He is the best keyboard player in rock music. Rick can play anything, any type of music. He is a genius with the piano and keyboards and a very funny guy.
So let me get this right ... THIS is the piece of music Mr Wakeman wrote off the top of his head to accompany film he hadn't actually seen yet of figure skaters performing their own pieces of magic? GENIUS, ARTIST, MAESTRO ... these words just aren't anywhere near enough to describe the talent that oozes from every pore of this man's body. I've always loved Rick's music, right from first hearing CTTE as a young lad back in 1972 but these videos are a total revelation of just how really brilliant he is on the keyboard. Thank you so much for years of musical bliss, Mr W.
Yes, you are right! Wakeman wrote the soundtrack on commision for the documentary "White Rock", about Winter Olympic Games at Innsbruck, Austria, in 1976. This song, "After The Ball", was clearly influenced by Franz Liszt's "Liebestraum No.3", as Wakeman himself confessed. And yes, he is a genius!
The first two minutes of this video is the piece he improvised from the notes from the audience. The rest is the one he did for the figure skater video
His musicianship is extraordinary. His music sends my spirit soaring. Thank you Rick Wakeman. This is so inspiring to me as a musician. That was absolutely beautiful.
Rick did a one man show in Basildon about 30 years ago, there were 150 in the audience, he chatted and played, an amazing and unplanned evening, he dosn't need to fill Wembley to weave his magic !
I saw him at the Beach Ballroom Aberdeen in 1989, all tables and sitting having a beer while Rick did lots of music including some of "Journey..." with his band and told a few tales inbetween. Great night. Not the peak of his career playing huge arenas, just a nice little place and an appreciative audience. I remember I literally walked to that gig from where I lived. Happy days. Very civilised!
Anybody not sure if we're blessed to have a genius in our midst? We are esp lucky. Wakeman hides nothing musically. Bless you Rick for your music, your ability, and continuing to create. Bach said every note to glorify God. Thank you again!
Yes he is a great guy, I met him years ago and when you stand next to him, you may get a stiff neck speaking with him, as he is around six feet six tallBut he also makes you feel special.I play the piano, but he takes playing to another level altogether
Bob Hargreaves, we, my husband and myself also met him along with Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, and Steve Howe at a record signing in Sydney celebrating their 30th?? Anniversary Tour. They were all so unbelievably down to earth, especially Chris Squire and Rick Wakeman. A HUGE shame and loss without Chris. Such a warm chap and very ‘normal’, not a hint of ‘Stardom’, just a lovely guy. Made you feel instantly ‘connected ‘ somehow. Just lovely. :( Likewise with Rick also, truly made you feel as if he’d known you for years, just SO approachable, funny and absolutely natural, not a hint of ‘Super PROG Rock Star’ let alone the pure genius that he was and still is....and he IS enormously tall yet not in the least bit intimidating. Just such a lovely warm , very funny natural man who you felt you could confidently and very easily go off and have a beer or two with. We just felt so privileged (along with the huge queue of other ‘original’ fans, no doubt as most were around our age, although quite a few younger kids as well which was absolutely encouraging) The icing on the cake for us was to then meet and chat the following day, for a good 20-30 minutes, with Roger Dean who had an exhibition on in a small local gallery in town. Lovely chap, quiet but super friendly, warm and just loved talking art. I was doing an Art Degree, so an absolute dream come true for my husband and myself. We’d gone across from NZ for the show, not something we do regularly but this tour was just too precious to miss. I must admit to being a little anxious as to whether they’d be able to replicate what we’d all become so used to hearing since their first album. I shouldn’t have worried as they were absolutely note for note PERFECTION, Jon’s voice pitch perfect and incredibly strong and all playing in total harmony sound wise. Not a note out anywhere. We went there dead straight, maybe a wine or two with dinner and came out totally ‘high’ and remained that way for a week! A cloud nine experience for both of us and everyone else, no doubts there, as you could’ve heard a pin drop during their performance. (Thank god cells weren’t around then either, I literally could have strangled the couple beside us a year or so ago during a Ryan Adams concert in Auckland as they truly spent most of the concert taking selfies!!! WHY GO??!!) Sorry a bit off subject but they drive me insane at concerts and I’m a placid, easy going person. Anyway, apologies for rambling on but when your down here groups/artists tend to bypass NZ, so we imagined we’d never actually see them live. For day one lovers of YES, it truly was a ‘Heavenly’ experience. Apologies for the super long post. Love to all who adore YES and the pure genius of Rick, of course. Would just LOVE to see him again one day.......xx
The beginning and ends parts were created by taking random notes from the audience and then he weaved them into a song along with After the Ball. This was an amazing tour.
