caveinspiredmusic.com

ROCK MUSIC

PROGRESSIVE JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH

MUSIC BACKGROUND:

A major contribution to world of cave-inspired music. Rick Wakeman’s opus takes Jules Verne’s classic caving novel and sets it to music for symphony orchestra, choir, organ, and synthesizer with readings from the original to carry the story along.

This concept album, based on the Verne science fiction novel, tells the story of Professor Lidenbrock, his nephew Axel, and their guide Hans, who follow multiple passages and galleries to the Earth's center originally discovered by Arne Saknussemm, an Icelandic alchemist.

Wakeman performed his work live on January 18, 1974 in the Royal Festival Hall in London with the London Symphony Orchestra, the English Chamber Choir, and a group of hand-picked musicians from his rock band, which later became the English Rock Ensemble. Actor David Hemmings narrates the story.

The story is considerably abridged and broken into four movements: The Journey, Recollection, The Battle, and The Forest. These movements consist of symphonic orchestral music sometimes with the choral singing and rock band music interspersed with short readings from Verne’s original text. Rick WAKEMAN – 1974

The work is considered by many critics as “one of progressive rock's crowning achievements.” (De Gagne 2018) Another critic found it – “Bombastic, overwrought and, in the

truest definition of the word, epic. Sometime Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman's third solo album embodied everything prog-rock fans love: a fantastical storyline drawn from a Jules Verne novel, accents of jazz and classical flourishes and solos-upon-solos-upon-solos.” (Herzog 2014)

From 1975 onward up to 2001 five live performances were recorded and released. And, starting in 1992, three studio recordings were made. Most of these do not include all the elements, such as the dramatic readings, of the 1974 Royal Festival Hall performance (see photo on left).

Ref: Anon. 1999, Bohemian Caverns, Historic U Street Jazz, George Washington University, gwu.edu De Gagne, Mike 2018, Rick Wakeman, Journey to the Centre of the Earth, Review, Allmusic Herzog, Kenny 2014, Rick Wakeman, Journey to the Centre of the Earth, Review, rollingstone Johnson, Howard ca. 2013, Earth Works, in Classic Rock Presents Rick Wakeman, p. 76-85

Ling, Dave ca. 2013, The Boys in the Band, in Classic Rock Presents Rick Wakeman, p. 88-91 Rick Wakeman, Bio, Wikipedia Wooding, Dan 1978 (1979), Rick Wakeman: The Caped Crusader, Robert Hale Ltd., (Reprinted by Panther Books, London), p. 9-22, 120-133, 150-151, 166-167, & 187 Yates, Henry 2012, The Show Must Go On, in Classic Rock Presents Rick Wakeman, p. 60-67

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Rick Wakeman - Niagara Falls in Winter, Gough's Cave

VARIOUS VERSIONS OF

JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH In chronological order of performance

RK-PR-JR1 United Kingdom 1974

JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH (LIVE) RK – Progressive – Orchestral – Vocal & Instrumental – Spoken Word – Cave Pic Cover Selections: Side One – 1. THE JOURNEY – 9:03/ 2. RECOLLECTION – 12:03 Side Two – 1. THE BATTLE – 10:15/ 2. THE FOREST – 8:41

Comp: Rick WAKEMAN Arr: Wil Malone & Danny Beckerman Rts: Rondor Music Ltd. Scr: (?) (From novel by Jules Verne) Nar: David HEMMINGS

Perf.: THE LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ENGLISH CHAMBER CHOIR Cond. (Orch): David Measham Perf. (Rock): Rick WAKEMAN (organs & synthesizer)

Garry Pickford-Hopkins & Ashley Holt (vocals) Mike Egan (guitar) Roger Newell (bass) Barney James (drums) Prod: Rick Wakeman Prod. Co: A & M Records; London Rec. Co: Ronnie Lane's "Lyn Mobile Studio" Rec. Loc: Royal Festival Hall; London Rec. Date: Jan. 18, 1974

Liner Notes: (10-page booklet) Rick Wakeman Time: (LP) (Sd 1) 21:08 & (Sd 2) 18:45 (CD) (A3) 20:50 & 18:58; (A4) 6:21 & 4:03; (E) 21:10 & 18:57 A. British Releases: 1. Original LP: JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH A & M AMLH 63621 (Gatefold cover) 2. Reissue on CD: JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH –

Original Master Recording (1987) Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab MFCD 848

3. Reissue LP: Hallmark SHM 3164 (1985) 4. Reissue on CD: A & M 393 621-2 (1988) 5. Reissue on Compilation CD: VOYAGE: THE VERY BEST OF

RICK WAKEMAN (1996) A & M 540 567 2XCDs (Disc 2 – Tks 2 & 3) 6. Short excerpts on Boxed Set Compilation CD: RECOLLECTIONS:

THE VERY BEST OF RICK WAKEMAN (2000) A & M 069490-774 (Disc 1 – Tks 4 & 5) B. American Releases: 1. LP: JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH

