The Oliver Wakeman Band

Oliver Wakeman - Piano & Keyboards

Oliver Wakeman is an award winning keyboardist and composer.

Oliver Wakeman was born into a musical family and is the eldest son of rock musician Rick Wakeman. He has written and appeared on various albums, all of which have been released to critical acclaim.

Oliver's musical career started at about the age of 5 with piano lessons taken during break time at New Gregories School in Beaconsfield. As a child, Oliver would often sit at his dad's grand piano in the lounge and run his fingers haphazardly over the keys thinking that if he did it enough times them something tuneful would happen and one day it did - only briefly, but it was enough to make the young Oliver sit there all day, annoying everyone, trying to 'guess-play'. Eventually Oliver realised that he was just going to have to learn to play properly.

Oliver's recording career started in 1984 when he and his younger brother Adam contributed backing vocals to a track on father Rick's "Cost of Living" album. The track is called 'Bedtime Stories' and to this day is the only track that features Oliver, Adam and Rick Wakeman on the same song.

At age 17 Oliver started to gig regularly in pubs in the Devon area and considers those experiences to be as important as the formal musical training he has received. 1989 saw Oliver's own personal recording debut as part of the band 'Obssession'. He featured on the cassette-only release "Debut of Desire'". Oliver wrote one song for the album called 'Into the Mirror' which he is still threatening to re-record one of these days. Oliver left 'Obssession' and started college in his late teens. He trained as a graphic design artist and holds a diploma in the subject. He continued to perform on the North Devon music scene as an integal part of the Rock Blues band "Smokestack" which was well regarded by the public and fellow musicians alike. Oliver left the band in early 2002 although he was re-united with the members of the band when they were the backing band at his wedding reception!

1997 saw the release of Oliver's first solo album "Heaven's Isle". "Heaven's Isle" was written at the request of the Landmark Trust to promote their 1997 season of Lundy Island. The album was re-released throughout Europe by Verglas music in late 1999. Music from this album has been used by BBC 1 & Independent Television for various programmes. The Tarka Tourism board's video "The Secret Country of the Two Rivers" also features music from this album.

His second album 'Jabberwocky' (a collaboration with London based musician Clive Nolan) was released in early 1999 and featured an all star cast, including Peter Banks (Yes), Tony Fernandez (Strawbs), Rick Wakeman, Tracey Hitchings (Landmarq) & Bob Catley (Magnum).

Oliver's 3rd album, "The 3 Ages of Magick", an instrumental work, was recorded with Steve Howe (Yes, Asia), who contributed guitars and executive production duties. This album was released in July 2001 to ecstatic reviews. The album was launched at the well known London music venue 'The 12 Bar Club' where Oliver performed to an invited audience.

Oliver and Clive released the follow up to 1999's 'Jabberwocky' album with "The Hound of the Baskervilles" in early 2002. The album featured a similar cast plus Arjen Lucassen (Aryeon), Ashley Holt (Rick Wakeman Band), Karl Groom (Threshold) as well as Robert Powell, the world renowned actor, narrating as Dr Watson. Again this album received rave reviews.

A commissioned new age album, "Chakras", was released in early 2002 and a further commissioned work 'Spiritual Enlightenment' was released in early 2003. His album 'Purification by Sound' was released by President Records in May 2003 and has received glowing reviews from various magazines. 2003 also saw Oliver team up with the Celtic singer Rachel for the 'The View from Here' single which was followed by a live performance from the band at the CRS Awards night in 2002.

Oliver was also commissioned to write a variety of incidental music for six poetry CD's. One of which features the voice of Derek Jacobi who is well known for his various film roles. Oliver has also written music for various corporate companies in order to launch or promote their products including the pro-audio company Allen & Heath. Oliver also composed the jingle for the CD version of the TV show 'Name That Tune'.

