IT’S amazing what an enjoyable evening you can have with just a grand piano and a microphone.
Keyboard virtuoso Rick Wakeman went back to basics for his latest one-man show, leaving his banks of synthesisers behind.
A natural comedian, Wakeman told many a tale from his career interspersed with songs from the past 40 years.
He’s the sort of bloke you’d love to spend a night down the pub with - although as he’s quick to point out, he’s been ‘off the drink’ for many years.
But good as the stories are, it’s the musicianship which will leave you astounded.
We were treated to Wonderous Stories and And You and I from the Yes days, excerpts from the Six Wives of Henry VIII and Criminal Record plus an hilarious Nursery Rhyme Concerto with popular children’s ditties being played in the style of famous composers - and Les Dawson!
You have to see Wakeman at work to truly believe how good he really is.
A finale of Eleanor Rigby played in the style of Prokofiev leaves you thinking he must have three hands.
A great night with a great musician.
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