Yes Music Podcast

Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Jeffrey Crecelius and Ken Fuller

This week Mark and I are once again indebted to Doug Curran for setting us off to find out more about keyboard innovator Larry Fast and his Tales from Topographic Oceans connections. As you will hear, Larry was involved in the sound of the keyboards on Tales, something I did not realise until Doug posted a happy birthday message to Larry on the YMP Facebook Discussion Group last week. How much did you know about Larry’s connections with Rick Wakeman? Let us know in the comments on the show notes for this week’s episode.

  • How did Larry and Rick meet?
  • What was it about Larry that Rick likes?
  • What is the Tales from Topographic Oceans link?

Direct download: ep611_larry_fast_part1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:14am UTC

Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Jeffrey Crecelius and Ken Fuller

Mark and I had a great conversation with Ian Hartley this week. As mentioned last week, Ian has produced his own 50th Anniversary box set of Tales from Topographic Oceans and we were keen to know what motivated him, how he went about it and how it fitted in with his own Yes story. If you haven’t already watched Ian’s YouTube video where he unboxes his own box and also shows off some of his Tales collection, then please do - it’s embedded into the show notes. Ian was very generous and it was a treat to speak to another dedicated Yes fan who has been collecting the band’s output (particularly live recordings) for many years.

  • What was the motivation for producing this set?
  • What would Ian like to see in the future from the band?
  • Is this the first time Ian has done this?

Let us know if you agree with us!

Direct download: ep610_tales50th_part2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:31am UTC

Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Jeffrey Crecelius and Ken Fuller

This week Mark and I take a look at and have a chat about what Yes fan Ian Hartley has done to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Tales from Topographic Oceans. A chap after our own 5%-er hearts, he has taken things very much into his own hands as you will hear. If you want to understand fully what we are banging on about (if that’s even possible) then watch the video Ian made of the set which I have embedded below.

  • What has Ian been up to?
  •  
  • Why have Yes not released any 50th Anniversary editions?
  •  
  • Just how did Ian do this?

Let us know if you agree with us!

Direct download: ep609_tales50th.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:43pm UTC

Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Jeffrey Crecelius and Ken Fuller

We continue our Tales from topographic oceans obsession this week with a look at 3 very different live recordings of side 4, Ritual - Nous Sommes du Soleil. The 3 different performances are included in the show notes below. They are from Yesshows (1980) , Symphonic Live (2002) and Topographic Drama (2017). This means we have the following musicians to listen to: Anderson, Squire, White, Moraz, Howe, Downes, Brislin, Sherwood, Davison, Schellen and the whole of the European Festival Orchestra. Wow. There are many differences between the recordings so listen along and see what you think.

  • Which is the best performance?
  • No Wakeman?
  • A whole symphony orchestra - what does it add?

Let us know if you agree with us!

Direct download: ep608_ritual_time.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:23pm UTC

Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Jeffrey Crecelius and Ken Fuller

It was a delight to welcome the bass maestro Miguel Falcão back onto the YMP this week. As you would expect, he knows a lot about how Chris Squire created the bass lines for Tales from Topographic Oceans. You may have heard Miguel's bass covers of both The Ancient and The Remembering, and if not they are embedded below.

We found out many things including what basses Chris used to record and play Tales live. So stand by for a massively in-depth look at the album...once again...

  • What basses did Chris use to record Tales?
  • Were there differences when Yes played Tales live?
  • How does Chris' playing on Tales differ from Close to the Edge?

Let us know if you agree with us!

Direct download: ep607_miguel_bass.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:24pm UTC

Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Jeffrey Crecelius and Ken Fuller

We had a great conversation with veteran music journalist Steve Rosen this week. Steve has interviewed almost all members of Yes over the decades, although they weren't always 'easy' sessions, as you will hear!

