Now, Wakeman will release a new DVD and CD called 'Rick Wakeman - Amazing Grace' set for North American distribution on June 5.
MVD Visual by exclusive arrangement with Studio T is pleased to announce the release this project, which is the first of many to be released in a newly formed partnership with Studio T.
The project is "a timeless collection of beautiful, inspiring, instrumental arrangements of traditional hymns, with variations on some of the most popular melodies and themes ever produced," according to a media release.
"The 'Amazing Grace' DVD & CD package has been arranged and performed by Wakeman and reveals another side to one of music's most gifted and revered personalities. This collection is a stunning and emotive selection of internationally celebrated hymns," the release states.
Also included on both the CD and DVD release is a bonus vocal track of Amazing Grace, arranged and performed by Wakeman, featuring the wonderful vocals of his daughter Jemma Wakeman (aged 24) and The English Chamber Choir.
The release also says: "The DVD features live studio performances from Wakeman on the Grand Piano, crafted with motion pictures, high-end graphics and emotive imagery to bring to life stunning visual interpretations shaped from a collection of material that many will be familiar with, whether from a religious background or not."
Wakeman's unique arrangements of 'All Things Bright and Beautiful', 'Amazing Grace', 'Jerusalem', 'Ode To Joy' and 'Abide With Me' are just some of the hymns featured, which have served both historic and important roles in worldwide Christian communities, and in fact all walks of life.
'Morning Has Broken', which Rick originally recorded with Cat Stevens and subsequently reached the top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic during 1971, is another well-known title also featured in the collection. Wakeman says: "Some of these melodies are so well known that they easily convey the spiritual message quite beautifully when simply performed without words."
A devoted Christian, Rick Wakeman expresses his love for hymns (yet not all of them admittedly): "I just love what they stand for and the fantastic role that they play in our worship. I also consider the hymn to be an important part of outreach, especially at Easter and Christmas. Not only do some have lyrical and meaningful words that help us all with our worship and understanding, but the melodies are some of the most beautiful ever written."
Wakeman has woven subtle intricacies throughout this 'Amazing Grace' soundtrack and created masterful variations upon the original themes that allow new chord structures and new harmonies to be introduced, which complement the originals without deviation from the desired spiritual path.
This timely release of 'Amazing Grace' on June 5 follows Wakeman's presentation of a BBC One TV Easter Special called "Amazing Grace - The True Story Of The Song," which traces the history and the lasting appeal of the world's favorite hymn Amazing Grace on both sides of the Atlantic. Rick also celebrates Easter Sunday this year with presenter Aled Jones on BBC Radio 2's 'Good Morning Sunday Show' in the UK.
"This 'Amazing Grace' package also highlights the cherished title tune, originally penned by John Newton in the 1770's," the release states. It adds: "The hymn is subject to somewhat of a commemoration this year to mark the 200th Anniversary of the 'Abolition of the Slave Trade' and its roots are firmly linked to the events that led to the passing of the Slave Trade Act within the British Empire in 1807. 'Amazing Grace', like many of the pieces featured on the soundtrack have proved to produce an unprecedented impact on our society." The soundtrack will also be available from worldwide Audio Digital Download stores and a Video Digital Download release is also planned for the project.
DVD TRACKS
Amazing Grace
There Is A Green Hill Far Away
Glad That I Live Am I
Nearer, My God, To Thee
All Things Bright & Beautiful
Jerusalem
When We Walk With The Lord (Trust & Obey)
All People That On Earth Do Dwell
I Vow To Thee, My Country
When I Survey The Wondrous Cross
Morning Has Broken
Abide With Me
The Day Thou Gavest
Ode To Joy
Amazing Grace (Featuring Jemma Wakeman & The English Chamber Choir)
CD TRACKS
Amazing Grace (Featuring Jemma Wakeman & The English Chamber Choir)
Now Thank We All Our God
There Is A Green Hill Far Away
Morning Has Broken
Glad That I Live Am I
All Things Bright & Beautiful
Jesu, Lover Of My Soul
Nearer, My God, To Thee
Jerusalem
Come, O Come, Emmanuel
All People That On Earth Do Dwell
I Vow to Thee, My Country
When We Walk With The Lord (Trust & Obey)
Hills Of The North, Rejoice
When I Survey The Wondrous Cross
Abide With Me
Ode To Joy
The Day Thou Gavest
Amazing Grace (Alternative Version)
Official Website: http://www.rwcc.com/
Hi Res Cover Art is available at: http://files.dvdnote.com/images/300dpi/dvd5022x.jpg Selection #: DVD5022XUPC: 022891456698Street Date: 6/5/2007List Price:$19.95Running Time: 67 minutes Please visit the distributor on the web at http://www.mvdb2b.com/
** Michael Ireland is an international British freelance journalist. A former reporter with a London newspaper, Michael is the Chief Correspondent for ASSIST News Service of Lake Forest, California. Michael immigrated to the United States in 1982 and became a US citizen in September, 1995. He is married with two children. Michael has also been a frequent contributor to UCB Europe, a British Christian radio station.
** You may republish this story with proper attribution.
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