A & M SP 3621 (stereo) (Gatefold cover) 2. LP: A & M QU 53621 (quadraphonic) 3. Reissue on CD: A & M 75021 3156 2 (1988) 4. Reissue on CD: Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab MFCD 848 (1990) 5. Reissue on LP: Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab MFSL 1-230 (1995) 6. Reissue on CD: Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab UDCD 633 (1995) C. French LP: JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH A & M XBLY 985 003 (mono & stereo) (Gatefold cover) D. Spanish Releases: 1. LP: JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH

A & M AMLH 63621 (1977) American Reissue CD 2. Reissue LP: A & M AMNP 133 (1983) 3. Reissue LP: A & M 393.156-1 (1986) E. Portuguese LP: JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH A & M 393 156-1 F. German Releases: 1. LP: JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH

A & M 87 745 XOT 2. Reissue on CD: Spectrum 550 0612 (Tks 1 & 2) (1993) G. Dutch Releases: 1. LP: JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH

A & M AMLH 63621 (Gatefold cover) 2. Reissue on CD: JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH

(1999 & 2002) Disky SI 792262 (Tks 1 & 2) Russian Bootleg CD H. Yugoslav LP: JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH (1986) A & M SP-3156 I. Russian Bootleg CD: JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH (2003) A & M UICY-9262 J. Turkish LP: JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH (1975) A & M AMLH 63621 K. Israeli LP: JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH (1974) A & M AMLH 63621 L. Japanese Releases: 1. LP: JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH (1974) A & M GP-226 (Gatefold cover) 2. Reissue LP: A & M AMP-7049 (Gatefold cover) (1979) 3. Reissue CD: A & M D20Y4010 (Tks 1 & 2) (1989) 4. Reissue CD: A & M UICY-9262 (Tks 1 & 2) (2003)

M. Australian & New Zealand LP: JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH (1974) Festival L 35172 N. Mexican LP: JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH (1974) A & M SLAM-008 O. Colombian LP: JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH A & M AM 5103 P. Venezuelan Releases: 1. LP: JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH A & M LPS-88.329 2. Reissue LP: A & M AM-7.020 (1980) Q. Brazilian Releases: 1. LP: JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH (1974) A & M SA&M 2121 (Gatefold cover) 2. Reissue LP: JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH (1989) A & M 393156-1 R. Peru LP: VIAJE AL CENTRO DE LA TIERRA (1974) A & M 8065/38065 R. Argentine Releases : 1. LP: VIAJE AL CENTRO DE LA TIERRA (1974) A & M 8065/38065 Argentine LP 2. Reissue CD: A & M 393 621-2 (Tks 1 & 2) (1999) Spec: (All LPs) 12” 33rpm (Sides 1 & 2) Notes: This was a live recording of his second of two concerts on January 18, 1974 at the Royal Festival Hall in London. A grand symphonic overture with full brass fanfare backed by the choir slows to more mellow themes and glides into a keyboard intro to – “The Journey,” that tells in poetical verse of the trip to Iceland, the descent of the crater, and the chorus – Crystals of opaque quartz, studded limpid tears,

Forming magic chandeliers, lighting blistered galleries Sweeping keyboard passage and the chorus again followed by a condensed reworded reading from Verne’s original text. This first narration tells how they reached a forking of the lava gallery and Professor Lidenbrock chooses the eastern tunnel. The string section does a slow wandering interlude. Narration 2 tells how this tunnel becomes a dead end and they return to the fork to find Arne Saknussemm original route. They ran out of water and Hans heard thundering water behind the wall. By hacking an opening, he allows hot water into their passage. The resulting stream was called the Hansbach. Then the rock group plays an interlude with wide ranging chords on guitar and keyboards. Followed by long quiet symphonic passages. The third narration tells of Axel getting separated from the others and ending up lost. He panics and then hears voices, his uncle’s voice. Due to the shape of the gallery and the conducting power of the rocks, his uncle’s voice travels great distances in the passages. A bouncy rock beat and ranging theme on keyboards. The soloist comes in and sings to the melody – “Recollection” – poetic memories of his life back home “while trapped beneath the earth.” Then, “Of caverns, where no other man has ever been,” followed by the “Crystals of opaque quartz“ chorus. Narration 4 – Axel falls down a shaft and loses consciousness. On awaking he finds himself with the Professor and Hans beside an ocean, a world within a world. Side 1 closes with grand symphonic whirlwinds that rise and fall then slide into a brass fanfare. Side 2 begins with the fifth narration – From Port Grauben they set sail on their raft made from the wood of giant mushrooms. Five days out they witness a terrifying battle between two sea monsters; an Ichthyosaurus and a Plesiosaurus. Rock passage with bell-like organ. The drums introduce the orchestra and play behind it for – “The Battle” – Five days out on the infinite sea, their raft is hurled up by a giant porpoise and two sea monsters clash in battle. The chorus: Two men prayed as one, “Save me…” A short rock bridge that hints of the main theme. Then the second part of the song with low deep synth chords backing – The fight went on for hours and in the end the serpent lay lifeless. A second chorus: The three men thanked the Lord and cried, “Praise God…” A short narration – Dark clouds gather. The raft lies motionless and in silence they wait for the storm. Sweeping rock interlude and low ramble.