Steve also spent a great deal of time with the iconic guitarist Edward Van Halen and has recently published a book, 'Tonechaser' about this relationship, which helps the reader to understand the personality of Edward, rather than just his amazing technical and musical accomplishments. 

  • How did Steve's Yes interviews go?
  • How is it possible to write a 500-page book about one person?
  • What was Edward like as a person?

Let us know if you agree with us!

Direct download: ep606_rosen.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:06pm UTC

Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Jeffrey Crecelius and Ken Fuller

In the week of the 40th anniversary of 90125, Mark and I looked at Trevor Rabin's 90124 which contains a lot of source material for the classic from 1983. 90124 appeared in 2003 on the 20th anniversary of the globally-successful Yes album and contains all of Trevor's demos of songs such as Hold On, Changes, Owner of a Lonely Heart and Cinema. A truly fascinating listen, there are also demos of later Yes songs like Where Will You Be, Walls, Love Will Find A Way and Miracle of Life.

  • How did the songs we know so well come about?
  • Do any of he demos sound like the finished songs?
  • Is the collection worthwhile?

Direct download: ep605_90124.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:09pm UTC

Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Jeffrey Crecelius and Ken Fuller

We took a break from Tales from Topographic Oceans this week to consider what Yes were up to in the 1980s. Across just four albums (if you are happy to call ABWH a Yes album), Yes music was somewhat different to what had come before.

You are probably aware that our friends and YMP Patrons Stephen Lambe and Dave Watkinson wrote a whole book about Yes in the 1980s so don't forget to check that out if you don't already have a copy - it's currently available for a reduced price at Burning Shed.

Mark and I choose our favourite songs from each of these four albums and consider what makes the Yes music of the 1980s great.

  • Are all the 80s records similar?
  • How would you define the Yes music of this decade?
  • Why isn't there more of it?

Direct download: ep604_yes_best_80s.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:38pm UTC

Produced by Jeffrey Crecelius, Joseph Cottrell and  Ken Fuller

This week we are back to the epic in-depth study of Tales from Topographic Oceans. We asked the ever-generous drummer of Yes tribute band Total Mass Retain Joe Cass to join us to talk about Alan White’s contribution to the classic album. You won’t be surprised to hear that Joe managed to help us to uncover a wealth of detail about the percussion on the album and the musical and personal character of the late deeply missed Yes stickman. Thank you to Joe for his insights.

I’ve had no time to do a proper update on all that’s happened over the past week but please do visit the YMP Discussion Group on Facebook and the X.com @yesmuispodcast feed for all the details. However, it’s worth wishing Jon ANderson a very happy 79th birthday and noting that Steve Howe’s damaged finger seems to be sufficiently healed to allow him to play again this evening after having to cancel some shows on the US tour.

  • What did Alan White contribute to Tales?
  • Is that him singing backing vocals?
  • What do we mean by 'melodic' drumming?

Direct download: ep603_joe_cass_alan_drums_tales.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:51pm UTC

Produced by Jeffrey Crecelius, Joseph Cottrell and  Ken Fuller

We had yet another lovely conversation with a relatively unsung hero of the Yes story this week. As you’ll hear, you have probably seen Jeff Cumins’ work, even if you don’t realise it. He has a long and distinguished career as an artist and illustrator and revealed fascinating insights that neither Mark nor I had heard before. I’m sure you’ll enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed talking to him. Do check out the images in this week’s shownotes to see why were so pleased to be able to speak to Jeff.

A huge thank you to everyone who donated to the YMP 6–th episode appeal for our 600th episode. We achieved our target in just a few days but don’t let that put you off - you can still donate by clicking the link on Yes Music Podcast.com. As we have now passed our goal, Mark and I are planning our first ever YMP Live episode. I do hope you’ll be able to join us for what promises to be an epic undertaking playing and talking about Yes music and lots more. Details to follow as soon as possible.

  • Which items across Yes history was Jeff involved in?
  • WHo did he meet first?
  • Was this a dream come true?

