Progressive Rock > Oliver Wakeman
Oliver Wakeman was born into a musical family and is the eldest son of rock musician Rick Wakeman. He has written and appeared on various albums, all of which have been released to critical acclaim.
1997 saw the release of Oliver's first solo album "Heaven's Isle", written at the request of the Landmark Trust to promote their 1997 season of Lundy Island. Music from this album has been used on various television programmes.
His second album “Jabberwocky” (a collaboration with musician Clive Nolan of Arena) was released in early 1999 and featured an all star cast, including Peter Banks (Yes), Tony Fernandez (Strawbs), Rick Wakeman, Tracey Hitchings (Landmarq) & Bob Catley (Magnum).
Oliver's 3rd album, "The 3 Ages of Magick", an instrumental work, was recorded with Steve Howe (Yes, Asia), who contributed guitars and executive production duties. This album was released in July 2001 to ecstatic reviews.
Oliver and Clive released the follow up to 1999’s “Jabberwocky” album with "The Hound of the Baskervilles" in early 2002. The album featured a similar cast plus Arjen Lucassen (Aryeon), Ashley Holt (Rick Wakeman Band), Karl Groom (Threshold) as well as Robert Powell, the world renowned actor, narrating as Dr Watson. Again this album received rave reviews.
A commissioned new age album, "Chakras", was released in early 2002 and a further commissioned work “Spiritual Enlightenment“ was released in early 2003. 2004 saw 'The Progress of the Soul' from the Divine Harmonies album feature as the title music for the 'A Guide to Spiritual Healing' DVD.
His album ‘Purification by Sound’ was released by President Records in May 2003 and has received glowing reviews from various magazines. 2003 also saw Oliver team up with the Celtic singer Rachel for the “The View from Here” single which was followed by a live performance from the band at the CRS Awards night in 2002.
Oliver was also commissioned to write a variety of incidental music for six poetry CD’s. One of which features the voice of Derek Jacobi who is well known for his various film roles, most recently ‘Gladiator’. Oliver recently composed the jingle for the CD version of the TV show ‘Name That Tune’.
2004 also saw Oliver appear on Ayreon's "The Human Equation" album along with other musicians such as James LaBrie (Dream Theatre), Ken Hensley (ex-Uriah Heap) and Heather Findlay (Mostly Autumn). In 2005 Oliver appeared on Steve Howe’s ‘Spectrum’ album along side Tony Levin (King Crimson).
November 2005 sees the release of Oliver’s latest album, the band orientated “Mother’s Ruin” through Progrock Records. Oliver will also be performing shows with his band in support of the album.