I was a Yes fan already, and White Rock was the first Wakeman solo album that I could get my hands on. (Was not easy those deys, before internet.) It was like a child who is opening the Christmas presents..... Still remember it, and still have the old LP.
Seen Rick many times from 1976 onwards but never been lucky to see him do this beautiful masterpiece and my favourite from White Rock, he is truly exceptional 👍
If you watch the video before this you'll see that he first six notes he played were six random notes the audience gave him before going into the piece.
Is it me or is Rick Wakemen's unmistakeable playing style defined by an inordinate use of straight arpeggios sometimes descending and doubled in speed at the beginning of the patterns he uses ? Don't get me wrong, I really like the way he plays but he seems, to my trained ear, to use a signature arpeggio pattern that defines his unique style.
OK everyone will kill me for saying this...sorry not meant to piss anyone off...but Rick is " " overembellishing " the song . The very song on the ( at one time ) impossible to find ' White Rock ' soundtrack is so low key ( at first ) as to be a completely different song . Rick just changes the rather sombre mood of the original into something completely too busy . Rick certainly doesn't have to impress anyone with his mastery...the dude is a genius...love him .
![Rick Wakeman - After the Ball [Classical Connection 1991]](/img/n.gif)
He is the best keyboard player in rock music. Rick can play anything, any type of music. He is a genius with the piano and keyboards and a very funny guy.
So let me get this right ... THIS is the piece of music Mr Wakeman wrote off the top of his head to accompany film he hadn't actually seen yet of figure skaters performing their own pieces of magic? GENIUS, ARTIST, MAESTRO ... these words just aren't anywhere near enough to describe the talent that oozes from every pore of this man's body. I've always loved Rick's music, right from first hearing CTTE as a young lad back in 1972 but these videos are a total revelation of just how really brilliant he is on the keyboard. Thank you so much for years of musical bliss, Mr W.
+John Cregan
He took the notes from what the audience suggested.
John Cregan No, it’s not. You missed the point.
Yes, you are right! Wakeman wrote the soundtrack on commision for the documentary "White Rock", about Winter Olympic Games at Innsbruck, Austria, in 1976. This song, "After The Ball", was clearly influenced by Franz Liszt's "Liebestraum No.3", as Wakeman himself confessed. And yes, he is a genius!
The first two minutes of this video is the piece he improvised from the notes from the audience. The rest is the one he did for the figure skater video
@@marcelozenga5337 ~ Aww ... You prompted me to go check out the piece. lts _beautiful_ and played so Dynamically by Liszt!!!! Thanks!
Rick Wakeman is totally talented, a gift from the music gods.
I feel privileged to have born at the right time to enjoy the genius of Rick and Bowie ... absolutely blessed
Just fucking beautiful. He makes the piano sing
His musicianship is extraordinary. His music sends my spirit soaring. Thank you Rick Wakeman. This is so inspiring to me as a musician. That was absolutely beautiful.
I love Rick wakeman piano music. A composer of creation and inspiration. 🙆♀️🙆♀️amazing music. 😍😍
a cascade of musical notes showering our heads with positive energy.....
Rick did a one man show in Basildon about 30 years ago, there were 150 in the audience, he chatted and played, an amazing and unplanned evening, he dosn't need to fill Wembley to weave his magic !
I saw him at the Beach Ballroom Aberdeen in 1989, all tables and sitting having a beer while Rick did lots of music including some of "Journey..." with his band and told a few tales inbetween. Great night. Not the peak of his career playing huge arenas, just a nice little place and an appreciative audience. I remember I literally walked to that gig from where I lived. Happy days. Very civilised!
@@davebellamy4867 I think it’s about time he was made a Sir for his services to music, he does a lot for charity especially supports young musicians.
@bad1dobby I think he just loves his music and enjoys sharing it with others wether a huge crowd or just a few people .
Rick Wakeman is one of my favorite musicians,what a talent!
Rick Wakeman is nothing short of brilliant; simply an amazing artist musician. Thank you for your gift of music.
Anybody not sure if we're blessed to have a genius in our midst? We are esp lucky. Wakeman hides nothing musically. Bless you Rick for your music, your ability, and continuing to create. Bach said every note to glorify God. Thank you again!
