One of the Greats: Rick Wakeman

Eighty-eight keys, ten fingers, a lifetime of learning, exploring and perfecting, brings you Rick Wakeman, a living legend.

Whilst my preferred instrument is the guitar, my first love was the keys. When I heard Keith Emerson’s playing on Karn Evil 9, first impression part 2, I was floored. The synth, the riffs, and the overall coolness of it made me want to learn.

Alas, piano and electronic keyboards in the late 70’s and early 80’s were out of my price point, but guitar wasn’t¹.

Still, I was steeped in the prog rock scene, and two titans of this genre were ELP and Yes.

Emerson is flashy and innovative, while Rick Wakeman of Yes is far more of a traditional disciplined player. Not that he couldn’t veer into the realm of wicked synth lines in his compositions for Yes, but on straight up acoustic piano, I have to give the nod to Wakeman.

And, to justify that, here is “Close to the Edge” adapted to solo piano. Seven and a half minutes of Rick Wakeman.

Enjoy!

1. Note to parents: If you want your sons to not do drugs or chase girls, get them into guitar. I had neither the time nor the money for those wasteful activities…

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