Journey to the Centre of the Earth is the second album by English keyboardist Rick Wakeman, released on 3 May 1974 by A&M Records. It is a live recording of the second of his two concerts at the Royal Festival Hall on 18 January 1974, the premiere of his 40-minute orchestral rock piece based on Jules Verne’s 1864 science fiction novel of the same name. It tells the story of Professor Lidinbrook, his nephew Axel, and their guide Hans, who follow a passage to the Earth’s centre originally discovered by Arne Saknussemm, an Icelandic alchemist. Wakeman performs with the London Symphony Orchestra, the English Chamber Choir, and a group of hand-picked musicians for his rock band, which later became the English Rock Ensemble. Actor David Hemmings narrates the story. Journey to the Centre of the Earth was overall well received by music critics. It reached No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart, and peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 in the United States. It was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America in October 1974 for selling 500,000 copies. The album earned Wakeman a nomination for an Ivor Novello Award and a Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance. In 1999, Wakeman released a sequel album Return to the Centre of the Earth. After the original score was presumed lost, Wakeman was reunited with it in 2009 and re-recorded the album three years later with 18 minutes of music previously cut due to time constraints.
Tracklisting
- The Journey
- Recollection
- The Battle
- The Forest
Apple Music
Videos
Rick Wakeman - The Forest
More Videos
- Rick Wakeman Journey to the Centre of the Earth Full Album 1974 YouTube
- Rick Wakeman-Journey To The Center Of The Earth
- Rick Wakeman The Battle vinyl
- RICK WAKEMAN JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH 2012 (full album)
- Rick Wakeman The Journey Recollection vinyl
Release Images
Release Information
| Key | Value |
|---|---|
| Wikipedia URL | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Journey_to_the_Centre_of_the_Earth_(album) |
| Format | Vinyl LP Album Stereo (Gatefold Sleeve) |
| Label | A&M Records |
| Catalog Number | AMLH 63621 |
| Notes | Recorded in concert at The Royal Festival Hall London on Friday January 18th 1974. Production narrated by David Hemmings. Recorded by Ronnie Lane’s “Lyn Mobile Studio”. Mixed at Morgan Studios, London on 21st-29th January 1974. Rondor Music (London) Ltd. Garry Pickford-Hopkins appears by courtesy of Chrysalis Records Ltd. Sleeve printed and made in England by Gothic Print Finshers Ltd., London, SE9. Released with a booklet fixed into the center of the GF sleeve. The sleeves inner panels effectively make up the first 2 pages of the booklet. Different label image on [r449230] |
| Discogs URL | Rick Wakeman - Journey To The Centre Of The Earth |