Rick Wakeman's Criminal Record



Rick Wakeman's Criminal Record is the seventh studio album by English keyboardist Rick Wakeman, released in November 1977 on A&M Records. The album was recorded in Montreux, Switzerland after Wakeman rejoined Yes in late 1976 as they were making Going for the One. With its concept loosely based on criminality, the album is an instrumental progressive rock record with the exception being "The Breathalyser", in which Bill Oddie provides spoken vocals. Bassist Chris Squire and drummer Alan White of Yes also play on three tracks.

The album received some mixed reviews upon release, and reached No. 25 in the UK. In 2006, the album was remastered as a limited edition with 5,000 copies produced.

Background
Wakeman intended the record to be similar to his first conceptual release, The Six Wives of Henry VIII (1973), but it did not turn out as he wished.

Equipment used
Source:
 * Steinway 9' Grand Piano
 * Minimoog synthesizer
 * Polymoog synthesizer
 * Hammond C3 organ
 * Birotron
 * Mander Pipe organ - recorded at the church of St. Martin, Vevey, Switzerland
 * RMI computer keyboard
 * Harpsichord
 * Fender Rhodes 88 electric piano
 * Hohner clavinet
 * Baldwin electric harpsichord
 * Church organ

Limited edition
In 2006, Hip-O Select released a limited, numbered edition (5000 copies) compact disc, the first CD issue of the album ever available outside Japan. The album has subsequently been re-issued on CD by Real Gone Music and is currently in print.

Personnel

 * Rick Wakeman – keyboard, producer
 * Chris Squire – bass
 * Alan White – drums
 * Frank Ricotti – percussion
 * Bill Oddie – vocals on 5
 * Ars Laeta Choir of Lausanne, Switzerland
 * Robert Mernoud – Conductor
 * John Timperley – engineer
 * Dave Richards - engineer