Wonder what ever happened to the piano genius Rick Wakeman?Well, if you live in the U.K., you see him frequently on a variety of TV shows, serving as an actor, musician and celebrity. But Rick is still very much in the music-making business too and he has just released a CD/DVD called Rick Wakeman – Amazing Grace, "a timeless collection of beautiful, inspiring, instrumental arrangements of traditional hymns, with variations on some of the most popular melodies and themes ever produced." They include two versions of Amazing Grace; Morning Has Broken (which Wakeman originally recorded with Cat Stevens in 1971); All Things Bright And Beautiful; Jesu, Lover Of My Soul; Nearer, My God, To Thee; Jerusalem; Come, O Come, Emmanuel; Trust & Obey; When I Survey The Wondrous Cross; Ode To Joy; and several others.
Rick, for those in the younger set who may not know, is a classically trained pianist who became a rock legend, pioneering the use of electronic keyboards and the combination of rock and roll bands with orchestra, choir and classical themes. In 1970, Wakeman broke on the scene as keyboardist with The Strawbs and David Bowie. The next year he joined Yes, a rather brief stint actually but one that anchored his fame as one of the most talented, visionary keyboard players around. He rejoined Yes a few times over the years (he's again been a member since 2002) but his solo career has also been highly successful with hit albums, session work with many notable performers, and the writing of film soundtracks.
Still, there is special excitement about Amazing Grace, with the DVD version featuring live studio performances from Wakeman on the grand piano, along with video, high-end graphics and emotive imagery. It also is a bit of a family affair as Wakeman's very talented 24-year old daughter, Jemma Wakeman, contributes (along with the English Chamber Choir) on the vocals.
Rick Wakeman's interest in these glorious hymns, by the way, is not merely for their historic or cultural value. He is a devout Christian himself who identifies with the religious meanings in the hymns. "I just love what they stand for and the fantastic role that they play in our worship. I also consider the hymn to be an important part of outreach, especially at Easter and Christmas. Not only do some have lyrical and meaningful words that help us all with our worship and understanding, but the melodies are some of the most beautiful ever written."Not surprisingly for a rock and roller of his turbulent era, Wakeman's survival (both physical and spiritual) was sometimes touch and go. Indeed, Wakeman endured several heart attacks while yet in his twenties, a condition made even more dangerous by his alcoholism. He also experienced a divorce from the mother of his first two children, popular model Nina Carter.
Sorry to say, the American release of the Rick Wakeman - Amazing Grace CD/DVD will not be until early summer. But it sounds like it will be worth the wait.
And maybe, just maybe, you can then convince your church's "worship leader" to give it a listen in order to learn that the musical heritage of Christianity is worth treasuring far more than the meandering meaninglessness of most modern church music.
Well...hope springs eternal.