Review of Wakeman 2000

A review of another Rick Wakeman DVD. You must think I like the Guy, well I've not finished yet, I've got more to come. This one, however, is different.

This should be the definitive Rick Wakeman concert, it has everything from Clair De Lune to Eleanor Rigby with "And You and I / Wondrous Stories" in between. Rick actually plays better than in any other concert I've seen him in (and that's a lot). So what's wrong?

This is the first time I've heard Rick Wakeman play alone, no bass, no percussion, just him. But I want more! It's almost as if I stumbled into the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall by mistake and sat down to a recital. (Actually it was recorded at Marlborough College in England). I need excitement in my life with cymbals, drums, bass runs and the like.

Technically, this is as good a recording as I've heard. There must have been a heap of post production and some synth. overdubs to get to this level of perfection but nothing can take away from Mr. Wakeman's keyboard playing. This is the first time I've actually seen Rick talk to the audience, and talk he does - maybe just a little too much but it does give us a better insight into this musical genius.

The recording is in Dolby Digital 5.1 although I'm not sure why. There is virtually no sound emanating from the effects speakers and very little bass coming through the LFE. A good stereo mix would probably be a better way to enjoy this disc (fortunately, that's included).

To sum up, A must for Rick Wakeman Fans and indeed, music lovers in general with the caveat that this is no Rock and Roll Concert. You sure ain't going to get up and boogie to this one.

Audio 4.5 out of 5

Video 4 out of 5

Content 5 out of 5 for Wakeman lovers, 3 out of 5 for "Yes" fans.