Published on Nov 27, 2002
It’s kind of weird, but I’ve learned this much after doing
reviews of Rick Wakeman’s work every week for almost three months:
As much as you hear certain pieces, Wakeman knows how to inject
life into them every time.
Some people belly-ache that Wakeman relies too heavily on
material from his first three solo albums – in which case, they’ll
probably start
Live From Buenos Aires, a DVD filmed during a 2001 concert
given by Wakeman and the English Rock Ensemble, on the wrong foot.
But to be fair, the performances are extraordinary… it’s the
overall sound mixing that is worthy of nitpicking.
Early on in the show, it almost seems like vocalist Damian
Wilson’s microphone isn’t podded up high enough to be heard;
whether this was a problem during the show or a result of a mix to
the DVD, I can’t be sure. The same problem often falls on the
backing vocals of guitarist Ant Glynne and keyboardist Adam
Wakeman, Rick’s son. For that matter, Glynne’s guitar is hardly
noticeable for the longest time – though when he lets loose with
his solo during “The Visit,” he shows how good of a guitarist he
is.
So what sets
Live From Buenos Aires apart from the other two recently
released Wakeman DVDs? A few things, actually. It would be too
simplistic to stae that this captures Wakeman in a more recent
musical setting, though it would be true. It would be too
simplistic to say this DVD gives full band performances of songs
which Wakeman beautifully performed on
An Evening With Rick Wakeman 2000 such as the “Catherine
Howard / Catherine Of Aragon” medley.
This disc, though, does open up the horizons for both musician
and fan. First, Wakeman seems to feel freer with the set list,
including songs from such albums as
1984 and
Phantom Power, two discs which might not be familiar to
American ears, though these songs prove they damn well should be.
“The Visit” is absolutely fun to listen to, and makes me want to
search out this particular album for further discovery. Likewise,
the title track from
1984 suggests that this disc could be a forgotten wonder in
Wakeman’s vast discography.
More importantly, though, this concert shows the talent, love
and mutual respect shared between Rick and Adam Wakeman. It’s no
surprise that Adam Wakeman followed a career in music like his
father. It’s no surprise he is as talented on the keyboards as this
concert shows. It is a surprise, though, that occasionally it seems
like Junior has taught his father a few tricks. The keyboard “duel”
which takes place during “Merlin The Magician” (featuring both
Wakemans taking center stage utilizing portable synthesizers) is
all the proof you need of how much father and son feed off of each
other. It’s a wonderful thing to witness.
This DVD comes with a bonus CD, featuring a different lineup of
the English Rock Ensemble recorded in Birmingham, England in
1997.Sorry, all, but I haven’t had the time to check this one out.
Consider it a perk to entice you into picking up this DVD set.
Live From Buenos Aires occasinally stumbles in the technical
department, but it is the sheer emotion which makes this
performance one to remember.
2002 Christopher Thelen and “The Daily Vault”. All rights
reserved. Review or any portion may not be reproduced without
written permission.