Narration 7 – For four days the storm raged and the raft wrecked on the reefs. The storm had returned them only a few miles north of Port Grauben. They explore and find a Tertiary forest of tall palms. A herd of gigantic animals, mastodons, led by a 12-foot tall primitive human being. Keyboard theme rambles – “The Forest” – To the center of the earth and finding the burial ground of ancient man where in the chorus, “They wonder where he’s been.” They discover forests of a far-gone time, a private prehistoric world. Then they see a huge primeval man, “The three men filled with disbelief, just turned as one and ran.” Narration 8: They flee back to the beach, find the carved initials of Arne Saknussemm, and locate a cave tunnel blocked by a huge rock. After blasting an opening an abyss opens up and they plunge into a huge gallery. Then; finding themselves trapped in the shaft of an active volcano, the raft rises at tremendous speed and is expelled out onto a mountainside. Having travelled 3000 miles from Iceland, entering one volcano and coming out by another, they find themselves on Mount Etna in Sicily. Drum rolls and organ glissades with steady beat. The symphonic orchestra fades in with incessant theme. Main theme returns. Horn calls, pace slows, trembling chords, on and on, then some quiet passages. Four drum beats twice bring in the final brass fanfare. Drum rolls and coda end the opus.

A French critic had this to say – “Journey to the Center of the Earth restera dans l’oeuvre de Rick Wakeman la création la plus ambitieuse, peut-être aussi la plus prétentieuse et grandiloquente. Au-delà d’un talent éclatant déployé au gré de chacune de ses interventions au mini moog, au clavinet ou au piano électrique, Rick Wakeman a produit une oeuvre qu’habitent la démesure et l’emphase et qui n’évite pas toujours l’écueil de l’ennui à travers les (trop) longues interventions du récitant. Ainsi une certaine maladresse stylistique cohabite-t-elle avec des moments de pure création.” (Gonzales 1992) [Journey to the Center of the Earth will stand as the most ambitious creation among the works of Rick Wakeman, maybe also the most pretentious and bombastic. Beyond the dazzling talent displayed during each of his performances on mini Moog, clavinet or electric piano, Rick Wakeman has produced a work that becomes excessive and extravagant and does not avoid the risk of boredom due to the (over-) long interventions of the reader. Thus, a certain stylistic awkwardness coexists with moments of pure creation.] Only the original releases had gatefold covers and included the attached 8-page insert of photos and text.

The album reached Number One on the U.K. chart and, in the U.S., it made it to Number Three. It was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America in October 1974 for 500,000 copies sold in the United States. (Anon. 2018) At the 1974 Fall MAR meet, Dale Ibberson of the York Grotto organized a ”Boogie,” a special 8-track tape presentation of this entire record plus three other LPs in the entrance room of Snedegars Cave in, Pocahontas County, West Virginia. A selection from this piece, The Hansbach theme, some 9 minutes into the work at the end of the movement entitled, The Journey, was used in my paper, “Speleo-Discography: A Progress Report,” which I presented at the 2005 UIS (International Speleological Union) Congress at Kalamos in Greece. Ref: Anon. 2018, Journey to the Centre of the Earth (album), Background History, Wikipedia Alvarez-Pereyre, Claude 1974, Rock & Folk, n. 89, Juin 1974 Crowe, Cameron 1974, Rick Wakeman’s Second Solo Plunge – ‘Journey to the Centre of the Earth,’ Circus, v. 8, n.9, June 1974, p. 46-49 Gonzales, Didier 1992, L’Histoire mondiale du rock progressif – Tome 2 – L’Ecole Anglaise, Bordeaux, p. 36 Ibberson, Dale & Wiser, I.M. 1974, York Grotto Newsletter, v. 12, n. 5, Mar. 1975, p. 57-58

Rick Wakeman, Journey to the Centre of the Earth, Allmusic (◄AUDIO SAMPLES) Rick Wakeman, Journey to the Centre of the Earth, Different releases, Discogs Rick Wakeman, Journey to the Centre of the Earth, Song Lyrics & Narration Texts, metrolyrics Rick Wakeman, Journey to the Centre of the Earth, (39:52), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE) Sierra y Fabra, Jordi 1977, Rick Wakeman: Mitos y leyendas del brujo de Yes, Musica de nuestro tiempo, Barcelona, p. 67-72, 104-105 Wakeman, Rick 1995, Say Yes !, Hodder & Stoughton, London, p. 120-125, 127-128 Wooding, Dan 1978 (1979), Rick Wakeman: The Caped Crusader, Robert Hale Ltd., (Reprinted by Panther Books,