Direct download: ep602_jeff_cummins.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:28pm UTC

Produced by Jeffrey Crecelius, Joseph Cottrell and  Ken Fuller

This week Mark and I returned to Tales form topographic oceans to consider Steve Howe’s guitars, based on Mark’s expert knowledge and thanks to Geioff Bailie kindly sending us photos of the Steve Howe guitar collection book.

After recording I also heard from Nick Kokoshis that he has assembled a set of photos on Facebook all about the guitars on Tales so please see the link in the show notes for this episode to see what he has found out. You may need to join the Facebook group to view the photos.

Thank you so much to all listeners who have donated to our charity appeal already. After only a week, we have reached 81% of our target which is amazing. If you possibly can, please click the link on Yesmusicpodcastcom and help us to raise at least 600 pounds to celebrate 600 episodes of the YMP by supporting prostate cancer UK.

 

Direct download: ep601_tales_guitars.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:49pm UTC

Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Jeffrey Crecelius and Ken Fuller 

Support the Fundraiser!

After more than 12 years, we have reached episode 600! It was a delight to welcome Yes legend, Trevor Rabin, onto the show to help us celebrate the milestone. We spoke about Yes, Cinema, his new solo album, Rio, and more. Trevor was a generous and amusing guest and Rio is a great, varied album.

Thank you to him for helping us to mark the special occasion.

As part of our celebrations, you'll hear that we have launched a charity fundraiser - see above for details of how to get involved.

  • Did Trevor actually want to join a 70s band?
  • Why is his new album called 'Rio'?
  • What has he learned from soundtrack writing that influenced the new record?

Let us know if you agree with us!

Direct download: ep600_trevor_rabin.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:12pm UTC

Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Jeffrey Crecelius and Ken Fuller

Thanks to YMP Patron Doug Curran, we were able to speak to Brian Chatton this week. A friend of and collaborator with Jon Anderson since the 1960s, Brian has indeed 'Rolled with Rock Royalty' and our conversation shed light on a variety of eras of Yes and the other bands and artists Brian has been associated with.

No single interview with Brian could possibly scratch the surface of his extraordinary life and career so do check out his amazing book:

https://brianchatton.com/rolling-with-rock-royalty/

  • When did Brian meet Jon Anderson?
  • How did a boy from Bolton survive in Germany?
  • What did Brian get up to with Keith Emerson?

Direct download: ep599_brian_chatton.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:51pm UTC

Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Jeffrey Crecelius and Ken Fuller

This week we spoke to the generous Peter D’Amore, the longtime Yes fan who spent 7 years making his own ‘Olias’ album, an indie/Prog 2-CD project. We talk about his music, his Yes influences and many aspects of the band including the latest album and the setlist that was played on the warm-up night a couple of days ago.

I’ve embedded several of Peter’s YouTube videos into the show notes for this week including his recent collaboration with Billy Sherwood, so do take a listen to those.

  • How did Peter discover Yes?
  • How did Peter miss out on playing live with the band?
  • Why is Yes so important to him and his wife?

Let us know if you agree with us!

Direct download: ep598_peter_damore.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:25pm UTC

Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Jeffrey Crecelius and Ken Fuller

The hugely knowledgeable Sid Smith joined us again this week to chat about the context of Tales from Topographic Oceans. Sid wrote the sleeve notes for the Steven Wilson remix of Tales which was released by Panegyric in 2016.

He also wrote the remarkable book, 'In the Court of King Crimson - An Observation over Fifty Years', so we were delighted to be able to ask him about the relationship between Crimson main man, Robert Fripp, and Bill Bruford.

  • Why did Fripp want Bruford?
  • Why did Yes decide to push the boundaries even further with Tales?
  • How influential was the album?

Let us know if you agree with us!

