'Amazing Grace'
DVD & CD package to be released in time for Easter
by British music legend Rick Wakeman
By Dan Wooding
 |
| Amazing Grace cover |
SHEPPERTON, UK
(ANS) -- To celebrate the forthcoming launch of the "Amazing Grace"
DVD & CD package, which is set for release on April 2nd 2007, the
Studio T label is planning to present an exclusive screening of Rick
Wakeman's "Amazing Grace" DVD at Shepperton Film
Studios, just outside of London, to premier the brand new production.
A
spokesperson for the Studio T Label said, "All screening ticket
purchases include a copy of the DVD & CD, plus, fans will be
treated to some never seen before recordings, filmed in
High-Definition."
The screenings are on March 27th and 28th at 8pm at
Shepperton
Studios in the UK. The tickets cost £30 and include a copy of the
DVD/CD package. For details on how to obtain tickets go to
www.rwcc.com.
"The DVD & CD will feature a timeless collection of
beautiful, inspiring, instrumental arrangements of traditional hymns,
with variations on some of the most popular melodies and themes ever
produced and are set for release on April 2nd 2007 to coincide with
this years Easter festivities," said the Studio T Label spokesperson.
"The '
Amazing Grace'
DVD & CD package has been arranged and performed by music legend
and TV/Radio personality Rick Wakeman and reveals another side of one
of music's most gifted and revered personalities. This is a stunning
and emotive selection of internationally celebrated Christian hymns."
Rick Wakeman's name is synonymous with the music which
shaped a
generation. During the late 60's and early 70's, he established himself
as a well respected and hard working session musician, collaborating
with artists as diverse as Black Sabbath, Cat Stevens, Elton John,
David Bowie and Lou Reed. Rick's career rapidly evolved and he is
probably best known in the music world for his string of multi-million
selling hit solo albums and as a member of the folk-band The Strawbs
and Progressive-Rock legends Yes.
The
DVD features Rick Wakeman recording live in the studio 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. Rick 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.
Rick 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 has expressed 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," he said. "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 weaved 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 Easter release of "Amazing Grace"
on April 2nd 2007, coincides with Rick Wakeman's appearance on a BBC TV
Easter Special and BBC Radio 2's "Good Morning Sunday Show" to
celebrate Easter Sunday this year with presenter Aled Jones.
This "Amazing Grace"
package also highlights the cherished title tune, originally penned by
John Newton in the 1770's. The hymn is subject to somewhat of a
commemoration this year to mark the 200th Anniversary of the "Abolition
of Slavery" and its roots are firmly linked to the events that led to
an abolishment of the slave trade 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 and it continues," said
the Studio T Label spokesperson.
The soundtrack will also be available from worldwide AUDIO
DIGITAL DOWNLOAD stores and a VIDEO DIGITAL DOWNLOAD release is also
planned for the project.
Rick Wakeman's website is at www.rwcc.com.
| Dan Wooding is an award winning
British
journalist now living in Southern California with his wife Norma. He is
the founder and international director of ASSIST (Aid to Special Saints
in Strategic Times) and the ASSIST News Service (ANS). He was, for ten
years, a commentator, on the UPI Radio Network in Washington, DC.
Wooding is the author of some 42 books, the latest of which is his
autobiography, "From Tabloid to Truth", which is published by Theatron
Books. To order a copy, go to www.fromtabloidtotruth.com.
danjuma1@aol.com. |