London), p. 9-22, 120-133, 151, & 187

_____________________________________ RK-PR-JR2 United States 1974

JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH (LIVE) RK – Progressive – Orchestral – Vocal & Instrumental – Spoken Word Selections: Side One – 1. JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH – 26:45

Side Two – 1. JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH “TRILLING CONCLUSION” – 13:35

Comp: Rick WAKEMAN Rts: Rondor Music Ltd. Nar: Terry TAPLIN

Perf. (Orch): THE NATIONAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA & CHOIR OF AMERICA Cond.: David Measham

Perf: Rick WAKEMAN (keyboards)

Garry Pickford-Hopkins & Ashley Holt (vocals) Jeffrey Crampton (guitars) Roger Newell (bass) John Hodgson (percussion) Barney James (drums) Prod. Co: Trade Mark of Quality American Bootleg LP Rec. Loc: 1974 North American Tour; Canada Time: (Sd 1) 26:45 & (Sd 2) 13:35 – Total – 40:20 and (B2) 39:25 A. Original Bootleg LP: UNLEASHING THE TETHERED ONE Takrl 1926 (Side 1 & Sd 2 – Bd 1) B. British Releases: 1. Bootleg CD: UNLEASHING THE TETHERED ONE (1993) Mellow ARC 001 (Tk 1) 2. Reissue on Boxed Compilation CD: TREASURE CHEST – Vol. 7 –

JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH (2002) Voiceprint VPTCCD 7 (8XCDs) (Disc 7 – Tk 1) (Time: 39:29)

C. Italian CD: THE 1974 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR (1993) Archives Recordings ARC 001 (Tk 1) (Time: 40:20) D. Russian Bootleg CD: THE 1974 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR –

UNLEASHING (2004) British & Italian CD COE (Com’On Everybody) COE 367 (Tk 1) (Time: 40:20) Notes: A poor live recording of one of the 1974-75 North American concerts. For the British “Treasure Chest – Vol. 7” CD release the sound was cleaned up. One fan wrote on his Website – “A bootleg of Journey to the Centre of the Earth taken from the master multi tracks that were used for the Canadian Broadcast version that was shown once and then mysteriously disappeared along with the tapes. Reputed to have sold millions over the years, A&M did absolutely nothing to stop this version when it first appeared which annoyed me intensely.” (Smith 2018) The Takrl label stands for “The Amazing Kornyfone Record Label.” Takrl “was one of the first bootlegging record labels in America. Kornyfone was based in Southern California in the 1970s. Releases were from 1973-78.” (Anon. 2018) Ref: Anon. 2018, The Amazing Kornyfone Record Label, Discogs

Rick Wakeman, Treasure Chest, Boxed Set CDs, Discogs Rick Wakeman, Treasure Chest – Vol. 7 CD, spirit-of-rock Rick Wakeman, Unleashing the Tethered One – The 1974 North American Tour LP, Discogs Rick Wakeman, Unleashing the Tethered One CD, progarchives Rick Wakeman, Unleashing the Tethered One, (40:40 out of 52:16), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE) Smith, Wayne 2018, Rick Wakeman, Unleashing the Tethered One, Notes, rwcc Wakeman, Rick 1995, Say Yes !, Hodder & Stoughton, London, p. 131 Wooding, Dan 1978 (1979), Rick Wakeman: The Caped Crusader, Robert Hale Ltd., (Reprinted by Panther Books, London), p. 128-130 & 150-151

_____________________________________ RK-PR-JR3 United Kingdom 1985

JOURNEY (LIVE) RK – Progressive – Orchestral – Vocal & Instrumental – Spoken Word Comp: Rick WAKEMAN Rts: Rondor Music Ltd.

Perf: Rick WAKEMAN (keyboards, pianos, & synthesizers)

Gordon Neville (lead vocals & percussion) Rick Fenn (guitar & backing vocals) Chas Cronk (bass & backing vocals) Tony Fernandez (drums) Prod. Co: President Records; London Rec. Loc: Hammersmith Odeon Rec. Date: May 9, 1985 Time: (LP) 13:05 & (CD) 21:56 A. British Releases: 1. LP: RICK WAKEMAN – LIVE AT HAMMERSMITH President RW 2 12” 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 1) 2. Reissue on CD: RICK WAKEMAN – LIVE AT HAMMERSMITH President RW CD 02 (Tk 3) B. Dutch CD: RICK WAKEMAN – LIVE AT HAMMERSMITH (1985) President RW CD 2 (Tk 3) C. Italian LP: RICK WAKEMAN – LIVE AT HAMMERSMITH (1985) F1 Team LP 33618 12” 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 1) D. Polish LP: RICK WAKEMAN – LIVE (1987) Pronit PLP 0089 (Tk 3) E. Russian Reissue on CD: RICK WAKEMAN – LIVE AT

HAMMERSMITH (1994) President RW CD 2 (Tk 3) (Time: 13:05)

