Almost all the past and present members of Yes have been interviewed for a book by band archivist and rock radio presenter Jon Kirkman.
He’s spoken to 16 of the 18 musicians to have graced the prog giants with their presence, and the results are to be published as Time And A Word.
Appearing so far are Peter Banks, Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, Rick Wakeman, Alan White, Geoff Downes, Bill Bruford, Billy Sherwood, Tony Kaye, Patrick Moraz, Tom Brislin, Trevor Rabin, Steve Howe, Oliver Wakeman, Benoit David and Jon Davison.
Kirkman says: “It’s a fascinating story for Yes fans, rock historians and anyone interested in the complex and creative relationships within a band of its stature.
“Since I know them so well, they’ve been able to talk openly and honestly about events over the past four decades.
“The book includes a Yes timeline to anchor the material, together with an impressive collection of rare and unseen on and offstage photos, and an album-by-album listeners’ guide. Much of the material has never been seen in print before.”
Time And A Word will be launched in limited-edition large format by Rufus Stone Publishers, with a conventional edition due later this winter. Some of Kirkman’s interview recordings will be included on a bonus CD. For more information visit www.yesphotobook.com.
Meanwhile, Yes have announced a ship-based festival, Cruise to the Edge, which will run on March 25-30 next year, also starring UK, Tangerine Dream, Saga, Carl Palmer, Nektar, Zebra and Glass Hammer. The vessel will sail from Fort Lauderdale, Grand Cayman, to Ocho Rios, Jamiaca. Register at www.cruisetothedge.com for more information.
Source: http://www.progrockmag.com
Martin Popoff’s new book about the Prog Legends
There are some bands that have such a long and complicated history, that maybe more than one book about them might be warranted. Yes are one of the few bands that are worthy of having multiple and then some. Aside from the legendary recordings, number one hits, and world tours, the shifting of personal and ousting of key members is bound to leave endless anecdotes unused. In Martin Popoff’s newest book, ‘A Time and a Word: The Yes Story’, many of these untold stories come to light in an engaging and interesting format.
Popoff builds the story almost exclusively through direct quotes from every key member from Steve Howe and Jon Anderson to Trevor Rabin and Billy Sherwood. Many of the stories are known in one form or another, regardless, to hear it all described by the members themselves makes it all the more interesting, such as what occurred during the period when Bruford left Yes after Close to the Edge, or how members of The Buggles joined the band to create Drama. It was interesting to hear that Trevor Rabin was almost forced into Asia by then mega-A&R man John Kalodner. Of course, he instead wound up working with Chris Squire, eventually forming the lineup that produced the comeback album 90125. There are quotes from the late great Chris Squire, not long before his passing, as well.
Even though it does not read like a novel or straight biography, there is a lot in these pages and even for the most accomplished Yes fan, this is a fun read.
На своем втором альбоме Yes, как и полагается любой уважающей себя прог-группе, пытаются взрослеть, серьезнеть и больше думать. Тут уже меньше динамики и искрометного оптимизма первого альбома. Возникает массивный оркестр, композиции становятся более сложными и вдумчивыми, не теряя определенного джазового оттенка. Однако временами вдумчивость начинает отдавать скукой, как, например, в Everydays и The Prophet. Но самые захватывающие моменты возникают, когда группа перестает думать и подчиняется эмоциям и мелодическому инстинкту. Тогда получаются вещи вроде блестящей заглавной композиции, и хочется, чтобы этот припев и эта музыка длились целую вечность…