2012 News

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17th December

Oliver appears on Great Ormond Street Charity Single...

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'Blue' Charity single by Paul Bond available for download

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Oliver, along with bass player Nick Beggs (Steve Hackett band, Porcupine Tree), appears on a new downloadable charity single from RedBox's guitarist Paul Bond.

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Paul's son, Josh, has been fighting against the serious cancer illness Burkitt's Lymphoma and has been treated at Great Ormond Street children's hospital for nearly a year.

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Paul is better at describing what he is trying to achieve and so here is a message from Paul.

"This is it people! ... Please share the living daylights out of this!!!!

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My song 'Blue' is available for download. Suggested donation of only £2.00 and ALL profits go to Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital who saved the life of our boy Josh.

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This year, he contracted Burkitt's Lymphoma which is an ultra-aggressive form of cancer and it has taken a NINE MONTHS stay at Great Ormond Street to get him through it.

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This song is a love song from a father to a son and is dedicated not only to Josh, but also to ALL of the lovely children who we met during our stay at this incredible hospital, many of whom will be enjoying Christmas at home and sadly some who didn't manage to conquer their battle. Roseanne, Danny and Malachi - we won't forget you xxxx

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I have specified that the money goes to the Oncology wards. We see nurses scrabbling around for machines because they have to share them between so many rooms, so we know that there can be improvements made and I just want to give SOMETHING back for saving the life of my little boy Josh (www.facebook.com/JoshuaBondUK)".

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Paul Bond

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If you would like to download the single then the details are available

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from http://www.paulbond.co/CharitySong.aspx. It is a great song, and the cause is even greater. So if you like a bit of a classic rock then look no further, safe in the knowledge that you'll be helping children at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

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13th December

Ravens and Lullabies album press release...

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Guitar Legend and the next generation of keyboard wizardry join forces for a new record!

March 2013 will see guitar legend Gordon Giltrap and keyboardist Oliver Wakeman (following his years of touring with the classic progressive rock band YES) release their debut collaborative album 'Ravens & Lullabies' on the Esoteric Antenna label.

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The album is a 13 song collection of hard hitting memorable rock pieces coupled with thought provoking lyrics alongside acoustic duets featuring their fine instrumental interplay.

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The project was initiated with a phone call from Gordon to Oliver in early 2012 requesting Oliver's keyboard services for a new rock album. Within 24 hours Gordon had phoned again suggesting a full collaboration instead and the 'Ravens & Lullabies' concept was born.

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Gordon and Oliver spent 2012 writing and recording the album which features a return for Gordon to his rock roots following a 30 year absence and Oliver's first recorded works since his departure from both Yes and Strawbs.

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It has been recorded and mixed by 'Threshold' guitarist Karl Groom (who also mixed the Yes 'Live In Lyon' record which featured Oliver on keyboards).

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The album will be available in two formats, a single CD featuring 13 new pieces and double pack special edition featuring a Bonus CD of live recordings taken from their 2012 tour and re-recordings of pieces from Oliver and Gordon's past catalogue.

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The new album features performances by the following well respected musicians.

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Paul Manzi - vocals
Paul has performed with the Oliver Wakeman Band for the last 6 years (appearing on the live DVD 'Coming to Town') and is the current vocalist for the rock band Arena.

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Steve Amadeo - Bass Guitar
Steve, an in demand Jazz/Blues/Rock session bass player, is currently performing with Blues guitarist Aynsley Lister.

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Johanne James - Drums
Johanne has been the Threshold drummer for the last 12 years.

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The album also features a special vocal appearance by Benoit David, Oliver's old band mate from Yes, on the track 'From the Turn of a Card' written by Oliver during the Yes recording sessions of 2010.

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Many of the pieces were debuted and refined during their acoustic duo tour in September and October 2012 where they performed sell out concerts across the UK. The tour will resume in March 2013 to coincide with the release of the new album.

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One of the most innovative acoustic guitarists in the UK today, Gordon Giltrap has developed his own unique style, much copied, but never bettered. It is impossible not to be awestruck as he coaxes incredible melodies from his instruments; you almost suspect a second pair of hands. He is well known for his varied musical output and 'Heartsong' (a hit single from the album 'Perilous Journey' in 1977) is instantly recognized as the theme for the BBC TV's long running 'Holiday' programme.