& Триарий AM.013 (Tk 3) Notes: Recorded Live at the Hammersmith Odeon on 9th May 1985 Ref: Rick Wakeman, Live at Hammersmith LP & CD, Discogs Polish LP

Rick Wakeman, Live at Hammersmith, Polish LP, Discogs Wooding, Dan 1978 (1979), Rick Wakeman: The Caped Crusader, Robert Hale Ltd., (Reprinted by Panther Books, London), p. 166-167

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Rick WAKEMAN – Gold Record – Brazil

_____________________________________ RK-PR-JR4 United Kingdom 1992

JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH (STUDIO) RK – Progressive – Instrumental

Selections:

1. THE JOURNEY OVERTURE – 2:02 (2:01)/ 2. THE JOURNEY – 4:02 (3:59)/ 3. THE HANSBACH – 4:13 (4:12)/ 4. LOST IN TIME – 3:51 (3:48)/ 5. THE RECOLLECTION – 2:59 (2:56)/ 6. STREAM OF VOICES – 1:56 (1:53)/ 7. THE BATTLE – 4:31 (4:28)/ 8. LIDDENBROOK (sic) – 4:16 (4:14)/ 9. THE FOREST – 2:51 (2:48)/ 10. MOUNT ETNA – 3:52 (3:50)/ 11. JOURNEY’S END – 3:41 (3:33)

Comp: Rick WAKEMAN Rts: Rondor Music Ltd.

Perf: Rick WAKEMAN (keyboards & synthesizers)

Dave Winter (guitar) Alan Thompson (bass) Tony Fernandez (drums) Prod: Rick Wakeman Prod. Co: Bajonor Studios Rec. Co: Bajonor Studios, Isle Of Man Rec. Date: Sept.-Oct. 1992 Time: (See above) A. British Releases: 1. Boxed Set Compilation CD: CHRONICLES – THE VERY

BEST OF RICK WAKEMAN Icon ICOMCD 005 (2XCDs) (Disc 2 – Tks 1-11) 2. Reissue on Compilation CD: RICK WAKEMAN'S

GREATEST HITS (1994) Fragile CDFRL 001 (2XCDs) (Disc 2 – Tks 1-11) B. American Reissue on Compilation CD: RICK WAKEMAN’S

GREATEST HITS (1994) Herold HER 007 (2XCDs) (Disc 2 – Tks 1-11) C. Dutch Reissue on Compilation CD: RICK WAKEMAN –

GRESTEST HITS (1996) Disky DC 866292 (2XCDs) (Disc 2 – Tks 1-11) Notes: Wakeman replaces the full symphony orchestra with synthesizers and an elaborate mix. This is a straight instrumental rendition of the melodies from the complete work. The running times vary a few seconds from one CD release to another. Ref: Rick Wakeman, Chronicles – The Very Best of Rick Wakeman CD, progarchives

Rick Wakeman - Greatest Hits, Herold CD, Discogs & progarchives Rick Wakeman’s Greatest Hits, Fragile CD, Discogs & progarchives

_____________________________________ RK-PR-JR5 United Kingdom 1993

JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH (STUDIO) RK – Progressive – Choral – Vocal & Instrumental Comp: Rick WAKEMAN Rts: Rondor Music Ltd.

Perf: Rick WAKEMAN (keyboards)

Michael Franklin (lead vocals & keyboards) Jim Gentry (guitars) Tim Franklin (electric, fretless, & synth bass) Paul Parker (drums & percussions) Tom Hook & Tess Franklin (additional vocals) The Full Sail Tabernacle Choir Prod: Michael Franklin Prod. Co: Global Comics Inc./Instead Productions Rec. Co: Banjour Studio; Isle of Man, UK Rec. Date: Aug. 8, 1992 Time: 31:55

A. British Releases: 1. Compilation CD: THE CLASSIC TRACKS Zazoo HT 3362 (Tk 1) 2. Compilation CD: THE CLASSIC TRACKS Prestige SGT 115 3. Reissue on Compilation CD: THE CLASSIC TRACKS (1996) Hallmark 305632 B. French Compilation CD: CLASSIC TRACKS Versailles 473790-2 (Tk 1) C. German & Swiss Compilation CD: CLASSIC TRACKS (1993) 2Day DSB 3145-2 (Tk 1) D. Austrian Compilation CD: JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF

