This is a reissue of an older Rick Wakeman album (from 2000). This edition, released in 2020, has two bonus tracks and a different cover. I should mention that I got it last year, but too late to make our December issue, so I've been holding onto it for this issue. This is strictly Wakeman solo. It's an entertaining set, but probably would work better as backing music for your holiday celebrations. There is quite a bit of pretty music here, all of the instrumental variety.

This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2021  Volume 6. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2021.

More of a synthesizer based tune, I like the variety this brings. Then again, it's a strong piece even without taking that into account.

Although it's a bonus track, this dramatic piece might be the best thing here. It really calls to mind some of Wakeman's best (albeit mellower) solo work of the 1970s.  It has some really evocative synthesizer sounds.

I have to admit that this is one song I don't just dislike, I despise. I've only ever heard one version of it that I've liked. That said, I don't really dislike this version. It's a piano arrangement, it is rather pretty.