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!

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!

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!

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?

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?

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?

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?

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.

 

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!

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?

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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?

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?

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?

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?

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!

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!

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?

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...!

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'?!?

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!

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?

 

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.

 

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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.

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

 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.

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?

Produced by Ken Fuller, Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

It's time to enjoy listening to The Lexicon Of Love this week as we look for clues as to why Yes wanted Trevor Horn to return as producer for 90125. To be fair, that's not an especially difficult task as his fingerprints are all over this brilliant, era-defining work of pop genius. It's not prog but it's glorious music.

• What Trevor Horn influences can be heard on this album?
• Is the production any good?
• Is it obvious why Yes wanted Trevor back?

Also, it's time to wish all listeners, Producers and Patrons all best wishes at this festive time of year. Whatever you celebrate in December or even if you don't celebrate anything Mark and I hope you have a wonderful time as the year changes to 2023. Thank you for all your support and kindness in 2022!

Produced by Ken Fuller, Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

After a couple of weeks of illness I’m delighted to say I’m now almost 100% and back to the YMP. I’d like to thank everyone who has sent kind wishes - they are very much appreciated.

This week we delve into the reasons why Yes might have wanted Trevor Horn back in the fold for 90125.

• Who wanted Trevor back?
• What were his special skills?
• Did he want to go back?

Produced by Ken Fuller, Jeffrey Crecelius and Wayne Hall

Mark and I spent a very enjoyable week listening to CTTE and Relayer - and why not? In time honoured fashion we have recorded our thoughts independently and then we meet up to criticise each other’s ideas. Not really. We do, however, indulge in the futile but nevertheless enjoyable process of ranking the albums against each other and coming out with a winner. Will you agree with our assessments? The sense of anticipation could be cut with a proverbial hacksaw.

• Is it possible to rank these albums after listening to them?
• Why would anyone want to?
• Go on then, which one is better?

Produced by Ken Fuller, Jeffrey Crecelius and Wayne Hall

This week Mark and I embark upon another inevitably unjustifiable escapade - the rating of two classic Yes albums against each other. If it wasn’t fun we wouldn’t do it but it keeps us off the streets at least. This time we have decided to pit Close To The Edge against Relayer and you can play along as well. In part 1 we bang on about the similarities and differences between the records and then next week we will report back on our findings after listening carefully to the albums. Please do add your own thoughts to the show notes for both weeks’ episodes.

• Which album is 'better'?
• What are the main differences and similarities?
• Why would you want to do this?

Produced by Ken Fuller, Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

This week we met the delightful Chris Welch who wrote one of the most important books about Yes, Close To The Edge - The Yes Story. Journalist for Melody Maker, Kerrang and many other publications, Chris has known the band from its earliest days and we very much enjoyed talking to him about those days in the early 70s as well as his trip to Advision to see the band recording Tormato. It was a  great conversation so we hope you enjoy it as well.

• What was it like in London in the early 70s?
• Did punk kill prog?
• How was the atmosphere in Advision?

Produced by Ken Fuller, Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

This week we are off into the weeds once again, this time with Tim Durling as our guide. As the originator of Tim’s Vinyl Confessions, he is ideally placed to tell us more about the 8 track tapes that have been released over the years by Yes and we discover a wealth of interesting facts about the much-maligned media format which, as you may remember, was the basis of the ill-fated Birotron Rick Wakeman championed and part-funded in the mid-late 70s.

We would be delighted to see photos of any Yes 8 track tapes you have in your collection so please do add those to the comments on the show notes for this week’s episode.

• Why were 8-track cartridges so popular?
• Did they sound any good?
• Did the format cause any problems for the transfer of records?

Produced by Ken Fuller, Jeffrey Crecelius and Wayne Hall

This week, Mark and I have been enjoying listening to Night After Night, the live album from UK in our quest to discover why Yes wanted Eddie Jobson. Hear our views in a few moments’ time and add your own to the comments in the show notes for this week’s episode.

Did you see UK in either of their incarnations? What do you think of the 3-piece lineup without Bruford and Holdsworth but with Terry Bozzio? Did it work? Let us know.

• How does the 3-piece UK sound?
• Is the guitar missed?
• Is it all prog?

Produced by Ken Fuller, Jeffrey Crecelius and Wayne Hall

This week Mark and I have been considering why Yes wanted Eddie Jobson. He stayed with the band for about as long as a British Prime Minister but there must have been compelling musical reasons why he was asked to join in the first place. So that’s what we are beginning to explore in this episode. WHile Eddie isn’t very well-known outside the Prog world, he certainly had the capacity to take Yes in a different and perhaps very interesting direction before he was replaced by the returning Tony Kaye. Another parallel with the UK political situation?