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Following ten solo albums in a variety of styles, Oliver Wakeman joined the legendary band 'YES' in 2008, touring with them up until mid-2011. A live CD and triple vinyl release, 'In The Present - Live from Lyon', was a fitting bookend to his period in the band. He also worked with the folk rock band 'The Strawbs' and appeared on their last studio album as well as their 40th Anniversary CD release. Appearing in venues across North and South America, Europe and the UK with YES, Strawbs and as a solo artist, he has become a well respected live performing musician to add to his other talents as composer, songwriter, lyricist and producer.

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Gordon says "Working with Oliver is like a breath of fresh air. I knew of his reputation as a fine musician, and it made perfect sense for me to tap into his creative energy, not only to bring out certain elements of my musical gifts but to create something new and exciting, at the same time giving a nod in the direction of our respective Progressive Rock roots"

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Oliver adds, "After working with YES, the chance of working with another legendary artist was an opportunity too good to miss. I am having a wonderfully productive time working with Gordon and feel we are creating something genuinely unique in our 'Ravens & Lullabies' project."

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Many of Gordon's fans have been asking for years when he is going to return to his rock roots and others wondered what Oliver would write after the Yes experiences...

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In March 2013 they'll know...

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29th November

Ravens and Lullabies tour report...

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Read Oliver's tour story from the recent Ravens & Lullabies tour around the UK.

 

29th November

Oliver & Gordon backstage movie...

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As part of the Trowbridge Arts festival a short film was made of the Wakeman & Giltrap show. It can be viewed on Oliver's YouTube channel.

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29th October

Few more reviews from the Ravens and Lullabies tour...

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A couple more reviews have been added to the Ravens & Lullabies tour reviews page.

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23rd October

More reviews from the Ravens and Lullabies tour...

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More reviews added to the Ravens & Lullabies tour reviews page.

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1st October

Ravens and Lullabies tour reviews added...

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There is now a section on the site with reviews from the Ravens & Lullabies tour.

It can be reached by clicking the link here or under the reviews menu tab above

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26th September

First night of the Ravens tour excerpt on new YouTube channel...

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There is now an official Oliver Wakeman YouTube channel!

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It features an excerpt from the first night of the 'Ravens & Lullabies' tour as well as solo, Oliver's band, Yes and Strawbs video performances. We hope you like the new channel.

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14th September

New interview with Oliver...

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Earlier in the year Oliver was interviewed by Martin hudson from the Classic Rock Society.

The interview has been reprinted in the interviews section as is full of interesting insights into working with Yes and Gordon Giltrap

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11th September

Help promote the 'Raven's & Lullabies' tour...

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If you are coming to any of the shows and would like to help promote them, there is a new section on the website with media information which includes an A4 poster, an A5 flyer along with a press photo and the tour press release.

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If you would like to download, print and display the poster somewhere (legally!) to help advertise the tour please feel free.

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The more people we can make aware of the concerts the better. The posters can be found under the Information tab and on a new section called 'Press Media'.

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6th September

August/September news update...

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Dear all

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Time for the latest update about everything happening in my musical world. This world does seem to involve an awful lot of sleepless nights, endless feeds, temper tantrums and nappy changing. I put the nappy part in just in case you thought it was me I was talking about...

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With the arrival of Lottie Alys on the 7th July everything music related went on hold for a few weeks as we re-adjusted to the new order of importance in the Wakeman household (everyone's above me basically, even the spider in the downstairs bathroom...). So in between the above I have been preparing for the tour with Gordon Giltrap which starts later this month, the 22nd September at Huntingdon Hall in Worcester to be exact.

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We decided to each prepare a list of pieces from our own histories which we felt would translate well to an acoustic duo format. We then listened to each others selections and then had the difficult job of slimming the set down because more often than not we would say "but we must do that one!".

Finally we had put together a rough set of songs of which to practice. A few weeks later in mid-August, Gordon and I met up at a lovely church mid-distance between our two homes to begin rehearsals. We have now had quite a few rehearsal sessions and still have a few more left before we perform at the first show.

