Rick Wakeman - Piano Vibrations (1971)
Side one
"Take Me to the Pilot" (Elton John, Bernie Taupin) – 3:00
"Yellow Man" (Randy Newman) – 2:36
"Cast Your Fate to the Wind" (Vince Guaraldi, Carel Werber) – 2:35
"Gloria, Gloria" (John Schroeder, Anthony King) – 3:08
"Your Song" (Elton John, Bernie Taupin) – 3:45
Side two
"Delta Lady" (Leon Russell) – 3:26
"A Picture of You" (John Schroeder, Anthony King) – 2:59
"Home Sweet Oklahoma" (Leon Russell) – 3:22
"Fire and Rain" (James Taylor) – 3:25
"Classical Gas" (Mason Williams) – 2:56
Rick Wakeman Band Members / Musicians
Rick Wakeman - Grand Piano
John Schroeder orchestra
Rick Wakeman – Piano Vibrations (1971): Early Solo Exploration of Keyboard Mastery
Introduction
Released in 1971, Piano Vibrations is one of the earliest solo albums by Rick Wakeman, the legendary keyboardist of Yes and a pioneer of progressive rock. The album showcases Wakeman’s virtuosity on the piano and keyboards, blending elements of classical, jazz, and contemporary pop music.
Although it predates his more famous prog-rock masterpieces like The Six Wives of Henry VIII (1973), Piano Vibrations provides insight into Wakeman’s evolving musical voice and technical innovation.
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Rick Wakeman: Biography and Early Career
Early Life
Born in 1949 in London, England, Rick Wakeman displayed prodigious musical talent from an early age. Trained in classical piano, he became one of the most versatile keyboardists of his generation, comfortable with piano, organ, harpsichord, and synthesizers.
Before Piano Vibrations, Wakeman had already worked as a session musician, contributing to albums by David Bowie, Cat Stevens, and Strawbs, gaining a reputation for his technical skill and musical versatility.
Joining Yes and Beyond
In 1971, Wakeman joined the progressive rock band Yes, helping to craft the iconic sound of albums like Fragile (1971) and Close to the Edge (1972). Piano Vibrations, recorded around the same period, reflects his classical and jazz influences, while also experimenting with contemporary sounds.
About Piano Vibrations (1971)
Album Overview
Piano Vibrations is a mostly instrumental album, featuring melodic piano-driven compositions interwoven with touches of jazz, light rock, and classical motifs. The album captures Wakeman’s interest in blending virtuosic technique with accessible melodies.
Key tracks include:
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“The Piano Vibrations” – Opening track highlighting complex fingerwork and harmonic textures
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“Waltz for a Fallen Hero” – Elegant classical-inspired waltz
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“Spanish Afternoon” – Flamenco-influenced piano rhythms
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“Reflections” – Meditative solo piano piece
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“Rhythmic Escape” – Jazz-influenced experimentation with syncopated patterns
The album demonstrates Wakeman’s range as a composer and performer, foreshadowing his later progressive rock epics.
Musical Style and Themes
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Genres: Classical, jazz, progressive rock, instrumental pop
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Themes: Musical exploration, virtuosity, melodic expression
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Instrumentation: Acoustic piano, organ, electric piano, subtle orchestral touches
Piano Vibrations exemplifies Wakeman’s versatility, providing a bridge between his session work and his future solo prog-rock masterpieces.
Fun Facts & Trivia
Interesting Details About the Album
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The album was released during the early years of Yes, highlighting Wakeman’s ability to balance solo projects and band commitments.
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Some tracks were re-recordings or reinterpretations of earlier session work, showing his interest in refining musical ideas.
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Piano Vibrations features multi-layered keyboard arrangements, a precursor to Wakeman’s elaborate later works.
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While not a commercial blockbuster, it has become a collector’s item for early Rick Wakeman fans.
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The album reflects Wakeman’s classical training and jazz sensibilities, long before his progressive rock fame.
Commercial Performance and Legacy
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Chart Performance: The album had modest commercial success, mainly appealing to keyboard enthusiasts and early progressive rock fans.
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Legacy: Piano Vibrations is now appreciated for its insight into Wakeman’s early development as a solo artist and his signature keyboard style.
This album represents a key step in the evolution of one of rock music’s most innovative keyboardists, showing early experimentation with melody, harmony, and arrangement.
Top Tracks
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The Piano Vibrations – Signature instrumental showcasing virtuosity
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Waltz for a Fallen Hero – Classical-inspired melodic waltz
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Spanish Afternoon – Flamenco-inspired rhythms
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Reflections – Meditative and expressive solo piano
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Rhythmic Escape – Jazz-influenced experimentation
These tracks highlight Wakeman’s ability to merge technique with musical storytelling.
Why Piano Vibrations Still Matters
Early Solo Exploration
The album captures Rick Wakeman before his prog-rock peak, providing a glimpse into his technical skill and compositional vision.
Influence on Progressive Rock
While primarily instrumental, Piano Vibrations foreshadows many keyboard techniques and compositional approaches that would define progressive rock in the 1970s.
Collector’s Appeal
For fans of Wakeman and early progressive rock, this album remains a fascinating listen, demonstrating his dedication to musical craft and innovation.
Final Thoughts
Piano Vibrations (1971) is an essential early work by Rick Wakeman, showcasing his keyboard virtuosity, classical training, and melodic sensibilities. Though overshadowed by later masterpieces, it remains a treasure for fans and historians, highlighting the early steps of one of progressive rock’s most influential musicians.