The Six Wives of Henry VIII

"Along with his brilliant work with Yes, 'The Six Wives Of Henry VIII' is widely regarded as the best album ever recorded by flamboyant keyboard master, Rick Wakeman. Astonishingly, he has issued well over a hundred solo recordings, including such masterworks as 'Journey to the Centre of the Earth' and the niftily titled 'The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table'. However, it is 'Six Wives' that still holds up best for repeated listening after all these years.

Recorded in 1972, about a year after joining Yes, the album features solid performances from band-mates Chris Squire, Steve Howe and Alan White, along with ex-Yes drummer Bill Bruford. There are also guest appearances from members of The Strawbs, percussionist Ray Cooper and others.

But, of course, the main focus is on Mr. Wakeman and his unique compositions. Rick's superb interpretations display his true flair for virtuosity and individual expression on the keyboards. The album has a loose concept - the six instrumental pieces musically reflect the character, personality and fate of King Henry VIII's wives. It is commendable that record companies allowed the artist so much freedom with their recordings back then - although when A&M first heard the tapes for this album, they did ask where the vocals were!

"Jane Seymour" is a gorgeous classical-style composition, which features powerful church organ and synthesizer sounds. The piano-based "Anne Boleyn" has many different themes and tempos - culminating into a hymn, as a fitting finale. (She was one of two wives that Henry had executed). "Ann Of Cleaves" is a jazz-fusion rocker with plenty of great improvisations while "Catherine Howard" is full of very emotive melodies, with Rick utilizing every keyboard. The final number, "Catherine Parr" is an absolute gem, with Rick providing multiple, lightning-fast chord changes and super sonic Hammond solos.

This album is a high quality blend of rock and classical music, from medieval rock to contemporary classic all in one. 'The Six Wives Of Henry VIII' showcases all the passion and musical genius of Rick Wakeman, making it an essential '70s progressive rock classic!"
- GEOFF

Instruments Rick Wakeman plays on 'The Six Wives Of Henry VIII':
• Custom built Hammond C-3 Organ
• RMI Electric Piano & Harpsichord
• Frequency Counter
• Custom Mixer
• 2 x Mini-Moog Synthesizer
• Mellotron 400-D (Vocals/Sound Effects/Vibes)
• Mellotron 400-D (Brass/Strings/Flutes)
• Thomas Goff Harpsichord
• ARP Synthesizer
• Church Organ at St Giles, Cripplegate, London

For further recommended listening, check out the stunning live set by Yes - 'Yessongs', which features Rick's "Excerpts From Six Wives Of Henry VIII" in concert, along with many other masterworks.