Direct download: ep597_sid_smith_tales.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:47pm UTC

Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Jeffrey Crecelius and Ken Fuller

Stephen Lambe joins us in a moment to talk about his updated, comprehensive Yes book as well as touching on Tales and Trevor Rabin.

https://burningshed.com/store/sonicbond 

  • What has Stephen added to his already great Yes book?
  • What does he think of the current state of Yes?
  • Where can you get his book?

Let us know if you agree with us!

We are entering another period of intense Yes activity this week with the band preparing for its US tour, Trevor Rabin releasing singles from his forthcoming album, Rio and perhaps the most seismic happening of all, the 600th episode of the Yes Music Podcast. We have a rather special guest lined up to join us in our celebration so it’s bound to be one to remember. Mark and I are also planning a charity event to coincide with the milestone and more information on that will be coming soon, unless you are already a YMP Patron, of course - in which case I’ve already let them into the secret. It pays to be a Patron, as they say.

Direct download: ep596_stephen_lambe.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:45pm UTC

Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Jeffrey Crecelius and Ken Fuller

This week  Mark and I were joined by YMP Patron and The Prog Report’s Geoff Bailie to talk about the two new old releases from Warner/Rhino - a box set of The Yes Album and the Yessingles collection. It’s a robust conversation so stand by for that.

Order Yessingles:

https://burningshed.com/yes_yessingles_vinyl

  • Are there no more interesting items from around the time of The Yes Album?
  • Is Yessingles a good idea?
  • Yes' greatest hits...?

Let us know if you agree with us!

Direct download: ep595_geoff_bailie_new.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:53pm UTC

Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Jeffrey Crecelius and Ken Fuller

This week Mark and I welcomed the knowledgeable Chris Dale back onto the show for the third time. If you haven't listened to the episodes where Chris talks about the Birotron (the infamous rarest musical instrument in the world) and the other keyboards on Tormato, then you may want to catch up with those before listening to this latest installment.

The Birotron - episode 503

The other Tormato keyboards - episode 531

This time the focus is the keyboards on Tales from Topographic Oceans and, as usual, Chris uncovers some truly amazing facts and insights. After all, he does own Rick Wakeman's double mellotron, so who coud be better placed to share the sectrets of that instrument and its unique contributions to Tales?

  • What keyboards did Rick Wakeman use on Tales?
  • What makes that double Mellotron unique?
  • Which aspects of Tales does Chris think are great?

Let us know if you agree with us!

Direct download: ep594_chris_dale_tales_keys.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:34pm UTC

Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Jeffrey Crecelius and Ken Fuller

This week we welcomed the ever-generous Geoff Downes onto the show. It was great to speak to the current Yes keyboard wizard about the new DBA album, Celestial Songs, as well as the recent John Wetton tribute concert and, of course, Tales from Topographic Oceans. Geoff also hinted at what’s being planned for the forthcoming The Classic Tales Of Yes Tour so listen out for that! It’s always a treat to talk to Geoff who reiterates the fact that he is and has always been a Yes fan himself.

  • Who is on the new DBA album?
  • What’s Geoff’s approach to DBA?
  • What’s going to be performed on the next Yes tour?

Let us know if you agree with us!

Direct download: ep593_Geoff_DBAV.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:16pm UTC

Produced by Joseph Cottrell and Ken Fuller

This week we are joined by Yes book author, Simon Barrow, to talk about the concept behind Tales From Topographic Oceans. We get into a lot of detail as you would expect and explore some pretty fascinating areas of concept music - whatever that actually is!

  • What is a concept album?
  • Is Tales a concept album?
  • Does it even matter?

Let us know if you agree with us!

Direct download: ep592_tales_pt2_the-concept.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:45pm UTC

Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Ken Fuller, Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

This week we are starting a new project - The Yes Album Listening Guides. Eventually this will be a series of books and I explain more with Mark in this episode.

  • What is this new book series going to be about?
  • What is the first album?
  • How can I be involved?