• Child prodigy to Prog legend - an amazing story.
• What skills did Eddie have which attracted Yes?
• Did he have the experience to join Yes?

Produced by Ken Fuller, Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

We are finally back with part 2 of our look at the Buggles and why Yes might have wanted them. For this, we’ve been listening to the first album from the duo, The Age Of Plastic, seeing if we can pick up some pointers. As usual, it was a revealing and enjoyable experience and quite topical as Trevor Horn’s autobiography is being advertised across all of my social media at the moment. Let us know what you think of our views in the show notes for this week.

• Does the album sound dated in 2022?
• Is there more to it than just Video Killed The Radio Star?
• Is it obvious why Yes wanted Downes and Horn to join them?

Take a listen to the episode and then let us know what you think!

Produced by Ken Fuller, Jeffrey Crecelius and Wayne Hall

What a week it’s been in the world of Yes. Thanks to friend of the YMP Roie Avin, I managed to speak to Steve Howe about his new album with his late son Virgil, Lunar Mist as well as the US tour which began yesterday with a preview concert. (Don’t worry, I managed to slip in a question about Tormato as well.) YMP Producer Ken Fuller went along to the dress rehearsal and I’ve added his photos from the event to the show notes for this week. The gig took place at Mickey’s Black Box, part of long-time Yes collaborator Michael Tait’s empire also known as the Rock Lititz campus in Philadelphia. In fact Michael introduced the band and spoke about his connections with Yes. (Incidentally he is now retired.)

Also this week Doug Curran was at the wonderful Alan White tribute concert in Seattle which featured Trevor Rabin, Billy Sherwood, Jon Davison, Geoff Downes, Jay Schellen and a host of other stars. A truly moving event to remember a truly remarkable person.

Add to all this the announcement of concert dates for Jon Anderson and the Band Geeks in 2023 complete with a great video of the whole band in action together. Actually I think it’s a composite video using some clever remote recording but whatever the case, it all sounds fantastic. Fingers crossed they are able to visit the UK.

Produced by Ken Fuller, Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

This week we decided to postpone the second part of our Buggles episode because we had the chance to interview James Gardner about Rick Wakeman’s use of the harpsichord. It was a wide-ranging and fascinating discussion and we learned a lot about both the instrument and some of the characters involved with creating the actual instruments Rick used on recordings with Yes. James has encyclopedic knowledge of the use of harpsichords in popular music and he mentions a large number of songs which have featured the instrument over the years. I’ve added YouTube videos of each song James refers to in the show notes for this episode. You might want to refer to those while you listen to the interview or come back to them at the end. I found they helped me a great deal.

• What kind of harpsichord did Rick use?
• Who made it?
• Where else can we hear harpsichords in popular music?

Take a listen to the episode and then let us know what you think.

Produced by Ken Fuller, Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

This week we are back with our ‘Why did Yes want…’ series and we have reached 1980 when both Anderson and Wakeman had left the band and up stepped Horn and Downes. How did this happen and why would Yes want to develop a relationship with a pop band? Listen on to discover our thoughts and then add your own to the show notes. Over the coming week we will be listening to The Buggles album, ‘The Age Of Plastic’ to try and find some clues to help us with the question above so please do join in with that and let us know what you think of the album, 42 years later.

• A pop band?
• Are you serious?
• How could that work?

Produced by Ken Fuller, Jeffrey Crecelius and Wayne Hall

This week, Mark and I consider the question of what would happen if Yes were restricted to only playing music from Open Your Eyes to The Quest in a concert. Imagine that. Well, we did. Listen out for our ideas and add your own to the show notes for this week.

Produced by Ken Fuller, Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

This week, Mark and I give our impressions of the self-titled album by Refugee, featuring Patrick Moraz, in our attempt to see why Yes wanted him in the band in 1974. As you will hear, we both rather like it. Please do add your own comments to the show notes for this week’s episode and let us know if you agree or disagree.

• Is it obvious why Yes wanted Patrick Moraz from this album?
• What special abilities does he show here?
• Would he fit in?

Facebook has just changed how pages work which means that I’ve had to establish a new place for us to post and discuss Yes-related happenings. It’s a new group entitled, rather creatively, YMP Discussion Group. For the moment it’s open to anyone to join but I’ll be adding rules and joining requirements when I have time. One of the advantages of the new format is that all members of the group have the same ability to post content, so it’s a bit more egalitarian, or somesuch. Please do search for the group and join in.

