Besides the presence of some remarkable musicians such as Bruford, Moraz, Mel Collins, then also Jimmi Hastings on flute (listen to his stunning flute solo in the song "You By My Side") makes this album by Chris SQUIRE as essential number, being worth, as much as the best solo projects by other members from YES (sometimes by improving such style). Well the last track "Safe - Canon Song" - is excellent and very close to the best YES stuff, but also the rest is worth checking out!! First of all the song "Hold Out Your Hand" already contains a powerful bass playing, supported by a good church-like organ. Posted Saturday, Janu| Review this album | Report (Review #27130)Ī very interesting album, with great moments in the vein of YES and a certain personal imprinting by Chris SQUIRE too: such an excellent orchestral arrangement, along with the typical YES-like vocals. Final analysis: one of my favorite albums, by one of my favorite humans. Picking favorite albums by your favorite bands is always hard, but it gets really messy when a solo effort such as this one ranks up with the best works by the band itself. My descriptions could do them no justice. just listen to "Silently Falling" or "Safe," the two extended tracks, and see for yourself. The vocals! If you ever thought Jon Anderson was solely responsible for that element, think again: beautiful vocal harmonies abound ("You By My Side"), and Chris' voice is still so eerily Yes, even without Jon's unmistakable presence. Of course, this is a "lost Yes album" without Jon and Steve, so don't expect them to be there! This is the Chris Squire show, and the way he handles the complete writing and singing duties is simply amazing, proving just how integral he was to the whole Yes machine. This is, without the slightest doubt, the best solo album by any Yes man, and it just so happens to feature Bill Bruford on drums and Patrick Moraz on keys. Basically, YES FANS, if you have never heard this album, drop everything you are doing and immediately seek it out, buy it, steal it, just listen to it, before another precious second is wasted! You want the mythical lost Yes album? You got it. I was waiting for this one to appear on the site. Gibson SG double-neck (4 & 6-string) Releases informationĪrtwork: Laurence Bernes with Brian Lane (Polaroid photo)ĬD/DVD Castle - CMFVD1545 (2007, US) - Remastered and expanded w/ bonus track & DVD video Julian Gaillard / leader of the orchestra strings section Adrian Brett / leader of the orchestra woodwinds section Jim Buck / leader of the orchestra horns section John Wilbraham / leader of the orchestra brass section Bill Bruford / drums, percussion (tubular bells, gong) Mel Collins / tenor (3) & alto (4) saxophones Patrick Moraz / Hammond organ (3), bass Moog synthesizer Andrew Pryce Jackman / acoustic and Fender Rhodes pianos, orchestrations, conductor Chris Squire / lead & back vocals, basses *, 12-string Rickenbacker electric guitar (3,5), producer Integral Album Video Commentary by Chris Squire (2006) Line-up / Musicians Video Interview with Chris Squire (2006)Ĥ. Lucky Seven (US only Single edit) (3:29)ģ.