2004 saw the piece of music 'The Progress of the Soul' from the Divine Harmonies album feature as the title music for the 'A Guide to Spiritual Healing' DVD. 2004 also saw Oliver appear on Ayreon's "The Human Equation" album along with other musicians such as James LaBrie (Dream Theatre), Ken Hensley (ex-Uriah Heap) and Heather Findlay (Mostley Autumn). This also had the excitement of Oliver's first appearance on a top 10 album.

As well as appearing on the 'ProgAID' charity single (alongside Neal Morse and Arjen Lucassen and others), which raised funds for the Asian Tsunami disaster relief fund, he also appeared on Steve Howe's CD 'Spectrum' which was released in July 2005.

During 2006 Oliver took to the road with his new band performing selections from his 'Mother's Ruin' album (which was released to critical acclaim in late 2005/early 2006) as well as songs from his back catalogue. Oliver also appeared as a member of Bob Catley's (Magnum) touring band playing in the UK and Europe.

Oliver has been nominated for the Classic Rock Society's 'Best Keyboard Player' award on many occasions and in 2006 he won and received the award from Carl Palmer (Aisa ELP) at the annual CRS awards night. 2007 saw Oliver win the award for a second time and received this award from John Wetton (Asia). In 2008 Oliver was fortunate to win the award for the third year in a row and received his award from ex-Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett.

2008 saw Oliver join Yes members Chris Squire, Steve howe and Alan White for the 'In the Present' world tour.

At the beginning of 2009 Oliver was announced as the keyboard player for the Strawbs tours of Canada, Europe and the UK. He also performed as a member of the band on the 2009 release, 'Dancing to the Devil's Beat' (produced by Grammy nominated producer Chris Tsangarides) for which Oliver co-wrote a track with Strawbs founder Dave Cousins.

With the Howe/Squire/White line up now called YES, Oliver embarked on world tours throughout 2009, 2010 and 2011, performing over 150 shows as a member of the band.

In 2010 Oliver appeared on the Strawbs 40th anniversary live double CD, 'Strawberry Fayre'.

In 2011 Oliver was credited as a performer and writer on the last Yes studio release 'Fly From Here'. He also appears on the latest Yes CD and DVD release 'In the Present - Live from Lyon' handling all the keyboard duties. Oliver also appears in the documentary film which accompanies this release.

2012 will see the release of his new solo album, 'Cultural Vandals'.

Paul Manzi - Vocals

Paul Manzi was born in 1963, London. He bought his first guitar when he was fifteen (A Flying V copy inspired by KK Downing of Judas Priest) and proceeded to play guitar in his school band. Paul's early influences were Led Zepplin, Deep Purple, Rush, Queen to name but a few.

Paul found his voice and started singing at age 23 (late starter) and 2 years later joined progressive rock band 'Barchetta'. He gained notable recording experience at Abbey Road Studios, (only because Pete the guitarist worked as an accountant there) and equally notable live experience including playing at the Old Marquee supporting progressive rock band 'Pallas'.

Since then Paul has kept busy doing session vocals and working in various successful cover bands/trios/duos/solo as a singer/guitarist (one has to pay the rent). More recently Paul has performed lead vocals on the soundtrack of 2 rock/pop musicals 'Phantasmagoria' and Space Family Robinson, which was in production in 2003. He is also an aspiring actor, and has performed in theatre and on film.

Paul joined Oliver's band in mid 2004 and has proved himself to be a fantastic frontman. He first performed with the band for their concert at the Classic Rock Society on the 18th September 2004. He has continued to perform with both the band and with Oliver as an acoustic duo. In 2007 Paul got to record with Oliver on the Mother's Ruin ep.

Although Paul's versatility as a musician has enabled him to cross musical styles including soul, jazz, latin, pop and musical theatre, he has now come full circle back to his rock roots.

David Mark Pearce - Guitars

David Mark Pearce is a guitarist, songwriter, sound engineer and producer.

