Keyboard virtuoso Oliver Wakeman visited us on UAWIL #156 to talk about the John Wetton (Asia, King Crimson, UK) box set as it was being released. We had a wonderful time chatting with Oliver as we are big fans of John Wetton and John had been a mentor and friend to Oliver as they toured together in the early 2000s. We had so much fun that we asked him to come back to promote one of his own projects once he was ready. As Oliver has just released Anam Cara, a solo album 20 years in the making, he was gracious enough to join us again to discuss this beautiful new album.

But before you dismiss this as an over the top keyboard showcase, understand that's not this album at all. Oliver talks about how he writes songs in different styles or buckets - Celtic songs, acoustic songs, keyboard prog songs, love songs - and comes up with a theme for each of his solo albums. This album is a Celtic album and though you'll hear some amazing work on the keys from Oliver, you'll also hear a great deal of acoustic melody from guitarist Oliver Day (Fragile). Singer Hayley Griffiths (Riverdance) lends her lovely and powerful voice to give these songs the heart and soul they deserve. With Tory Donockley (Nightwish) and Scott Higham (Pendragon) rounding out the talent that helped bring Oliver's music to light, you have an album rich in texture of which you will discover many layers upon repeated listens. We talk about what Oliver loves about music, how songs can change peoples lives in unexpected ways and when you might be able to see him play live in the future.

Buy Anam Cara & stay on top of Oliver Wakeman's live shows: https://www.oliverwakeman.co.uk/

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