one of the happiest days of my life!!!
I remember seeing this video 12 years ago. I am still completely blown away by it to this day. Incredible.
Do you know a name of the composition?
he's constantly amazing!
This solo is majorly what started my keyboard journey for me
Unbelievable!!! I marvel each time I watch this.
I have read some of these recent comments dissing Rick Wakeman and his fans and I am totally aghast. Do not criticize that which you cannot appreciate nor understand. This man is a true genius and is recognized as one of the finest keyboard players of all time. He has released a multitude of albums in all varieties of genres ranging from classical, new age, pop, rock and huge rock/orchestra productions, demonstrating his mastery of each. He is a true innovator with limitless talent.
instantly recognisable playing .... his chord voicing, melodies and phrasing sets him apart from any other keyboard player. For such big hands, he has incredible speed and fluidity.. Amazing musician...
Lang Lang plays on earth👍 Rick Wakeman plays in heaven🙏
Rick Wakeman will always be the best keyboard player on the planet!!!! I saw the yes union tour and seeing him in person was very exhilerating!!!!
behave..one of the great keyboard players ever...not just his ability to play but compose and create great keyboard works....
One of my favorite keyboardists... Classicly trained, of course... I absolutely loved his performance with the Yes Union tour along with original keyboardist Tony Kaye back in 1991...
Yea. Back when a true great keyboard player had to learn classical music. Not like this bullshit today
YES he is the best. Saw him and YES 6 times. Met him backstage in Denver. He has it all in terms of talent, but his musicianship is deeper than any other Rock keyboarder. Melody, harmony, mixed meters, textures, genres, styles. Wow.
hmmm ... Keith Emerson, at least during the Tarkus period? I think that composition (along with Roundabout, by Yes, with huge and stunning input from Rick, released the same year) provide pretty much the high water mark of keyboard-driven progressive rock.
No disrespect to KE intended, of course. I Saw ELP plenty, too, and KE is beyond amazing. By "musicianship" I was referring to Rick's knowledge of musical structures and applied theory, as well as mastery of styles (hence, "Melody, harmony, mixed meters, textures, genres, styles"). I suppose that I am looking to his studio work as well as time in Yes. . Totally agree as to high water mark. Tarkus is, imo, ELPs best product. Truly a great era, man.
Mind blowing. Been a fan of his records since I was a teen...70s, and so awesome to see him play. I'm blown away at how good he is...every. single. time.
At 2:43 he starts to warm up his right hand in preparation for the Catherine Parr section of the solo.
Absolutamente magnifico , grande mestre das teclas.
Adoro discografia deste génio da percussão.
He's not of this world, like Bowie
This was either the opening or closing song (I was high) back in 76 in Fresno that hooked me on Rick and Yes. Still have some vinyl! Miss those days...
Most amazing musical genius
Like the way Rick has to occasionally look over to his left hand just to see what it is doing. Saw YES three times in the 70s and even when they were backing up the Eagles. Always thought he and Keith were the best Prog keyboardist and proud to say I saw Rick Wakeman play one day, so satisfied I saw him play...
I've had the excellent good fortune of seeing Rick in several settings, in the early years...
Chicago
=========
Fragile Tour
Close to The Edge Tour
Tales From Topographic Oceans Tour
Journey to the Centre of the Earth
Every time I saw him play, he "kicked it up a notch" (to borrow a phrase). It was outstanding!
That Merlin the Magician part requires some serious technique to play, let alone those single notes fast repetitions he does with two or three fingers shown earlier.
A true master - and yes, the greatest keyboardist...
I couldn't agree more. ♪
Oh yes. In the top 5
Ray Manzarek
And yes, he's from yes. The answer is yes
Wakeman or Keith Emerson. Coin toss.
One of my favourite gigs, seeing him play "Six Wives" at Hampton Court Palace. Just fabulous and his caped organ solo was a highlight!
absolutely wonderful
NOW I UNDERSTAND
..THIS IS WHO INFLUENCED JORDAN RUDESS !!
Rudess cannot neglect such big keyboard icons as Emerson and Wakeman, but he was mainly influenced by other Yes keyboardist - Patrick Moraz
In Jordan's dreams...
Keith 1st
Rick 2nd
Classical music critics who put down rock music: get a load of THIS! LOL
do classical music critics really put down rock or are you imagining things?
Wakeman is a brillant musician.👍
Still one of my favorite keyboard players..
Arguably the greatest keyboard player ever. Only Keith Emerson could challenge him.
wuuut ? george duke, oscar peterson, bill evans, maybe. But that guy ? pretty good, no more
Pfft, like Keith could lay a finger on this guy! Rick Wakeman is the best keyboardist ever! That’s not to say Keith isn’t good, he’s certainly up there, but Wakeman is the most creative and talented. Just look at the flute sound solos in this video!
Jordan Rudess
Hiromi would bitch slap him and take his lunch money
In rock music, maybe, but in jazz and classical? No
went to see him do a one man show in leamington spa, he didnt have his keyboards just a piano and interspersed his piano playing with anecdotes hie is a naturally funny man a great pianist and keyboad player
Absolutely Amazing!
One of the most memorable performances ever. From the ABWH tour. Incredible. Amazing, Awesome, Great!
I don't know about greatest keyboardist but he sure has the greatest mullet.
he's my favorite keyboard player- don't know what he was thinking with that hair
That mullet ROCKS!
Paul B oh i beg to differ haha
Lol, sure does!
Ahem, there is NO SUCH THING as a great mullet.