David, from Penzance (Cornwall in the United Kingdom), began playing the guitar, at the age of fifteen, after first learning to play the drums. His first experience, as part of a band, came at the age of eighteen and was followed by several more until he left Penzance to attend the London College of Music and Media. On completion of his course, in 1996, he received a Diploma in Music Technology and began his career as a much sought after engineer and producer.

David's band affiliations include the UK melodic Rock band "Union Jane" and the Cornwall based folk rock group, "Naked Feet". Whilst at work in 2002 and following a period of reflection after leaving "Naked Feet", the opportunity which changed his musical career forever presented itself.

One of his Allen & Heath work colleagues, Mike Clarke, a friend of keyboard player Oliver Wakeman, asked David to listen to some of Oliver's tunes. David was impressed and, jokingly, enquired whether or not Oliver needed a guitarist, to which the answer was a surprising "Yes!"! After submitting his own work, in addition to several ideas he had for the band, he was hired. The first project he and Oliver worked on was the un-released album "Anam Cara" album mix, upon which he also contributed acoustic and electric guitar support.

It was the first of many projects with Oliver and the band. Other projects have included: Mixing and electric/acoustic guitar support for the CD single "The View From Here"; mixing Oliver's last commissioned album "Angels"; mixing Oliver's relaxation albums "Purification by Sound" and "Enlightenment and Inspiration"; electric guitar support on the Oliver Wakeman Band's latest release "Mother's Ruin".

Since his debut with the Oliver Wakeman Band at the Oakwood Centre, Rotherham, UK in December 2002, his association with the band has taken many interesting twists and turns, including, as part of The Oliver Wakeman band, supporting Arjen Luccassen's band, "Stream of Passion" in Sheffield, appearing at the prestigious 'Fordhamfest' festival, Cambridge, UK and an appearance with Oliver at one of the UK Classic Rock Society's acoustic evenings, where he showcased his talent on classical guitar. A big highlight was the 2008 performance and filming of 'The Oliver Wakeman Band' "Coming to Town - Live in Katowice" DVD and CD (Metal Mind Productions) at the Wyspianski Theatre in Katowice, Poland. Another seminal event for David was supporting Steve Howe at Oliver & Lisa Wakeman's wedding reception.

David wrote and recorded his own EP, "Shelter Me From The Rain". More recently, he co-produced and was sound engineer, also providing guitar support, for keyboard player Lisa LaRue on her album "Lisa LaRue Project 2K9 World Class" (Finger Woven Records), which was released in November 2009. David co-wrote the song "There Are No Words" with Lisa La-Rue for the project.

This year, 2011, David has completed his soon to be released debut solo album entitled "Strange Ang3ls" (available on the Metal Heaven label Europe June 24th and the UK June 27th) featuring: Goran Edman (ex - Yngwie Malmsteen, John Nurum and Talisman amongst others) and John Payne (AFJP - Asia feat John Payne) on Vocals, Lisa LaRue - Keyboards; C S Brown (Ghost Circus) on Bass; and Mikael Wikman (ex- Vindictiv) on Drums, with a special guest appearance by 'Yes' keyboard player - Oliver Wakeman!

You can also find out more about Dave at his myspace site - www.myspace.com/davidmarkpearce

Dave Wagstaffe - Drums

Dave started playing drums at age eleven, being initially self taught from listening to records and watching other drummers on TV and elsewhere, though much later studied for a number of years with American drum teacher and author Joel Rothman.

Left school on a mad impulse to join the Army as a boy entrant at age 15, with a short spell in the regimental band. Left two years later to join his first gigging and recording band 'The Clouds' followed by Blues band 'Second Sight'.

