And then there is Wakeman, whose fingers moved across the keys at mach three, punching out what seemed like a hundred notes per millisecond. Backed by Squire, Howe, and Bruford, the first three tracks are, at times, indistinguishable from lengthy Yes excursions. Unfortunately this rapturous sonata is followed by a pair of ponderous tracks from the pompous and heartless Journey to the Centre of the Earth . The general unevenness of this record underscores Wakeman's position as a composer of programmic music.
Recollections is a mixed bag.
For the listener willing to be strapped into Wakeman's time machine, the adventure has its rewarding moments. At times, though, the ride can be rattling. All rights reserved.