Direct download: ep591_tales_pt1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:26pm UTC

Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Ken Fuller, Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

Mark and I really enjoyed listening to/watching Oliver’s album/DVD ‘Coming To Town – Live In Katowice’. We were surprised by and delighted with the performances, the writing and the production. It’s a great set from a band firing on all cylinders!

  • Is this all progressive rock?
  • Does Oliver take the lead?
  • How proficient are the others in the band?
Direct download: ep590_why_oliver_pt2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:45pm UTC

Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Ken Fuller, Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

Contrary to what I said last week, we are going to continue with our Why did Yes want series this week as we turn back slightly in time to Oliver Wakeman after we inadvertently got Benoit David in the wrong order last time.

It was one of the most confusing periods of the band in terms of personnel so I have turned to interviews and accounts from those involved to try and get as close as possible to the truth - see if you agree with what Mark and I discuss.

  • Did Oliver know any of the band before he joined?
  • How did they know he was any good?
  • Was it just nepotism?

Direct download: ep589_why_oliver_pt1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:25pm UTC

Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Ken Fuller, Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

This week Mark and I return to the second part of our 'Why did Yes want...' series and it's time to consider Mystery's album, Beneath The Veil Of Winter's Face.

  • HIs this Prog?
  • How did Benoit sound?
  • Why did Yes want him based on this record?

Direct download: ep588_why_benoit_pt2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:36pm UTC

Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Ken Fuller, Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

This week Mark and I return to our 'Why did Yes want...' series and it's time to consider Benoit David. Jon Anderson had been unwell and so the band needed to find what Chris Squire referred to as an 'understudy', presumably with the intention of Jon returning at some point.

  • How did the band find Benoit?
  • How did he know the music?
  • What was he up to just before joining Yes?

Let us know if you agree with us!

Direct download: ep587_why_benoit.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:31pm UTC

Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Ken Fuller, Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

This week Mark and I talk about various different approaches Yes have had to their stage design over the decades. This was partly prompted by the rumour that the band are intending to change they way in which they set up from 2024 onwards.

Do let us know what Yes stage setups have been your favourites and why in the show notes for this week's episode.

  • What is your favourite Yes stage setup?
  • Do you like 3D sets?
  • Are the current video walls a good idea?

Let us know if you agree with us!

Direct download: ep586_stage_setting.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:51pm UTC

Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Ken Fuller, Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

Unless you have already read my book, Yes The Tormato Story, you may not recognise the name Derek Dearden. However, you have certainly heard the results of his amazing technical wizardry. This is another deep dive episode but it also contains much of interest to any Yes fan. Derek was a delight to speak to when Mark and I interviewed him a few months ago and I’ve been keeping this fascinating interview under wraps so that early readers of the book had a few surprises to discover. If you don’t like spoilers, then consider coming back to this episode at a later date. I won’t be offended.

Quite a bit of this conversation was used in the chapter entitled The Other Drums in my book but even if you have read that, I’m sure you’ll love hearing Derek explaining how it all came about in his own words. To whet your appetite, Derek was employed at Advision as a technician and then went on to found a company very closely associated with Alan White

  • What did Derek Dearden create for Alan White?
  • How did it all come about?
  • What else did Derek invent?

Direct download: ep585_derek_dearden.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:29pm UTC

Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Ken Fuller, Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

This week Mark and I subjected ourselves to 2 sides of Yes by Rick Wakeman. As you’ll hear, it was a bit grim at times. See what you think of our responses and let us know what you think of this collection in the comments on this week’s show notes.

  • What is this collection like?
  • What was Rick thinking?
  • Come on...!

Direct download: ep584_why_rick_again-pt2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:51pm UTC

Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Ken Fuller, Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

This week, Mark and I return to our perennial favourite, the 'why did Yes want' series. Rick is back - again - after the orchestral diversion of Magnification and the Symphonic Tour just after the turn of the century (pun intended). He produced two albums of Yes-related music shortly before returning to the band so we are going to listen to those this coming week and bang on about them next week - you are most welcome to join in via the comments below.