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Even though everything isn't totally performance ready yet, we definitely feel that it is all starting to sound really nice and I think people will be quite surprised by some of the songs in the list. I really think it will be an enjoyable concert for people to watch, so we look forward to seeing you!

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One thing did occur to me throughout rehearsals and that was that it's difficult to work out whether it's easier to rehearse for a show just involving 2 people or when it involves a full band.

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With a full band you have the advantage that at certain sections you get a bit of a breather with parts that are less complicated but you are having to listen and interact with more musicians whereas with a duo there is only one person to interact with but you are much more exposed as a musician which brings its own pressures. I think we'll call it a draw...

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Either way, it's live performing which I love doing and I am really looking forward to the tour. It's been a while since I was last out on the road, only a couple of private shows and the one performance with Dad to my name since I stopped performing with YES last year (although I have spent many happy hours in the studio which I wasn't able to do whilst touring).

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The dates for the tour are as follows, please note that 3 extra dates have been added and the tour now finishes on the 28th October in Bishops Itchington, Warwickshire.

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22nd Sept
Huntingdon Hall, Worcester
www.worcesterlive.co.uk - 01905 611 427

27th Sept
The Playhouse, Western Super Mare
www.theplayhouse.co.uk - 01934 645544

29th Sept
Trowbridge Arts Festival
www.trowbridgeartsfestival.co.uk - 01722 321744

2nd Oct
Band on The Wall, Manchester
www.bandonthewall.org - 0161 834 1786 or 08452 500500

3rd Oct
Hunter Hall School, Penrith, Cumbria - SOLD OUT

4th Oct
Hunter Hall School, Penrith, Cumbria
Onlie tickets: We Got Tickets
Lakeland Music, 15 Devonshire Street, Penrith. Tel: 01768 864024 or
Peter Sorton and Associates, Unit N, Skirsgill Business Park, Penrith. Tel: 01768 865577

12th Oct
Guildhall Arts Centre, Grantham
www.guildhallartscentre.com - 01476 406158

13th Oct
The Wesley Centre, Maltby
www.classicrocksociety.co.uk - 01327 310088

17th Oct
Farnham Maltings, Farnham
www.farnhammaltings.com - 01252 745444

18th Oct
The Brook Theatre, Chatham
www.medwayticketslive.co.uk - 01634 338338

19th Oct
Ashcroft Arts Centre, Fareham
www3.hants.gov.uk/Ashcroft - 01329 223100

26th Oct
The Junction, Goole
www.junctiongoole.co.uk - 01405 763 652

28th Oct
St Michael's Church, Bishops Itchington, Southam
01926 613466

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The album, "Raven's & Lullabies", is now nearing completion from the writing and arrangements point of view. We are in discussions over the release of the album and are hopeful that details of when it's coming out will be known in the near future. More news when we get it.

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With all this work on the album with Gordon and the tour and my new daughter, unfortunately it means that the Cultural Vandals album has taken a back seat again but I am sure I will get round to finishing it soon, I just don't want to put out two albums at the same time and I always like to make sure that each project gets the attention it deserves.

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Anyway, as the 1st show is closing up I'd better carry on rehearsing.

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If you are coming to any of the shows and would like to help promote it, there is a new section on the website with media information which includes an A4 poster, an A5 flyer along with a press photo and the tour press release. If you want to download it and print it to help advertise the shows please feel free as the more people we can make aware of the shows the better. It can be found under the Information tab and on a new section called 'Press Media'.

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I look forward to catching up with some familiar faces at the shows and also seeing some new ones.

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All the best.

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Oliver
September 2012

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5th September

3 more shows added to the tour...

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Three new concerts have now been added to the Raven's & Lullabies tour on the 2nd, 3rd and 28th October.

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Please see the upcoming concerts section below for more details.

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31st July

King Friday full album released...

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Last year we announced that the EP 'Let the Song Begin' by King Friday had been released via iTunes.

The full album is now available and Oliver is featured on one further track called 'Still the World' performing the synth solos. The other songs that feature Oliver are 'Let the Song Begin' (Piano, keyboards and synth solo) and 'Down to You' (Mellotron and synths).

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You can purchase the album direct from iTunes

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18th July

Oliver's memories of Jon Lord...

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Jon Lord R.I.P

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I felt that I should write a few lines abut the sad news of Jon Lords passing on Monday.