Shortly after, moved to London to find more opportunities in the music business .After going to numerous jam session and auditions, Dave eventually formed Blues Rock band 'Argus' with future Paul Young/Q tips/Hackensack bassist Mick Pearl and guitarist Del Watkins, formerly of the excellent cult band 'Julian's Treatment'. They spent the next two years doing the rock clubs and universities around the country, and touring with such bands as Thin Lizzie, Lindisfarne, Pink Faries, Brinsley Schwartz (with Nick Lowe) and others. The band recorded one album. After Argus, Dave played in Jazz-Rock band 'Anaconda' doing the rounds of the London jazz clubs and pubs including two appearances at 'Ronnie Scott's', once with Sarah Vaughn and once with Joe Pass.

Since then, Dave's drumming has covered a wide range of styles over the years, playing with a variety of bands and artists including , John Wetton, Ken Hensley, Patrick Moraz , Dave Kilminster, Danny Kirwan, Peter Haycock, Peter Banks, Davy O List of The Nice, John Mizzaroli, Andy Pyle, Ted Turner, ELO's Hugh McDowell, Mick Box (Uriah Heep), James Litherland (Colosseum), Brian Willoughby (Strawbs) and Jamie West-Oran (Tina Turner), (the latter three in different line-ups of 'Willie and The Shakers' sharing the drum chair at different times with Clive Bunker and Les Binks) Heavy-Metal outfit 'Gaskin', progressive rock bands 'Quasar', Janison Edge and Landmarq (from 1990 to present) 'World Music' artist Cyrus Khajavi, played in the musicals 'West Side Story', 'Billy' 'Grease' and 'Annie', and as drummer/vocalist in tribute band 'The Illegal Eagles'.

Dave was also drum teacher for Ivor Arbiter's 'Fender Rock School' between 1999/2000 and still manages to teach drums in a number of schools and colleges around London.

Dave and Oliver first met in 2001 when Oliver journeyed to Virginia Water for the 'Jabberwocky' sessions. Keen eyed album inlay readers will have noted that Dave also sang in the Jabberwocky choir!

Dave appeared on Oliver's '3 Ages of Magick' album with Steve Howe and also played on the subsequent 'The View from Here' E.P as well as the 'Mother's Ruin' album.

In 2008 Dave joined the Downtime Big Band for a brief period, playing contempory and standard Big Band charts, and the same year started working with Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash up to the present day.

You can also find out more about Dave at his myspace site - www.myspace.com/dwagstaffe

Paul Brown - Bass

Paul began playing bass at the age of fourteen to join a less than impressive school band, and despite being all but pushed into the position, quickly developed a strong interest playing music. The band lasted about 2 years (which was 23 months too long), but in that time he had learned the basics to give him the confidence to find a more 'serious' band.

Over the next couple of years he played in several bands which failed to get off the ground. One of these ill-fated bands was Event Horizon. Despite being doomed from the outset, it was here that he played alongside keyboard player Dave Boland, with whom he formed Hybrid soon after the band's predictable demise.

Hybrid were a progressive four piece heavily influenced by Rush, which gave Paul an opportunity to experiment with more complex and creative bass playing. The band briefly gigged and recorded a demo but fell apart after the departure of a key member.

Before his departure from Hybrid, Paul was introduced to Clive Nolan by a singer who had auditioned for the band. Clive had just finished producing the first Medicine Man album in his studio and was aware they needed a bass player to play the material live. The position was offered to Paul, he accepted, and went on to play on the next two albums.

During this time Paul was also introduced to another band who were recording at Thin Ice studios by the name of Janison Edge. He met with the keyboard player during a drum recording session (involving a certain Dave Wagstaffe) and after hearing the music quickly agreed to join, playing on the band's album and subsequent gigs. It was through meeting Dave in this band that Paul was recommended to Oliver some six years later.

About a year before joining the Oliver Wakeman Band, Paul was invited to join Merchant's Vice, a Berkshire based progressive rock band. He gigged with them for 2 years and subsequently co-wrote and played on what was to be their only full length album. The band sadly dissolved shortly after this following the loss of a key member.

This year Paul has supplied the bass for the latest album by David O'List (co-founder of The Nice), which is due to be released this year.