Yes he is a great guy, I met him years ago and when you stand next to him, you may get a stiff neck speaking with him, as he is around six feet six tallBut he also makes you feel special.I play the piano, but he takes playing to another level altogether
Bob Hargreaves, we, my husband and myself also met him along with Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, and Steve Howe at a record signing in Sydney celebrating their 30th?? Anniversary Tour. They were all so unbelievably down to earth, especially Chris Squire and Rick Wakeman. A HUGE shame and loss without Chris. Such a warm chap and very ‘normal’, not a hint of ‘Stardom’, just a lovely guy. Made you feel instantly ‘connected ‘ somehow. Just lovely. :(
Likewise with Rick also, truly made you feel as if he’d known you for years, just SO approachable, funny and absolutely natural, not a hint of ‘Super PROG Rock Star’ let alone the pure genius that he was and still is....and he IS enormously tall yet not in the least bit intimidating. Just such a lovely warm , very funny natural man who you felt you could confidently and very easily go off and have a beer or two with. We just felt so privileged (along with the huge queue of other ‘original’ fans, no doubt as most were around our age, although quite a few younger kids as well which was absolutely encouraging) The icing on the cake for us was to then meet and chat the following day, for a good 20-30 minutes, with Roger Dean who had an exhibition on in a small local gallery in town. Lovely chap, quiet but super friendly, warm and just loved talking art. I was doing an Art Degree, so an absolute dream come true for my husband and myself.
We’d gone across from NZ for the show, not something we do regularly but this tour was just too precious to miss. I must admit to being a little anxious as to whether they’d be able to replicate what we’d all become so used to hearing since their first album. I shouldn’t have worried as they were absolutely note for note PERFECTION, Jon’s voice pitch perfect and incredibly strong and all playing in total harmony sound wise. Not a note out anywhere. We went there dead straight, maybe a wine or two with dinner and came out totally ‘high’ and remained that way for a week!
A cloud nine experience for both of us and everyone else, no doubts there, as you could’ve heard a pin drop during their performance. (Thank god cells weren’t around then either, I literally could have strangled the couple beside us a year or so ago during a Ryan Adams concert in Auckland as they truly spent most of the concert taking selfies!!! WHY GO??!!) Sorry a bit off subject but they drive me insane at concerts and I’m a placid, easy going person.
Anyway, apologies for rambling on but when your down here groups/artists tend to bypass NZ, so we imagined we’d never actually see them live. For day one lovers of YES, it truly was a ‘Heavenly’ experience. Apologies for the super long post.
Love to all who adore YES and the pure genius of Rick, of course. Would just LOVE to see him again one day.......xx
A natural player with a very beautiful feeling in his fingers . .
The beginning and ends parts were created by taking random notes from the audience and then he weaved them into a song along with After the Ball. This was an amazing tour.
Wow, truly outstanding! One of the all-time greats.
l don't go to concerts anymore. However, l'd DEFINITELY pay for, and go see Rick, if he came to my city/town. l would REALLY be into it.
theresa42213 as long it is at least for 4 hours ... only one RW
Okay... I'm in tears... what a journey,🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
What an absolutely unique talent and character, amazing.
True musicianship.
Aside from you being funny as hell, you shine as an intuitive savant.
A master of the keyboards
Those lessons are coming along really well, Rick.
I was a Yes fan already, and White Rock was the first Wakeman solo album that I could get my hands on. (Was not easy those deys, before internet.) It was like a child who is opening the Christmas presents..... Still remember it, and still have the old LP.
The man is a genius.
Bellezza sublime.
God bless you Rick
Seen Rick many times from 1976 onwards but never been lucky to see him do this beautiful masterpiece and my favourite from White Rock, he is truly exceptional 👍
genius !!!
Good lord, that’s the most black keys I’ve ever heard him play and it sounded wonderful!
Rick....what a bloody musical genius..!
He's a gift from God to all of us.
Actually the random notes at the beginning make a nice intro! Unorthodox but not jarring. Love ya Rick!
If you watch the video before this you'll see that he first six notes he played were six random notes the audience gave him before going into the piece.
B flat...my favorite...how beautiful....off the cuff...such a genius
sublime!
Christ Almighty, I really like this. Totally random, and it's wonderful.
Cannot imagine what was going through his head on that one.....fantastic series...thanks very much for posting!!
Thank you for uploading this. Wonderful.
Absolutely amazing
Is it me or is Rick Wakemen's unmistakeable playing style defined by an inordinate use of straight arpeggios sometimes descending and doubled in speed at the beginning of the patterns he uses ? Don't get me wrong, I really like the way he plays but he seems, to my trained ear, to use a signature arpeggio pattern that defines his unique style.
Ah, he did a bit of List 'O Mania, love that LP...
And all that from half a dozen random notes - incredible ad lib skill!
wow ...
b flat is my favorite too
Sure blows away Yanni !
Eleven.
I got in trouble once for playing with A minor.
OK everyone will kill me for saying this...sorry not meant to piss anyone off...but Rick is " " overembellishing " the song . The very song on the ( at one time ) impossible to find ' White Rock ' soundtrack is so low key ( at first ) as to be a completely different song . Rick just changes the rather sombre mood of the original into something completely too busy . Rick certainly doesn't have to impress anyone with his mastery...the dude is a genius...love him .
It's not on piano on the "White Rock" album. This clip is from a solo piano performance, which may account for the difference.
gasp.