THE EARTH (2005) Eurotrend CD 142.177 (Tk 4) E. Japanese Compilation CD: CLASSIC TRACKS (1996) Austrian CD Better Days COCY-80311 (Tk 1) Notes: Though recorded in 1992 before the Chronicles-Greatest Hits CD at the Banjour Studio on the Isle of Man, this version was released later. Rick claims this album was finished and released without his authorization. “I despise this album in every respect. The master tapes of the back tracks were taken to America and appalling vocals put on them without my approval. The final result was also then sold without my approval and without my receiving a penny. The master tapes were never even returned to me. The album is a disgrace.” (Wakeman ca.1993) One critic wrote – “Instead of just rehashing songs for another compilation, Rick has rearranged and expanded the tracks to give them new life! 'Journey to The Center Of The Earth' is performed without narration and orchestration, giving space for inspired performance from Rick and the band.” (Fralick 2002) A French critic had this to say – “Exit donc, dans la pièce maîtresse (Journey …), les longues et superflues (la musique n’est-elle pas censée parler d’elle-même?) récitations d’extraits de l’oeuvre de Jules Verne et l’orchestre souvent pompeux et empâté. Cette version, dépoussiérée de ses excès, et bien mieux interprétée, prend une nouvelle dimension et révèle Rick Wakeman comme un réel compositeur, et plus seulement un interprète (pouvant, par de fâcheuses tendances à la démonstration, rendre indigestes des morceaux brilliants par ailleurs). On peut à la limite se demander si Rick ne chercherait pas à réparer ses fautes de goût de passé par un perfectionnisme qu’un lui a rarement connu dans ses oeuvres solitaires? En tout cas, saluons cette démarche! (Leroy 1994) [Finally removed from his masterpiece (Journey…) are the long and superfluous (music is supposed to speak for itself?) readings of extracts from Jules Verne’s work and the frequently pompous and bloated orchestra. This version, dusted off from its excesses, and much better performed, takes on a new dimension and reveals Rick Wakeman as a real composer, not just as an interpreter, who, by his regrettable tendencies for demonstration, is able to render indigestible pieces that are otherwise brilliant. In the end one could ask if Rick is not trying to repair his past errors of taste by a perfectionism which he has rarely shown in his solitary works? In any case, welcome this approach!] Ref: Classic Tracks (Rick Wakeman album), Wikipedia

Fralicj, Topper 2002, Rick Wakeman, Classic Tracks, Review, rwcc Leroy, Aymeric 1994, Rick Wakeman, Classic Tracks 1993, Big Bang, n. 4, Mars-Avril 1994, Marseille, p. 22

Rick Wakeman, Classic Tracks, Hallmark CD, 45worlds & Discogs Rick Wakeman, Classic Tracks CD, progarchives Wakeman, Rick ca.1993, Classic Tracks CD, Notes, rwcc

_____________________________________ RK-PR-JR6 United Kingdom 1994

JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH (LIVE) RK – Progressive – Orchestral – Instrumental Comp: Rick WAKEMAN Rts: Rondor Music Ltd.

Perf: Rick WAKEMAN (keyboards)

Adam Wakeman (backing vocals & keyboards) Alan Thompson (bass) Tony Fernandez (drums)

Prod: Rick Wakeman Prod. Co: Zero Records (?) Rec. Loc: Buenos Aires, Argentina Rec. Date: August 18 – 21, 1993 Time: 38:30 A. British Releases: 1. CD: WAKEMAN WITH WAKEMAN LIVE Zero XRCN 1185/6 (2XCDs) (Disc 2 – Tk 1) 2. Reissue on Compilation CD: WAKEMAN WITH WAKEMAN –

THE OFFICIAL BOOTLEG (1994) Cyclops CYLD 006 A/ B (2XCDs) (Disc 2 – Tk 1) 3. Reissue on Compilation CD: OFFICIAL LIVE BOOTLEG –

LIVE IN BUENOS AIRES (1999) Music Fusion MFCD 003 (2XCDs) (Disc 2 – Tk 1)

B. Canadian Compilation CD: WAKEMAN WITH WAKEMAN – THE OFFICIAL BOOTLEG (1994)

Griffin Music GCDRW 156-2 (2XCDs) (Disc 2 – Tk 1) C. German Reissue on Compilation CD: MY INSPIRATION (2001) Trilogie 205877-349 (3XCDs) (Disc 3 – Tk 1) D. Italian Compilation CD: WAKEMAN – THE STAGE

COLLECTION (1994) Ota Blu 9407208 (2XCDs) (Disc 2 – Tk 1) E. Russian Reissue Bootleg Compilation CD: OFFICIAL LIVE

BOOTLEG – LIVE IN BUENOS AIRES (1999) (No Label) LVCDR-004/006/02 (2XCDs) (Disc 2 – Tk 1)

Notes: Digitally recorded live in Buenos Aires, Argentina during the Wakeman with Wakeman South America tour in August 1993. There was a later concert in Buenos Aires in 2001, Another live version of this opus recorded using Thompson and Fernandez again. Adam Wakeman is Rick’s son. This is another entirely instrumental performance of the work with no vocals. This concert version was never heard. The German release was never heard either and has only been included with these other releases of this concert version because it happens to have the same running time. Ref: Adam Wakeman, Bio, Wikipedia

Rick Wakeman, My Inspiration, German CD, Discogs Rick Wakeman, Official Live Bootleg – Live in Buenos Aires CD, progarchives & Discogs Wakeman - The Stage Collection CD, rateyourmusic Wakeman with Wakeman – The Official Bootleg, Canadian CD, rateyourmusic Wakeman with Wakeman Live CD, progarchives & rateyourmusic

_____________________________________ RK-PR-JR7 United States 1995

JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH (LIVE) RK – Progressive – Orchestral – Vocal & Instrumental Comp: Rick WAKEMAN Rts: Rondor Music Ltd.