With the birth of my new daughter I haven't been paying much attention to much else, but in the middle of the night last night, whilst my wife and I were feeding Lottie, I checked the news on my phone and read about Jon's passing.

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I am unable to write an account of how great it was to meet him as I never had that pleasure. My memories of Jon Lord come purely from that as a huge fan.

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I first discovered Deep Purple one day after buying a cassette in Woolworths in Bideford, Devon. I picked up 'The best of Deep Purple', the cover showing a purple monolith in a purple sea.

I turned to my mum and said "Are they a bit like Pink Floyd" (who, at the age of 15, I'd recently just discovered). "Yes" she answered in that parental way of hurrying a child out of a shop without really listening to the question...

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I got into the car, put the tape in my Walkman and pressed play. Speed King opened with Jon's classic organ chords and I was instantly hooked.

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The journey from Devon to Farnham Common passed in a blur, passing through "Woman from Tokyo", "Child in Time", "Black Night", "Hush", "Mandrake Root", "Smoke on the Water" and countless other classics. I became hooked by the band and in particular by Jon Lord's organ playing.

I then started buying every record of theirs I could find. Then one day I bought "Who Do We Think We Are" and thought it was utterly fantastic. I still rate it as one of my all time favourite records - the keyboard work on the album is particularly breathtaking.

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I was fortunate enough to see Jon Lord play at the Plymouth Pavilions on the "Purpendicular" tour and watching him was every bit as exciting as I always imagined it would be.

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To this day I count him as one of my huge influences in becoming a keyboard player. Obviously having a fantastic keyboard player as a father was a great inspiration, but something about the way Jon Lord created musical excitement with his use of the Hammond Organ really stirred something in me.

I always say my father gave me the inspiration to play piano and keyboards but Jon Lord gave me the need to play the Hammond Organ.

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So from a fellow musician and keyboard player, but most of all as a fan, thanks for the music Jon, I'm going to make sure my kids get to hear you when we're next in the car.

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Oliver Wakeman
July 2012

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13th July

July news update...

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Dear all

Friday 6th July...

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I'm now sat here in my studio listening to some music waiting for the birth of my new baby daughter who was due on Monday the 2nd but still has yet to make an appearance. It seems that she has decided that because the weather is so appalling at the moment she's going to wait a bit longer until it improves...

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In the meantime, June's certainly been a busy month.

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All the writing for the album I'm creating with Gordon Giltrap has been completed and we're nearing the end of the demo mixes. We've had some great meetings about the release of the album and also due to demand we've added some extra shows to the short tour in the Autumn. A great start to this project which certainly seems to have caught peoples interest.

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The album is going to be called 'Ravens & Lullabies' and will be a mix of full on rock/prog vocal tracks and a selection of acoustic duo pieces. this will allow us to perform some of the album on the upcoming tour. There is also talk of a Vinyl release which would be great.

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More details about who will be appearing on the album to follow but in the meantime you should see that the home page of the website is currently listing the confirmed tour dates. I really look forward to seeing many familiar and new faces at the shows!

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Talking of the home page, you will hopefully have noticed that the website has been re-designed again. I felt that the last look, although suitably moody, seemed to link in with the Yes heritage and as I haven't been a part of the band for a year now (really, doesn't time fly!) I felt that the website needed to reflect that.

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I hope you'll agree that it's easy to use and that it works ok for you! I have been checking it on different operating systems, iPads, iPhones etc and it seems to hang together pretty well....

....although early versions of certain browsers may experience problems due to the coding. If you struggle may I suggest either Chrome or Firefox (I haven't mentioned Safari to avoid Apple/Microsoft favouritism, although by mentioning Chrome maybe that creates a Microsoft/Google problem....)

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I will soon be updating all the sound samples and adding more new things to the site over the coming months so do keep coming back to visit!

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Interviews

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I recently did an interview with Roman Guzman over in America and it can now be downloaded directly as a podcast from iTunes by using the following link

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http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/romans-world/id533649469

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It was a great chat and the reason for the delay in the interview becoming available was that Roman was waiting for the birth of his new daughter!

