Wakeman, Oliver With Steve Howe - The 3 Ages Of Magick


Year of Release: 2001
Label: Resurgence/Voiceprint
Catalog Number: RES144CD
Format: CD
Total Time: 59:41:00

Surely you are already accustomed to the wondrous passages created between Oliver [Wakeman]'s famous father and Steve Howe when the two paired perfectly in the Yes magic kingdom (who knows if the miracle will happen again?), but I swear you to not burn your ears only with the sweet sounds sculpted in the glorious past, and pick up as fast as you can this CD: The 3 Ages Of Magick! Yes, as preposterous as it may sound, I think that Rick Wakeman' son, Oliver, has composed one heck of an album, 13 instrumental songs that match squarely (!) with the gems that Rick offered to us, especially in the early years of his solo career. "Like father, like son" someone used to say a long time ago, and for me it's clear that Oliver has inherited his father's prowess, unravelling in this particular case an hour of uplifting music that will certainly stand the test of time. But now let's go deeper into the album, and also talk about the other star featured on the cover, Mr. Steve Howe, who friendly challenges Oliver whenever possible, shaping some sonic landscapes that will leave the listener mesmerized. "The Enchanter" and "The Forgotten King" are just two of these unparalleled experiences, tunes that take the clock back to the medieval period. However, fascinating atmospheres surround your senses in every track of the album, thanks also to the great work done by Tim Buchanan on bass, Tony Wagstaffe on drums, Tony Dixon on flutes and pipes, and Jo Greenland on violin. But the main character remains Oliver, and he is simply superb in songs such as "Mind Over Matter" or "Flight Of The Condor," where he stands almost all alone on the scene, guiding an overdrive of keyboards right into your mind. Needless to say that, with albums like The 3 Ages Of Magick, the Wakeman' legacy carries on in the best way possible!


Tracklisting:
Ages Of Magick (5:48) / Mind Over Matter (4:02) / The Forgotten King (3:02) / The Storyteller (3:42) / The Whales Last Dance (4:30) / Time Between Times (5:03) / Flight Of The Condor (4:48) / Lurey And The Mermaid (3:02) / Standing Stones (4:31) / The Enchanter (6:04) / The Healer (4:18) / Through The Eyes Of A Child (2:13) / Ny Breasail (8:38)

Musicians:
Oliver Wakeman - keyboards, pianos, Hammond organ
Steve Howe - electric and acoustic guitars, steel guitar
Dave Wagstaffe - drums, percussion
Tim Buchanan - bass
Tony Dixon - Uilleann pipes, whistles, flute
Jo Greenland - violin

Discography:
Heaven's Isle (1997)
Nolan/Wakeman - Jabberwocky (1999)
The 3 Ages Of Magick (2001)
Nolan/Wakeman - The Hound Of The Baskervilles (2002)
Purification By Sound (2003)
Mother's Ruin (2005)
Enlightenment & Inspiration (2003/2007) (avail as an iTunes download0
Coming To Town (2009)
The Strawbs - Dancing To The Devil's Beat (2009)

Coming To Town (DVD) (2008)

Genre: Symphonic Prog

Origin UK

Added: March 9th 2002
Reviewer: Igor Italiani

Artist website: www.oliverwakeman.co.uk
Hits: 2663
Language: english

  

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