Unreal and truly brilliant.
rick wakeman is best ever i saw him when he played with YES his keyboards were suspended in the air at the arena .. yes big wires adn rods of course and he was wired to the seat.. and the whole piano turned around and flipped in mid air
Ha ha. Brill...
gypsygirl731 wasn’t that Keith Emerson
Rest assured, we'll never see the video, "here is my cover of the Rick Wakeman keyboard solo" here on TH-cam
Or Kanye West doing it...
Маэстро
(The first time I saw this solo (on Pay-Per-View) I honestly couldn’t believe my eyes/ears it was so fast!) Actually - I did just see a video of a guy who recreated the solo from YESSONGS... it was pretty good. But there is NO ONE like Rick Wakeman. He is the raw talent in YES. Listen to “Close to the Edge”... the man is just a monster player. CTTE may have been Jon Anderson’s vision... but Wakeman made it possible with his composition and playing skills.
Challenge Accepted! th-cam.com/video/uTD8JU0SZuk/w-d-xo.html
So amazing a super underrated band
13 people are obviously 'not gone but forgotten.'
Filmed at The Shoreline in Mountain View, CA during the fall of 1989, just about 3 days after I watched him perform the exact same thing at the Griffith in Hollywood (just about 300 miles south). When I heard what might be referred to as "Act II" of this (just a bit after the 2:34 minute mark), I had to use binoculars from the guy sitting next to me to see what the hell he was doing. "HOLY JESUS TAP-DANCING CHRIST ON A POPSICLE STICK" was what he was doing!
Yesssss,Mr.Rick Wakeman is the best ; )
If Squire would have joined this tour, it would have been one of the best for classic Yes. Wakeman was still at his prime, he was really the star of this tour.
Just gorgeous melodies ! ... awesome !
The amazing thing is he is still just as good over 50 years later!
Absolutely love it. I listened to him in the 70’s so much. Thx.
Brilliant musician!
skills ... my god!
I find his music inspiring -went to see him live over 30 years ago and he was superb-very talented artist.
Legend has it that the keyboard was immediately repaired after the solo
for my rick wakeman is the best pianist and keyboard player ever
Right, so it is!
Cof Cof Jordan Cof Rudess Cof Cof
I put him neck and neck with Keith Emerson.
I thought that way once. Then I saw Hiromi Uehara
th-cam.com/video/Awbv7HzQsA4/w-d-xo.html
Cough cough....watch?v=Gy5UHK4EeM8
You can catch this amazing spectacle on the DVD called Anderson Buford Wakeman and Howe An Evening of Yes Music Plus
Brilliant man...
I still love him.....
what a treat! Thanks so much for uploading this!
W.....T.....F.....was that! Rick Wakeman can flat out tickle the ivories. That was incredible!!!
I doubt there are many keyboard artists that are equal to this man, and there are some great ones out there, just not on the same level,of talent
I just love how, at about 2:39, he shakes his right hand to get ready for the solo Merlin theme.
Love this solo. Amazing
This was recording during Rick's "Look like a Chicken" phase.
I think it suited him. He looks somewhat handsome in this clip.
These days his looks are more distinctive than attractive.
Beautiful Rick!!!🎹🎼🎼🎼🎼♥️
Simply magnificent.
Absolutely great!
Jeez, how good is he!!! Excellent
Absolutely awesome
This is the best video of Rick.
2:48 that takes some serious skill and dexterity
The man is a God in my eyes. Long live the King.
Okay, so normally when I think about music notation I figured it's almost always better to write 64ths as a tempo change. Mr Wakeman actually makes a . good case for them here. :P
Fantastic.
Fantastico ,meraviglia,la fortuna di ascoltare vivente forse il più grande genio delle tastiere di sempre
That was fucking AWESOME!
Incredible!
Bravo bravo, Maestro at work.
One of the greats of my lifetime. His legacy will be long remembered.
that guy is straight out batshit crazy.
Great, Great, Great Excelent Rick
Talk about shredding on a keyboard!
i love this particular solo~!! wow~!
You just can't mention Rick Wakemans name and not mention Kieth Emersons name. Seen them both in the 70's and 80's. Thank you God for both of them!
I agree with you 100%, Rick and Keith are at the same level, both sit atop the Mt. Olympus of keyboardists. Wakeman seems to get more accolades from the masses, but Emerson is every bit as deserving, if not moreso. He singlehandedly composed so many of ELP's most masterful instrumental adventures. ELP was also only a 3 piece band, and Keith not only carried much of it but was usually the main driving force. Rick deserves all his accolades as well, but he did have the benefit of Yes being a 5 piece band. Of course, his solo stuff is astounding. Thankfully we still have Rick with us. Among more modern keyboardists, Jordan Rudess from Dream Theater is pretty phenomenal, but not quite the pioneer Wakeman and Emerson were.
Hopefully his wife can...
And they were good buds, too!
I've always been into ELP . Rick did a tribute to Keith after he passed away. It was a mix of his different songs done with that Rick twist. I think he did it all on the piano. When Rick was with Yes they made their best song Round about. When he left Yes they went back to being just another band. The only period where they made outstanding music was with Rick. To bad he didn't join Deep Purple, or Moody blues, or Stepping Wolf. They would have made dozens of million gold records. They would have loved in the top 10 for 10 years along with the Beatles and Stones, and ELO.
Ever listened to the Stephen Wolf album For Ladies Only. The whole side B is a piano solo by Johnny Kay. I had no idea how good the guy was on the keys until I heard that album.
@apieceofeight23 He's doing a (sort of) improvised keyboard solo while the rest of the band have a rest for a bit. Jordan Rudess of Dream Theater does solos like this as well.
Emerson-wakeman are the great history of prog rock.their albums are all great.thanks a Lot keith and Rick!