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Concerts

Some of you may have been aware that I did a concert with my Dad last month at 'The Old Granary' in Beccles, Norfolk. It was quite an unusual event, 2 Steinway grand pianos, Tony Fernandez on a scaled down drum kit, Dave Colquhoun on acoustic guitars and Ashley Holt singing. The concert came about due to the cancellation of the Crystal Palace show in which Dad's band were due to perform and as everyone was available Dad decided to put together an 'unplugged' show. It really was a bit of a 'seat of the pants' show as we all met up on the morning of the show with various chord charts and a vague setlist. Within an hour, 2 songs had been dropped and two other ones (which we didn't know!) had been put into the set.

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We rehearsed for the day which was fun and we finished about 6.30pm just in time for the doors to open. Contrary to popular belief, Dad and I have only ever played together on 3 occasions. He joined me on stage for one song at my 'Mother's Ruin' launch party and I played carols with him at two of his Christmas parties. (We never played together at home and he never showed me the Yes keyboard parts either!). Therefore it was a very special moment when I walked on stage to join him and the rest of the band.

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As you will have noticed from the start of this blog, I am currently awaiting the arrival of my new baby daughter. I did wind Dad up a bit at the beginning of the show, he often winds people up (in a good fun way) and it lent itself to a bit of a role reversal!

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He introduced me and as I walked up to the stage I said to him "I've just had a text, the baby is on it's way. I've got to go...". His face was a picture of shock and disbelief, "Really...?" was his reply. "Nope, not really..." The look of relief on his face that the whole set wasn't going to have to be altered at the last minute was quite evident!

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The show went in a blur. It always seems to happen when everything has been learnt at short notice, you're concentrating so much on reading notes, watching the others and trying to come up with parts to play that it leaves very little room for the mind to focus on the time going by.

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The set list on the night was as follows

The Jig
Guinevere
Dave solo
The Hymn/Julia
My solo - LJW 
Sweet Georgia Brown
Sea Horses
Make Me A Woman
Dad solo - Dance Of A Thousand Lights
Georgia On My Mind
Norwegian Wood/Help

Encores
Summertime
Sweet Georgia Brown

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It all seemed to go really well and the audience really enjoyed it. We played two encores, although the 2nd one was more Tony's fault as he wanted to play Sweet Georgia Brown again and just started it when we were about to leave the stage!

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The whole show was supposed to be broadcast live via Dad's online TV channel but, due to the terrible weather conditions (thunder and lightening) the company were unable to link to the satellite. So apologies to all those who were looking forward to watching from their sofas but there was nothing that could be done unfortunately.

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I drove halfway home to the outskirts of London so that I could be closer to home in case of an emergency phone call and then headed back early in the morning just in case a baby planned on arriving. I opened the front door half expecting to hear a little bit of baby crying...but all was quiet!

 

UPDATE - Wednesday July 10th

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I realise that this is now turning into a bit of a diary rather than a blog but I hadn't finished writing it (which I started last week) by the time we had to go hospital on Friday morning...

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...and then 16 hours later I was a father for the second time as my wife Lisa gave birth to our second child, a daughter called Lottie Alys Wakeman, at 1.56am on Saturday morning!

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Mother and daughter are now back home and doing really well and my son Arthur is now a very proud and helpful big brother!

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I must just thank everyone who has sent emails and messages via the website, Twitter, MySpace, Forums and Facebook. It's very kind of everyone to take a moment to celebrate our new born child!

Anyway, better finish up as I'm require to change a nappy (or diaper for our US friends)!

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Oliver

July 2012

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6th July

Oliver Wakeman & Gordon Giltrap Tour press release...

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Guitar Legend and the next generation of keyboard wizardry join forces!

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September and October 2012 will see guitar legend Gordon Giltrap and keyboardist Oliver Wakeman (fresh from 4 years of touring with the classic progressive rock band YES) performing together for the first UK leg of their 'Ravens & Lullabies' tour.

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In early 2012, Gordon contacted Oliver with a request for his keyboards services for an album idea he had. Within 24 hours the initial idea had changed beyond recognition and a full blown collaborative project was in the works. Oliver and Gordon have embarked upon this new chapter in their careers and are currently finishing their debut album 'Ravens & Lullabies'.

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Featuring a variety of guitars and keyboards, which are their tools in trade, these shows will be the first public performances of a selection of pieces from the new album as well as new arrangements of classic material from both of their retrospective careers.

