The Red Planet
The Red Planet is a studio album by English keyboardist Rick Wakeman, featuring an alternative line-up of his backing band, The English Rock Ensemble. It was originally scheduled for release on 3 April 2020 through R&D Media, but was later delayed until June 2020.[1] It was released online on 19 June, with a physical release to follow.
| The Red Planet | ||||
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| Released | 19 June 2020 | |||
| Recorded | 2019–2020 | |||
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| Length | 55:21 | |||
| Label | R&D Media | |||
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| Rick Wakeman chronology | ||||
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Background
The album was announced in the January 2020 edition of Wakeman's monthly blog that is posted on his website, the Rick Wakeman Communication Centre. He revealed that it will take form as an instrumental progressive rock album that is "keyboard heavy" in a similar style to his 1973 debut, The Six Wives of Henry VIII. Wakeman posted a series of updates on his Twitter page in the week after the announcement, including the notice that recording started on 13 January in what turned out to be productive and inspirational sessions in the studio.[2][3] By 11 February, Wakeman had posted an update that the basic tracks had been completed. The album was announced which revealed its title, artwork, and release date at the same time.[3] It is scheduled for release through R&D Media, a new business venture founded by Rob Ayling and rock music journalist and producer Doug Harr.
The Red Planet is Wakeman's first progressive rock album with his English Rock Ensemble since Out There (2003), another rock album of his with connections to space, the others being No Earthly Connection (1976) and 2000 A.D. Into the Future (1993).[4][5] Wakeman said the album is different to his previous ones with a band, not only that its is instrumental but the diverse styles of music on it. He pointed out that the album is also dedicated to one planet, Mars.[5] It features two longtime members of his backing band, The English Rock Ensemble: bassist Lee Pomeroy and guitarist Dave Colquhoun, with drummer Ash Soan. It will be produced by himself and his longtime producer and technician, Erik Jordan, who will also mix the album.[3] In early March 2020, Wakeman reported that recording had been completed and that Jordan was completing the mixes.[5]
Release
The Red Planet was scheduled for release on 3 April 2020, and a playback event was to take place at the National Space Centre in Leicester on the following day, limited to 150 people.[3] However, due to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic, the playback was cancelled and the album's release was delayed until June 2020.[1] It was released online on 19 June, with a physical release to follow: the first 1,000 vinyl copies will be pressed on 180 gram red double vinyl and signed and numbered with pop-up artwork. The first 2,000 CDs will be autographed and numbered with an alternate pop-up cover.[3]
Personnel
Musicians
- Rick Wakeman – keyboards
- Dave Colquhoun – guitars
- Lee Pomeroy – bass
- Ash Soan – drums
Production
- Rick Wakeman – production
- Erik Jordan – production, mixing
- Toby Wood - mixing
See also
References
- Ewing, Jerry (27 March 2020). "Rick Wakeman releases new Red Planet video". Prog. Retrieved 3 April 2020.
- Munro, Scott (January 2020). "Rick Wakeman reports a new prog album is in the works". Louder Sound. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
- Munro, Scott (11 February 2020). "Rick Wakeman reveals new prog album The Red Planet". Louder Sound. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
- Reed, Ryan (12 February 2020). "Rick Wakeman Preps New Prog-Rock LP 'The Red Planet'". Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
- "Grumpy Old Rick's Ramblings - March 2020". Rick Wakeman's Communication Centre. March 2020. Retrieved 3 March 2020.