Perf: Rick WAKEMAN (keyboards)

Ashley HOLT (vocals) Martin Shields (trumpet) Reg Brooks (trombone) John Duntsterville (guitars & mandolin) Roger Newell (bass) John Hodgson (percussion) Tony Fernandez (drums) Prod: Barry Ehrmann, Steve Ship, & Evert Wilbrink Prod. Co: King Biscuit Flower Hour Inc.; New York, NY

Rec. Loc: The Winterland Theater; San Francisco, CA Rec. Date: Nov. 2, 1975 Liner Notes: (No. A – 8-page booklet) Bruce Pilato Time: 12:20 A. American Releases: 1. CD: THE KING BISCUIT FLOWER HOUR PRESENTS RICK WAKEMAN IN CONCERT King Biscuit Flower Hour 70710-88009-2 (Tk 1) 2. Reissue on CD: LIVE (2000) EMI Capitol Music72435 24587 2 1 (Tk 1) B. British Releases: 1. CD: THE KING BISCUIT FLOWER HOUR PRESENTS RICK

WAKEMAN IN CONCERT (1995) King Biscuit Flower Hour 908009.2 (Tk 1) 2. Reissue CD: LIVE ON THE KING BISCUIT FLOWER HOUR (1998) King Biscuit Flower Hour KBFHCD011 (Tk 1) C. German CD: RICK WAKEMAN IN CONCERT (1996) King Biscuit Flower Hour 908009.2 (Tk 1) D. Dutch Reissue on CD: RICK WAKEMAN – JOURNEY TO THE

CENTER OF THE EARTH (2002) Disky SI 792262 (Tk 2) (Time: 11:57) E. Spanish Reissue on CD: LIVE ON THE KING BISCUIT FLOWER

HOUR (2000) Austrian CD Celebration CELCD 024 (PM) (Tk 1) F. Austrian CD: JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH

Eurotrend CD 142.480 G. Russian Bootleg CD: THE KING BISCUIT FLOWER HOUR PRESENTS

RICK WAKEMAN IN CONCERT (No Label) LMCD-300401 H. Japanese Reissue CD: THE KING BISCUIT FLOWER HOUR PRESENTS RICK WAKEMAN IN CONCERT (1996) King Biscuit Flower Hour SRCS 8122 (Tk 1) Notes: A much abbreviated performance live. Ashley Holt did the vocals on the 1974 original performance and again on the 1974 North American Tour in Canada (see above). The Dutch bootleg CD is a reissue of the King Biscuit Flower Hour concert, but the titles have been reshuffled and the running times shorted. Ref: King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents Rick Wakeman in Concert CD, Allmusic (◄AUDIO SAMPLE)

King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents Rick Wakeman in Concert CD, Different releases, Discogs Rick Wakeman Live on the King Biscuit Flower Hour, Spanish CD, Discogs

_____________________________________ RK-PR-JR8 United Kingdom 1999

RETURN TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH (STUDIO) Contemporary – Orchestral – Instrumental & Vocal – Spoken Word – Cave Pic Cover

Selections: 2. THE RETURN OVERTURE (Vocal) – 2:39/ 8. THE DANCE OF A THOUSAND LIGHTS (Instrumental) – 5:41/ 14. THE KILL (Instrumental & vocal parts) – 5:23/ 22. THE END OF THE RETURN (vocal) – 5:23

Comp: Rick WAKEMAN Rts: PXM Publ./EMI Music Publ. Scr: Rick Wakeman (Inspired by Jules Verne's novel) Nar: Patrick STEWART

Perf. (Orch): THE LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ENGLISH CHAMBER CHOIR Perf. (Rock): Rick Wakeman (keyboards) Fraser Thorneycroft-Smith (guitar) Phil Williams (bass) R. WAKEMAN in Wookey Hole

Simon Hanson (drums) Cond. (Orch): David SNELL

Cond. (Choir): Guy PROTHEROE Prod: Rick Wakeman Prod. Co: EMI Records Ltd.; London Rec. Date: Mar.-Dec. 1998 Liner Notes: (28-page booklet) Rick Wakeman Times: (See above) A. British Releases: 1. LP: RETURN TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH

EMI Classics 7243 5 56763 1 3 12 » 33rpm (2XLPs)

(Disc 1 – Sd 1 – Bd 2 & Sd 2 – Bd 2) (Disc 2 – Sd 1 – Bd 2 & Sd 2 – Bd 6)

2. CD: RETURN TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH EMI Classics CDC5 56763-2 (Tks 2, 8, 14, & 22) B. American CD: RETURN TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH EMI Classics 7243 5 56763 2 0 (Tks 2, 8, 14, & 22) C. European CD: RETURN TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH EMI Classics 7243 5 56763 8 2 (Tks 2, 8, 14, & 22) D. Russian Bootleg CD: RETURN TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH (1999) 2000 FruitGum FCCD 105462-2 (Tks 2, 8, 14, & 22) E. Japanese CD: RETURN TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH (1999) EMI Classics TOCP-65164 (Tks 2, 8, 14, & 22) Notes: This is a crossover album. The two choral selections of this long opus along with the two instrumental orchestral pieces should be classified as contemporary art music. Whereas seven of music tracks on this album are popular progressive rock songs, which are not cave-inspired nor do they mention caves in any way. There are 19 short spoken word tracks loosely based on the original tale.