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One of the most innovative acoustic guitarists in the UK today, Gordon Giltrap has developed his own unique style, much copied, but never bettered. It is impossible not to be awestruck as he coaxes incredible melodies from his instruments; you almost suspect a second pair of hands. He is well known for his varied musical output and 'Heartsong' (a hit single from the album 'Perilous Journey' in 1977) is instantly recognized as the theme for the BBC TV's long running 'Holiday' programme.

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Following ten solo albums in a variety of styles, Oliver Wakeman joined the legendary band 'YES' in 2008, touring with them up until mid-2011. A live CD and triple vinyl release, 'In The Present - Live from Lyon', was a fitting bookend to his period in the band. He also worked with the folk rock band 'The Strawbs' and appeared on their last studio album as well as their 40th Anniversary CD release. Appearing in venues across North and South America, Europe and the UK with YES, Strawbs and as a solo artist, he has become a well respected live performing musician to add to his other talents as composer, songwriter, lyricist, arranger and producer.

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Gordon says "Working with Oliver is like a breath of fresh air. I knew of his reputation as a fine musician, and it made perfect sense for me to tap into his creative energy, not only to bring out certain elements of my musical gifts but to create something new and exciting, at the same time giving a nod in the direction of our respective Progressive Rock roots"

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Oliver adds, "After working with YES, the chance of working with another legendary artist was an opportunity too good to miss. I am having a wonderfully productive time working with Gordon and feel we are creating something genuinely unique in our 'Raven's & Lullabies' project."

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The tour starts on the 22nd of September 2012 at Huntingdon Hall in Worcester and continues through into late October.

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So, with their collective histories and talents to draw inspiration from, be prepared for an evening of beautiful compositions, wit and charm from these two virtuosos.

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7th June

Oliver and Rick Wakeman to perform one off concert...

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Rick & the Acoustic Rock Style Ensemble.

Thursday 21st June 7.30pm

Rick Wakeman with his Acoustic Rock Style Ensemble

Rick Wakeman - piano

special guest

Oliver Wakeman - piano

with

Dave Colquhoun - acoustic guitars

Ashley Holt - vocals

Tony Fernandez - percussion

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This concert is a new addition due to the unforeseen cancellation at Crystal Palace on June 23rd.

It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to include in the concert series, as the artists rarely perform together, and just happen to be in Norfolk... This will be one of two appearances by Rick who maintains his solo concert at the end of the season

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This will be a very unique evening in many respects. Rick has never ever done an unplugged before with a band and also this will be the first time that his son Oliver and he will have performed an entire concert together.

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The music will include many surprises and will bear no resemblance whatsoever to the rock show that he does with The English Rock Ensemble. It is also unlikely ever to be repeated so certainly one not to miss. As well as the music from Rick and the band, there will be solo spots from both Oliver and Dave Colquhoun.

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Another first will be a questions and answers where questions can be asked not only to Rick but to any of the guys on stage. (Rick is extremely nervous about letting them anywhere near a microphone, but nevertheless has succumbed) !!!

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Ashley Holt was one of the original members and album performers from 1974

It's going to be a very special occasion and will also be broadcast on Rick's online TV station!

 

Further information is available at www.rwcc.com

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Separate booking form available from this link

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1st May

May Newlist Update...

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As always seems to happen, when the website shows no activity that usually means that there is plenty going on in the background!

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These last two months have been quite exciting and frustrating in equal measures but that's part of the creative process I guess!

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Plans are moving forward for the release of Cultural Vandals and possibly some of my back catalogue too which could be very interesting. It would be great to get some of my albums which have been out of print for a while available again. But we will have a better idea over the next few months as to how and when these releases are going to take place.

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Gordon Giltrap and I have been working really hard on our new project and a press release about the tour is due at the end of May with tour details for the first leg.

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There are to be two legs, the first in late 2012 and the second in 2013 where we will hope to play some European dates too. Nothing is planned for the US at the moment unfortunately, but if the album is well received we would certainly like to play in other countries other than the UK.

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The tour will be Gordon and myself performing as a duo but we may well put together a full band show if the album is well received and there is sufficient interest.

