Most of
Wakeman's albums revolve around a concept; this double album's only concept is of a collection of "rhapsodies," which here seems to mean "enthusiastic and improvisational pieces." The album is instrumental except for the opener, "Pedra de Gavea," where the electronically treated vocals are presumably by
Wakeman himself. Most of the pieces are concise for
Wakeman, and very lively and bright, with engaging lead parts and well-chosen keyboard sounds (something
Wakeman has not always managed). "Swan Lager" sets music by
Tchaikovsky and
Grieg to a reggae beat.
Wakeman's version of
George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" is actually a low point, but his version of
Gershwin's "Summertime" is nicely done. This was
Wakeman's last album for A&M Records. ~ Stephen Raiteri