Across Pacific Magazine


'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.

Rick Wakeman plays at a Christmas concert (Picture from www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk)

"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.



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