So this album was only included here to provide a complete Wakeman “Journey” discography. To learn more about these performances see under Contemporary Art Music – Orchestral – Return to the Centre of the Earth and also Spoken Word – Adult Fiction – Journey to the Centre of the Earth. The overture song and the finale, performed by full choral and orchestra, can both be considered cave-inspired songs as both tell of the "center of the earth." For lyrics of The Return Overture and The End of the Return see under Contemporary Art Music – Art Music Lyrics. One critic had this to say about the album – “Not enough time is given to enjoy Wakeman’s artistry because of an overabundance of other instruments and unnecessary hubbub that disappointingly drown out his synthesizers. When Wakeman is caught playing, he falls short of his polished self, sounding rushed and irregular. His first Journey album sounded clean and finessed, thanks to simple organization and the fact that the focal point was aimed at his masterful keyboard playing. On the Return album, the music is louder, messier, and somewhat musically obtuse since it contains too many fragments of instruments, almost sounding like heavy metal at times.” (DeGagne 2016) Ref: Anon. 2014, Regreso al centro de la tierra (in Spanish), Musical Boxed, wordpress

DeGagne, Mike 2016, Rick Wakeman, Return to the Centre of the Earth CD, Allmusic (◄AUDIO SAMPLES) Return to the Centre of the Earth CD, Wikipedia Rick Wakeman, Bio, Wikipedia Rick Wakeman, Return to the Centre of the Earth CD, Amazon.co.uk (◄AUDIO SAMPLES) Return to the Centre of the Earth CD, Discogs & 2XLPs, Discogs Moon, Grant ca. 2013, Return to the Centre of the Earth, in Classic Rock Presents Rick Wakeman, p. 120

Wookey Hole Caves, Data, Wikipedia

_____________________________________ RK-PR-JR9 United Kingdom 2001

JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH (LIVE) RK – Progressive – Orchestral – Vocal & Instrumental Comp: Rick WAKEMAN Rts: Rondor Music Ltd.

Perf: Rick WAKEMAN & THE ENGLISH ROCK ENSEMBLE Rick Wakeman (keyboards) Adam Wakeman (keyboards & backing vocals) Ant Glynne (guitars & backing vocals) Damian Wilson (vocals) Lee Pomeroy (bass) Tony Fernandez (drums) Prod: Rick Wakeman Prod. Co: Music Fusion (Voiceprint); Tyne and Wear Rec. Loc: Teatro Coliseo; Buenos Aires, Argentina Rec. Date: April 21, 2001 Time: 16:43 A. British Releases: 1. CD: OUT OF THE BLUE Music Fusion MFCD 005 (Tk 1) 2. Reissue CD: OUT OF THE BLUE (2002) Music Fusion MFW6081X (Tk 1) B. Dutch Reissue CD: OUT OF THE BLUE (2004) Mascot M 7088 2 (Tk 1) Notes: There was an earlier concert in Buenos Aires in 1993, where another version of this opus was recorded with a somewhat reduced lineup (Adam Wakeman & Tony Fernandez are back for this performance). One critic wrote – “The keyboardist revisits old favorites such as the opening track ‘Excerpts from Journey to the Centre of the Earth,’ that commences with a thumping rock motif, transforming into the familiar stately thematic overtures and overtly staged theatric sensibilities. Wakeman's polyphonic keys cast whimsical qualities into the mix, countered with grandiose voicings and Ant Glynne's streaming electric slide guitar lines and psychedelic hard-rock soloing in choice spots.” (Asterita 2015) Another critic wrote – “… an adaptation of Journey To The Centre Of The Earth. Rick Wakeman is on fire from the start, ably assisted by Adam, the keyboards rise up and soar across the heavy musical backdrop. Damian Wilson’s voice is perfect for this track and he takes ownership of the piece from the outset.” (Mulvey 2014) Ref: Asterita, Glenn 2015, Rick Wakeman & The English Rock Ensemble, Out of the Blue, allaboutjazz

Mulvey, Bob 2014, Rick Wakeman & The English Rock Ensemble, Out of the Blue, theprogressiveaspect Rick Wakeman & The English Rock Ensemble, Journey to the Centre of the Earth, (16:41), YouTube (◄COMPLETE

AUDIO SAMPLE) Rick Wakeman & The English Rock Ensemble, Out of the Blue CD, Discogs

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