1984 (Rick Wakeman album) After leaving Yes in early 1980, Wakeman resumed his solo career and reformed his band, the English Rock Ensemble, and completed a European tour. For his next project, Wakeman secured a recording deal with Charisma Records which granted him an advance and without a deadline to complete an album. Wakeman estimated the album took around two-and-a-half years to produce from conception to completion. It stemmed from his longtime wish of working with other musicians, blend electronic keyboards with an orchestra and choir, and to write an album based on the future rather than historical concepts. He chose to make a
Wally (album) Wally (album) Wally is the 1974 eponymous first album by the band Wally. While the band fitted broadly into the progressive rock category, there was more than a hint of country / rock about the album, especially with Paul Middleton's steel guitar. The album is very much of its time, and shows influences of The Byrds, Crosby, Stills & Nash and the like. "Wally", produced by Bob Harris and Rick Wakeman was not a huge commercial success, but has gained and maintained a loyal following, to the extent that the album has recently been re-released on CD. Roy Webber has