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The album itself is taking shape really nicely, and there is a great balance of songs and instrumentals. It has been really nice to work with a artist who gives me a lot a freedom and free reign to experiment with his ideas and some of the results have really surprised me. We have come up with some really interesting and accessible music which should please people hopefully.

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All the music has now been written and we are now at the arrangement stage where we sit and listen to everything in its demo format and decide if there are sections which don't work as well as they should, whether a vocal line needs changing, whether a development of an idea should take place etc. We are also hoping that the line up of the musicians on the album will be decided upon over the next month or two and then we can start looking into the recording portion of the project.

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It is a very rewarding point to have arrived at as this album has really taken over our lives for the last few months. I've really enjoyed working with Gordon, he's very easy going, very focused and, like myself, determined to make this an album that stands out as a special moment in our respective careers. I really can't wait for people to hear it but I know I've a lot of work ahead of me to get there, but it's work I love doing and I believe it will be worth the wait.

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The proposed release for the album is towards the end of this year or early next year, but it all depends on which company takes the project and where it fits into their release schedule.

I 'tweet' regularly about the process (as you may have seen from the Twitter feed on the home page) and I am grateful for all the responses and suggestions I receive (even if I don't get time to reply to them all for which I apologise!). If you want to follow me directly then please do so with the following link @OliverWakeman.

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The website has been updated with some photos from the CRS awards night (for which I was the guest presenter) and I will also be posting some pictures of Gordon and I when he is next here for a recording session. I have also just received a copy of the magazine Rock Society which features an in-depth interview with me about my work with Yes, Strawbs and the forthcoming albums and projects.

I have also recorded a radio interview with Roman from http://www.krvr.com/ which will be broadcast soon. We'll let you know when it is due to air but my section on the show will be about an hour in length including music from the various albums I've been involved with.

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So in between meetings, interviews, awards ceremonies, the occasional session and writing the album with Gordon...I've also been spending a lot of time buying baby stuff for our new daughter who is due in early July, although my wife is insistent that she will be earlier than that!

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Told you I've been busy!

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All the best, Oliver.

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5th March

March Newslist Update

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As another month has passed by I thought I'd write a short update on what is going on in my music world at the moment!

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Although from the outside all seems relatively quiet, behind the scenes there has been a lot of activity and hopefully it will all come to fruition soon and we'll have exciting news on the way!

Oliver & Gordon

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It has been quite a hectic month with more writing going on for the new album - although we had to stop for a week or two as Gordon had quite a few concerts and I moved house! (I'm currently writing this with a huge pile of audio and midi leads on the floor which I know all need to be re-plugged in for the studio to be operational!)

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However, this week, work will resume as there has been a real momentum building with this project. Gordon and I have been talking about the other musicians we would like to have involved in the project and have some interesting ideas at the moment bubbling away. We have found an artist whose work seems to fit the project beautifully and we have also have a theme and title for the album as well as plenty of music!

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There are currently lots of shows being discussed and dates are starting to be booked so keep checking back for more info.

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Social media

As some of you may know, I recently joined Twitter and have started to tweet regularly on all thing musical. It is a really enjoyable way of keeping followers in the know much quicker than the monthly updates and so if you would like to follow my 'tweets' simply follow me @OliverWakeman. These feeds also go directly to the website, the Facebook page and the MySpace site so you can still see what's happening.

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Awards night

Many of you may be aware of the Classic Rock Society and all the great work it has done helping and promoting various bands over the years.

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It was, up until recently, being run by my good friend Martin Hudson who in recent years passed over the reins to Miles and Steve. I was lucky enough to win the award for best keyboard player on three separate occasions but this year was slightly different as I was invited to be the special guest and hand out the awards!

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I traveled up on Saturday afternoon and met up with Martin which gave us enough time to catch up and carry out an interview which will be in the next magazine hopefully. It was a really enjoyable interview as it was the first of the year and covered a multitude of subjects from Yes and Strawbs through to the new projects.

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We then had a great meal prepared by Martins lovely wife Sharon and we then had a quick bit of time to get changed for the evening. Martin and I then headed off to drive to the venue (playing him some of the demos for the Cultural Vandals album on the way - which he really liked!).

