Rick Wakeman/Tokyo,Japan 1975 & more

His first solo visit to Japan in 1975 brought the majestic world of “underground exploration” to Japan. The legendary original recording that will give you the best experience of that historical scene will be released. What is recorded in this work is the “January 17, 1975: Shibuya Public Hall” performance. This is the best audience recording recorded by those involved at the time. Speaking of his first visit to Japan, he also introduces the masterpiece “JOURNEYMAN”, and the Osaka performance is also included in the official box “BOX OF BOOTS”. In order to sort out the circumstances around that, let’s first unravel the schedule of the legendary solo’s first visit to Japan.・January 16th: Nakano Sun Plaza ・January 17th: Shibuya Public Hall ←★This work★ ・January 19th: Nakano Sunplaza ・January 20th: Osaka Employees’ Pension Center ・January 21st: Osaka Employees’ Pension Center Hall ← *“JOURNEYMAN” & Official BOX ・January 22nd: Nagoya City Public Hall ・January 24th: Tokyo Welfare Pension Hall　A total of 7 performances. “JOURNEYMAN” was the same performance as the live performance that was also included in the official box, but of course this work is a separate performance. This was the second of four performances in Tokyo. This work recorded at such a show is different from other audience recordings. It is an original master that was once discovered as a press 2CD “ROCK EXPLOSION ’75”, but it was recorded by the record company staff at the time (as mentioned at the beginning). It’s not a hobby, it’s a direct digitization from the actual master reel that I was spinning for recording purposes. Since it is a spatial recording with a microphone, it can be called an “audience” as a type, but the sound quality is on a different level from the so-called guest record. Because they are involved, they have the freedom to choose the best sounding position in the venue, can confidently point the microphone at anyone, and can use the huge professional equipment as much as they like. You can record in an environment that would make ordinary recorders envious and dizzy. In fact, the sound flowing from this work is a sound proof of that process. Of course, both the on-site PA and recording equipment are from the 70’s, so the tone has a vintage feel, but its powerful core and fine detail are amazing. Even the huge ensemble of 79 people, including the Japanese orchestra (Chambre Sinfoniette) and the Tokyo Broadcasting Choir, does not become too clunky and conveys the spectacle while maintaining a clean sense of separation. It is widely known in YES that symphonic rock’s “feeling of rain” and audience recording are compatible, but this work is an expanded and ideal version of that. The beautiful sound depicts the world of the literary trilogy, including the full performance of “Exploration Underground”. Unfortunately, the encore part was not recorded, but the main part of the show, which was composed of two parts, is well recorded. The first part (=DISC 1) focuses on “Catherine Parr” and “Catherine Howard” from “The Six Wives of Henry VIII”, with “Guinevere” from “King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table” inserted in between. . The inclusion of “Sakura Sakura” in the solo part of “Catherine Howard” is also unique to Japan. And, the second part (= DISC 2) is a full performance of “Exploration Underground”. David Measham of the London Symphonic Orchestra will be the conductor, and Terry Tavlin of the Royal Shakespeare Theater will be the narrator. It is truly a “Japanese version of underground exploration,” and it is the essence of early Wakeman music expanded upon by the first part. In 1975, Rick Wakeman was embodying a symphonic rock utopia that surpassed even YES, taking full advantage of the solo ability to freely use talent. It was a treasure of music culture produced by Britain. This work is a live album that allows you to experience the Japanese performance at its finest from the seats of those involved. A masterpiece that is a cultural heritage of Japanese Western music history. Live at Shibuya Kokaido, Tokyo, Japan 17th January 1975 TRULY PERFECT SOUND(from Original Masters) Disc 1 1. Introduction 2. Catherine Parr 3. Guinevere 4. Catherine Howard Disc 2 Journey To The Center Of The Earth 1. The Journey 2. Recollection 3. The Battle 4. The Forest Bonus Tracks Radio Interviews in Japan 5. Programme 1 6. Programme 2 Conductor: David Measham Narrator: Terry Taplin Jeffrey Crampton – Guitars Roger Newell – Guitars John Hodgson – Percussion Garry Pickford Hopkins – Vocals Ashley Holt – Vocals Roger Newell – Bass Barney James – Drums Chambre Symphoniette Tokyo Broadcasting Choir