This excellent solo piano album (also released, in fact, as
The Piano Album) was recorded at Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, California in 1994. It's a wide-ranging survey of
Wakeman's career, featuring new instrumental versions of songs
Wakeman recorded with
Yes,
ABWH, and
the Strawbs; songs he recorded as a sideman with
David Bowie (
"Space Oddity" and "Life On Mars") and
Cat Stevens ("Morning Has Broken"); and solo material both classic and recent, including a definitive version of "Gone But Not Forgotten."
Wakeman is in great form throughout, and this is one of his most enjoyable releases. (There's also a matching video, also titled
Simply Acoustic.) ~ Stephen Raiteri