Heritage Suite

by Paul CollinsGiven that Rick Wakeman has made his home in the Isle of Man for some years now, it's not surprising that one of his most enduring works may prove to be this tribute written in association with The Manx Museum. (The title refers to the island's designation as a National Heritage site). This album of solo piano pieces shows Wakeman in his best form since his superb 1986 album Country Airs, and his pieces here are very much in the vein of Wakeman's lush Romantic piano work on that predecessor. Indeed, at times the opening "The Chasms" sounds like a lost Chopin composition. One does not have to be a fan of Yes or of Wakeman's audacious orchestral rock to appreciate this album; a love of the piano is all that is needed.