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I arrived at the venue and it was great to meet up with so many people I haven't seen for such a long time. Amongst the guest on the evening were Paul Manzi (from my band), Steve Hackett (solo and ex-Genesis), Bryon Josh and Olivia Sparnenn (Mostly Autumn), Rob Reed and Christina Booth (Magenta), Nick Barrett (Pandragon), Clive Nolan (Arena, Pendragon), Mick Pointer (ex-Marillion, Arena), John Mitchell (It Bites, Arena), John Jowitt (IQ, Arena) as well as many others.

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The awards ceremony started with a brief chat and a couple of stories from myself and then we moved onto handing out the awards which went pretty smoothly! One moment which was particularly amusing was when Steve Hackett won best guitarist, this was because Steve had given me one of my awards in 2008! We will hopefully have some photos of the evening appearing on the website soon.

I then managed to spend a bit of time chatting to various fans and friends before heading to the pub with Martin for a quick strong coffee before I started the long journey back home. I had a great night and apparently Gordon and I have been booked to play for the CRS in October!

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YouTube

BlueDot music have made my track 'Sahasrara' (from the Chakras album) the featured video this month on the Blue Dot YouTube channel.

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Anyway, that's all for the moment, more news when we have it! All the best, Oliver

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1st February

Website overhaul and Twitter

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Many of you may have noticed the major change to the website over the last day or so. There are a few more tweaks to come but the new look seemed like a good idea for the new year!

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Besides the obvious graphical changes, you may have noticed the twitter feed that is now present on the front page. To quote Oliver - "Last year I received emails from quite a few people asking when I was going to start 'Tweeting'. I decided that, as I wasn't touring and just writing by myself, I didn't want to join up and then start tweeting about nothing in particular and so I decided to wait.

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However, the new album with Gordon Giltrap made me rethink my decision as I thought it might be nice to start tweeting at the beginning of a project. This would give me the opportunity to explain some of the insight into recording a new album from scratch in short, interesting (hopefully!) bursts via Twitter. Hopefully those who kept asking me to 'Tweet' will now join me on Twitter so I don't end up tweeting to no-one!"

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If you would like to follow Oliver on Twitter, you can do so by clicking on Oliver's name at the top of the Twitter feed on the front page, clicking the Twitter button in the footer of the site, by visiting Oliver's Twitter page.
 

28th January

Oliver Wakeman and Gordon Giltrap

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We are proud to announce that Oliver and the world renown guitarist Gordon Giltrap have started work on a new collaboration. The album is in its very early stages but things are already progressing very quickly and there is a lot of enthusiasm (and music) flying around at the moment.

Gordon and Oliver first met during one of his Dad's Christmas concerts where they both performed back in 2009. Gordon recently contacted Oliver with the offer of performing on his next solo album but this soon changed into a full scale collaboration. The final tone of the album hasn't been decided upon yet as both are keen to let the music lead the way but it will certainly be a welcome addition to both their catalogues!

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The following is taken from Gordon's website - "On the creative front I am currently collaborating with that outstanding keyboard player Mr Oliver Wakeman. He and I are working together on my first 'rock' album since the late 70's.This project will see a return to my 'Prog Rock' roots, and the prospect of working with a man considered by many to be one of the best in the business truly excites me!"

The guys are also planning to perform live together and so there is a lot to look forward to - watch this space!

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20th January

Oliver's track 'Sahasrara' available on YouTube

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There is now a dedicated playlist of a selection of Oliver's music on the BlueDotMusic YouTube channel. The latest addition is the track 'Sahasrara' which appeared on the album 'Chakras'.

This piece and the full album are now available on iTunes.

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19th January

Oliver announced as Guest presenter at Classic Rock Society Awards night

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Some of you may be familiar with the Classic Rock Society in the UK. It has been running for many years now tirelessly supporting musicians and putting on concerts as well as releasing a bi-monthly magazine.

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Each year there is an awards ceremony and awards are handed out to the musicians voted for by the readership. Oliver was fortunate enough to win the best Keyboard Player award on three separate occasions!

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This year, however, Oliver has been asked to be the guest presenter at the awards and hand out the awards to the lucky winners. It should be a great evening and Oliver is looking forward to meeting up with lots of old friends!

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More information about the Classic Rock Society can be found on their website which is www.classicrocksociety.co.uk

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