I've spent all my spare time(!) this week packaging and sending copies of my Tormato book across the world so there's been no time to look at the usual social media places, I'm afraid. So we move straight onto the discussion.

See if you agree or disagree with what’s said and let us know by leaving a comment on the show notes for this episode.

  • What was Rick up to before returning to Yes once again?
  • What are the 'Two Sides Of Yes'?
  • Why does he do 'that'?!?
Direct download: ep583_why_rick_again.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:06pm UTC

Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Ken Fuller, Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

A momentous week in a number of ways. There have been so many positive reactions to the new Yes album Mirror to the Stars and it’s even doing really well in the charts. You’ll know from our reviews that Mark and I are very impressed with the record and we invited Simon Barrow to discuss it with us - listen out for that in a few minutes’ time. We also took the opportunity to share some thoughts about the other release sharing today’s date, Yes The Tormato Story by me.

Despite the paper book being literally in my hands, the internet marketplaces seem to take some time to catch up. So you might find that the book doesn’t turn up in your local internet supplier immediately. However, if you have pre-ordered via the fabulous Burning Shed, I know they have boxes of books in their warehouse and will be sending them out without delay. So it won’t be long now, I hope.

Let us know what you think of the album and the book once you receive either - or preferably both.

See if you agree or disagree with what’s said and let us know by leaving a comment on the show notes for this episode.

  • What do we think of the album now we have heard it a number of times?
  • Is that book *finally* available?
  • Rejoice!

Direct download: ep582_release_release_day.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:06pm UTC

Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Ken Fuller, Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

This week Mark and I had a lovely conversation with Yes lead singer, Jon Davison. We chatted about the new album, Mirror to the Sky and his contributions to it as well as the band’s live plans and the future. We also touched on Tormato (there’s a surprise), John Lodge and other topics in a packed interview.

Jon was an absolute delight and his passion for Yes music is obvious. As he points out, Billy, Jay and he have always been Yes fanboys. As i write this there is one week to go until both the new Yes album is released and (hopefully) Yes The Tormato Story finally sees the light of day, so it’s once again an exciting time to be a Yes fan.

See if you agree or disagree with what’s said and let us know by leaving a comment on the show notes for this episode.

  • Is Jon pleased with Mirror To The Sky?
  • What was his role in creating the album?
  • Is this album part of a development of songwriting for the band?

Direct download: ep581_jon_davison.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:58pm UTC

 

This week, Mark and I were joined by Henry Potts to talk about the new Yes album, Mirror to the Sky as well as some of the more controversial topics of the day. In case you are unaware, Henry is one of the most knowledgeable Yes historians anywhere and his amazing online resource where he stores the chronicles of the world’s greatest progressive rock band can be found at http://www.bondegezou.co.uk/ 

See if you agree or disagree with what’s said and let us know by leaving a comment on the show notes for this episode.

 

Direct download: ep580_henry_potts.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:14pm UTC

Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Ken Fuller, Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

Mark and I listen to the new Yes album Mirror to the Skies this week and share our responses to it. Spoiler alert - it’s really good.

 

  • Is the rest of the album like Cut From The Stars??
  • How progressive is it?
  • What is the epic title track like?

Direct download: ep579_mirror_to_the_sky.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:32pm UTC

Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Ken Fuller, Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

Mark and I have been watching videos of Jon Anderson’s latest live project, this time with the fabulous Band Geeks. We discuss our reactions this week.

  • How did the Band Geeks get on playing a whole concert of Yes music with Jon Anderson?
  • How did Jon's voice hold up?
  • Was it an enjoyable concert of Yes music?

Direct download: ep578_jon_and_band_geeks.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:40pm UTC

Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Ken Fuller, Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

This week Mark and I spoke to the generous and talented composer, Larry Groupé, about his compositions for the 2001 Yes album, Magnification. We also talked about the orchestrations he did for the Symphonic Tour and his conducting. It was a wonderful, wide-ranging conversation.

