Spirit of Unicorn Music are delighted to announce the release of “Anam Cara”, the eleventh studio album from piano and keyboard virtuoso, Oliver Wakeman.
Award-winning Oliver, eldest son of the legendary Rick Wakeman, is one of progressive rock’s hardest working musicians. He has appeared on over 60 albums and has performed in just about every corner of the globe! He was a member of prog rock veterans YES and has also toured and recorded with The Strawbs, as well as being responsible for a number of well-received collaborations with the likes of Steve Howe, Gordon Giltrap and Clive Nolan – to name but a few.
2023 saw Wakeman return to the studio to write and record “Anam Cara”, a project which actually began life prior to his joining Yes. However, the pressures of touring and recording meant that the song ideas and snippets had to be set aside for the right moment. Finally, last year Oliver was able to carve out time to develop the project and bring it to fruition.
Wakeman says: “‘Anam Cara’ refers to the Celtic concept of having a Soul Friend”. Indeed, the album boasts an intriguing mix of Celtic rock and progressive tendencies. The collection of ten tracks spans beautiful, lamenting ballads, atmospheric rock songs along with epic tracks.
Wakeman is known for his love of creative diversity, making every album he writes differ from the last. He continues: “The songs I’ve written for this album are all short stories. They have allowed my imagination to run riot. It was also the perfect excuse to call upon some of the finest musicians around who have helped me make this record exceed my expectations”.
The album features a stellar collection of musicians who contribute to a multitude of musical styles, bringing each vignette to life. Amongst these are Hayley Griffiths (Riverdance), Troy Donockley (Nightwish), Oliver Day (Fragile) and Scott Higham (Pendragon).
The album has been mixed by Karl Groom (Threshold) and recorded by John Mitchell (It Bites, Frost*, Lonely Robot). Album artwork is by world renowned artist Anne Sudworth.
Wakeman concludes: “The idea of a Soul Friend – a guide, companion, teacher, compassionate presence – seemed to fit so perfectly with the songs I have written. As for the incredible musicians who have helped me to record this album, they have all truly become Soul Friends”.
Watch the promotional video below.
“Anam Cara” will be released on May 17th, 2024, and will be available on CD or via streaming services. It is released on Spirit of Unicorn Music and can be obtained via Cherry Red Records.
Pre-order “Anam Cara” here & here.
Tracklist:
1. The View From Here
2. The Queen’s Lament
3. Here In My Heart
4. 1000 Autumns
5. Marble Arch
6. In The Moonlight
7. Miss You Now
8. Instead of My Fear
9. Lonely
10. Golden Sun in Grey
Line-up:
Oliver Wakeman – Keyboards, piano, guitars
Hayley Griffiths – Vocals
Troy Donockley – Pipes, whistle
Oliver Day – Acoustic guitars, lute, mandolin
Scott Higham – Drums and percussion
David Mark Pearce – Electric guitar
Robert McClung – Violin
Steve Amadeo – Bass guitar
Mick Allport – Saxophone, clarinet
Eldest son of Rick Wakeman, Oliver filled the keyboard role, once held by his father, with YES from 2008 to 2011. His work with YES includes the triple live album “In the Present – Live From Lyon”, “Fly From Here” and the “From a Page” box set. During his tenure with YES, Wakeman also toured and recorded as a member of The Strawbs. Wakeman’s debut album “Heaven’s Isle” (1997) was inspired by the island of Lundy. He has since released a number of solo and Oliver Wakeman Band albums. Oliver has released a number of collaborations with several renowned musicians, including Clive Nolan, guitar legend Gordon Giltrap and Steve Howe, bandmate to both Oliver and his father in YES.
Weblinks:
www.oliverwakeman.co.uk
www.facebook.com/OliverWakeman
