Boy, that Rick Wakeman sure has diversified. While his Yes compatriots are releasing decades-old CDs of live solo material (ahem, Jon Anderson) or collaborating with other progressive-rock artists (that's you, Mr. Squire), Wakeman is doing stand-up comedy and recording classic hymns.
Amazing Grace is solo piano collection of some of the most internationally celebrated hymns ever composed. The CD that comes with this DVD works as a stand-alone piece showcasing Wakeman's ability to coax full (almost orchestral) sounds from a lone piano. But it is the video that may have Yes fans shaking their heads "no." What we have here is music set to moving pictures and studio graphics. Wakeman provides a brief introduction of each hymn and then performs the piece either for the camera or while a series of images — from sailing ships to nature's seasonal shifts, from blooming flowers and smiling children to horses and waterfalls, from vintage news clips to church interiors — fill the screen. You needn't be religious or even spiritual to recognize and appreciate many of these hymns ("Amazing Grace," "Ode to Joy," "Morning Has Broken"), although Wakeman himself is a devout Christian. After 67 minutes, though, you might be ready for a change of pace. But keep in mind that it's almost worth seeing this journey through to the end just to witness Wakeman — upon the conclusion of his daughter Jenna's performance of the title piece (the only vocal on the DVD) — flash one of the most sincere smiles you'll ever see.
Track Listing
DVD:
1) Amazing Grace
2) There Is A Green Hill Far Away
3) Glad That I Live Am I
4) Nearer, My God, To Thee
5) All Things Bright & Beautiful
6) Jerusalem
7) When We Walk With the Lord (Trust & Obey)
8) All People That On Earth Do Dwell
9) I Vow To Thee, My Country
10) When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
11) Morning Has Broken
12) Abide With Me
13) The Day Thou Gavest
14) Ode To Joy
15) Amazing Grace (featuring Jemma Wakeman and The English Chamber Choir)
CD:
1) Amazing Grace (featuring Jemma Wakeman and The English Chamber Choir)
2) Now Thank We All Our God
3) There Is A Green Hill Far Away
4) Morning Has Broken
5) Glad That I Live Am I
6) All Things Bright & Beautiful
7) Jesu, Lover of My Soul
8) Nearer, My God, To Thee
9) Jerusalem
10) Come, O Come, Emmanuel
11) All People That On Earth Do Dwell
12) I Vow To Thee, My Country
13) When We Walk With the Lord (Trust & Obey)
14) Hills of the North, Rejoice
15) When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
16) Abide With Me
17) Ode To Joy
18) The Day Thou Gavest
19) Amazing Grace (alternate version)
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