  • How did Larry Groupé end up working on Magnification?
  • How did Larry approach the writing?
  • Was he happy with the results?

Direct download: ep577_why_larry_pt2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:25am UTC

Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Ken Fuller, Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

This week Mark and I continued to subtly subvert the format of our ‘Why Did Yes Want…?’ series by looking at Larry Groupé who provided orchestrations, arrangements and unique orchestral music for the 2001 album, Magnification. We learned some interesting things about the Professor and prolific film and TV composer which will make our forthcoming conversation with him even more fascinating. As is so often the case, Larry is a big Yes fan which makes his choice a good one. Mark and I are both huge supporters of Magnification and we are looking forward to speaking to Larry, hopefully next week.

  • Who is Larry Groupé?
  • What skills did he have which might have attracted Yes?
  • What did he add to Magnification?

Direct download: ep576_why_larry_pt1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:07pm UTC

Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Ken Fuller, Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

Mark and I finally got round to finishing off our examination of why Yes wanted Igor Khoroshev this week after listening to a very enjoyable bootleg recording from the Open Your Eyes Tour. We also had a chance to discuss in a two pence the recent news of the postponement of the Relayer Tour in the UK and Europe until 2024. Please leave your own comments as always on the show notes for this week if you have anything to add to either of those topics.

  • Can we hear why Yes wanted Igor?
  • How did he fit into the band?
  • Why has the Relayer Tour been postponed?

Direct download: ep575_igor_whypt2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:43pm UTC

Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Ken Fuller, Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

This week Mark and I had a lovely conversation with Paul K Joyce, the orchestrator on The Quest and Mirror To The Sky. He tells us some rather interesting things about the forthcoming album. Speaking of which, Simon Barrow returns this week to say a bit about the fan reaction to the new single, Cut From The Stars. He’s not happy.

  • When was Paul asked to provide orchestrations for another new Yes album?
  • Is the new album 'more of the same'?
  • Why is Simon not happy?

Direct download: ep574_paul_k_joyce.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:06pm UTC

Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Ken Fuller, Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

In a change to the advertised episode, Mark and I thought it was essential to give our thoughts on the new Yes single Cut From The Stars so most of this episode is devoted to the best new Yes music for many years.

  • How does this new Yes music compare to The Quest?
  • Does it sound progressive?
  • Does it increase the anticipation for the new album?

Direct download: ep573_mirrortothestars.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:02pm UTC

Produced by Joseph Cottrell,  Ken Fuller, Jeffrey Crecelius and Wayne Hall

This week the redoubtable Geoff Bailie presents his feedback on two remarkable Rick Wakeman concerts at the  London Palladium which, as you can imagine, contain a shedload of Yes connections. Then Mark and I start to consider why Yes wanted keyboardist Igor Khoroshev after the aforementioned Rick Wakeman left the band, once again in 1996. We will be setting you some homework to listen to a bootleg recording of Igor and the boys on the Open Your Eyes Tour so please see the show notes for this episode.

Direct download: ep572_igor_whypt1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:30pm UTC

While Kevin is on holiday with his family, Mark flies solo and brings us some of the most important talking points of the week including the news that Jay Schellen has been named as the permanent replacement in Yes for Alan White.

Also, Mark mentions what's coming up for Yes fans in this year's Record Store Day and more!

  • What are your thoughts on the appointment of Jay Schellen?
  • What do you think he will bring to Yes' writing?
  • What would you like Yes to release for Record Store Day?

Direct download: Yes_Music_Podcast_-_Ep_571_-_Mark_Solo_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:42pm UTC

Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Ken Fuller, Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

In celebration of Yes - The Tormato Story being made available for preorder from the wonderful people over at Burning Shed.com, I’ve decided to present a competition this week to win a copy of my book. All you need to do is send your answers to the 15 questions to show@yesmusicpodcast.com to be in with a chance of winning a copy which I will send to you as soon as it is released. Look out for the questions in this episode.

  • How much do you know about Tormato?
  • Do you need to guess?
  • Is being a regular listener an advantage?

Direct download: ep570_win_a_book.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:33pm UTC

Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Ken Fuller, Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

This week Mark and I had a wide-ranging and engrossing chat about what we would like Warner Music to release now they had acquired the rights to the Atlantic Yes catalogue. (At least I found it engrossing, your mileage may vary.)

I am also indebted to Simon Barrow for sending in a fine report on the recent interviews with both Benoit David (which Bob Keeley also sent to me) and Jon Davison about their experiences as lead singers for the band.

  • What kinds of product would we like from Warner?
  • What advice would we give Warner on what not to do?
  • How does Benoit David feel about his time with Yes?

Direct download: ep569_warner_music.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:32pm UTC

Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Ken Fuller, Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

This week Mark and I listened to Muddy Water Blues: A Tribute to Muddy Waters by Paul Rodgers and produced by Billy Sherwood.

In addition, we chatted about My Own TOURMATO which I went on with my son William and Dave Watkinson this week It was a blast and my spliced-together video of my Facebook Live clips are in the show notes for this week.

  • What does the album sound like?
  • Do the various different instrumentalists combine well?
  • What does Billy play on this record himself?

Direct download: ep568_why_yes_want_billy_pt2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:24pm UTC

Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Ken Fuller, Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

This week Mark and I began to think about the next musician Yes wanted to sign up, this time as a live associate member of the band for the 1994 Talk Tour. We talk about Billy's connections to Yes members, his involvement with Union and lots of other topics. You'll also find out what record we have chosen to listen to next week for some clues as to Billy's suitability to join Yes at this point.

In addition, we have time for a two pence segment about the recent sale of Yes' Atlantic back catalogue to Warner Bros. and what this means for the band and the fans.

  • What did Yes know about Billy at this point?
  • What about him attracted their attention?
  • Why did they want a sixth member of the band for this tour?

Direct download: ep567_why_yes_want_billy_pt1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:47pm UTC

Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Ken Fuller, Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

Jon Anderson's conceptual epic, Olias of Sunhillow, is under the microscope this week.

  • Does this album live up to its amazing reputation?
  • How does Jon Anderson get on playing all the instruments?
  • Does Olias feel like a complete work or a bit bolted together?

Direct download: ep566_olias_rerun.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:41pm UTC

 Produced by Ken Fuller, Jeffrey Crecelius and Wayne Hall

As I’m sure you know we lost another giant of the rock world this week. Jeff Beck was one of the most influential guitarists of all time and I’m sure Yes music would sound very different - or possibly wouldn’t exist without the influence of the great man. Rest in Peace.

 

This week we had a great conversation with Joe Cass who you may well know is the drummer for Yes Tribute Total Mass Retain. He told us stories of his connections with Yes members and the aims of his band who have confirmed two 2023 concerts so far - visit https://www.totalmassretainband.com/ for all the information - they put on an amazing evening of Yes music and if you haven’t met Joe yet, you’ll hear just what a generous and thoughtful musician he is from our chat.

Direct download: ep565_joe_tmr.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:58pm UTC

Produced by Ken Fuller, Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

New Year and time to look forward, rather than back. Join Mark and me talking about what's coming up based on two sources:

  1. http://bondegezou.blogspot.com/ - companion site to http://www.bondegezou.co.uk/wnyesm.htm from the legendary Henry Potts
  2. https://www.facebook.com/reel/1255122348371376 from the knowledgeable and erudite Jon Dee

  • What Yes and Yes related albums can we look forward to in 2023?
  • Is anyone touring?
  • Who is publishing a fascinating book about Tormato?

Direct download: ep564_2023_a_new_hope.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:20pm UTC

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