Produced by Ken Fuller, Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

This week Mark and I consider why Yes wanted Swiss keyboardist Patrick Moraz to join them after the departure of Rick Wakeman. We discuss the bands which Moraz played in and the route he took to arrive with Yes which, as you might imagine, wasn’t straightforward! It eventually led to his band, Refugee so we will be spending next week listening to their self-titled album in order to give you our thoughts on that record. Sounds like it’s going to be fun.

If you haven’t already done so, please sign up at tormatobook.com to the email newsletter. I’ve already shared 3 updates on the progress of the forthcoming book, TOO CLOSE TO THE EDGE? complete with short extracts from some of the chapters. If you sign up now, for free, you can have access to the newsletters you’ve missed. It really helps to know people are looking forward to reading the culmination of my decades of Tormato obsession.

Produced by Ken Fuller, Jeffrey Crecelius and Wayne Hall

Mark and I had a great time speaking to photographer Rob Brimson this week. He was with Po from Hipgnosis when the photos of YES band members on the inner gatefold sleeve of Going For The One were taken and he took the shot of Yes Tor which adorns the cover of Tormato. He also did a bit of informal modelling work… Rob was open and generous about the days when he was based at Hipgnosis’ studios in London as well as his trip to Mountain Studios in Montreux and the story about the helicopter and the escape of the flying pig. Listen out for that one later. More Yes revelations are included in our conversation.

Also this week around the social media hotspots, I have been posting some adverts for my new website which is supporting the Tormato book I announced last week on the YMP. To keep it nice and simple, I’ve called it https://tormatobook.com and if you’d like to sign up to receive regular updates on the progress towards the publications of the book, then add your details to receive the email newsletter.

Produced by Ken Fuller, Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

This week Mark and I have enjoyed listening to Alan White in a rather different context to normal - adding his remarkable talents to John Lennon’s classic album, Imagine. We present our thoughts and then get together to have a chat about the music and the musicians involved. Please do add your own thoughts to the show notes and see if you agree with Mark and me.

We also found time to consider a two pence topic around Jon Anderson’s plans for live concerts next year with The Band Geeks. Stay tuned for our thoughts on that.

In other news, I’m excited to announce that I am part-way through writing a book about Tormato which will include all the aspects we’ve covered on the YMP as well as copious illustrations and a myriad of other things. It will be in paper and online format and I’ll be announcing all kinds of other news about it as we approach the publication date - which is still a long way off. However, you can already go to tormatobook.com to find out more and to sign up to an email newsletter to keep up-to-date with progress. The book will be published by Five Per Cent For Something Publishing (see what I did there?) and is to be called, ‘Too Close To The Edge? The surprising and instructive story of TORMATO, the final YES album of the 1970s’. Good title eh?

• What does Alan's drumming on Imagine sound like?
• Does he play appropriately?
• Can you tell it's him?

Produced by Ken Fuller, Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

While we wait for Yes to begin their tour in Japan in September and following the end of Jon Anderson’s Close To The Edge tour, it’s comparatively quiet in Yes world at the moment. That certainly doesn’t mean we don’t have anything to talk about, of course. So this week Mark and I have been thinking about why Yes wanted the late and already desperately missed Alan White.

We have discovered or perhaps rediscovered some aspects of Alan’s early career which made him the perfect fit for Yes following the departure of Bill Bruford, very shortly before the beginning of the original Close To The Edge tour. It was an excellent discussion reminding us just how multi-faceted Alan’s abilities were so do keep listening for that.

• What about Alan White attracted Yes?
• What did Alan spend his teenage years doing?
• What recordings can we hear pre-Yes Alan playing on?

Produced by Ken Fuller, Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

I recently spoke to illustrator Colin Elgie, who was a freelance illustrator for legendary album art producers, Hipgnosis, for the whole of the 1970s. We chatted about his artwork for Tormato and I found out that he also produced some other Yes items you'll recognise, along with other prog album covers. It was a great phone call and this week I explain to Mark what Colin said and we take a look at some of the artwork Colin and I discussed.

Then Mark tells us about some other vinyl albums which have interesting and/or unique inner contents. You'll also have your favourites so please do add them in the comments on the show notes.

• What did Colin Elgie produce for Yes?
• What did he think of the Hipgnosis cover for Tormato?
• What other inner album contents are worth tracking down?

Produced by Ken Fuller, Jeffrey Crecelius and Wayne Hall

After a period of ill health I’m finally back this week with the second part of our Why did Yes want Rick Wakeman feature. Many thanks to everyone who has sent wishes for a speedy recovery.

We also have the final word from Simon Barrow on the CTTE 50th Anniversary UK and Irish tour and we start with some news from around the interwebs.

• What were the two previous albums from Strawbs like?
• Why was Rick fed up with that band?
• What were press and fan reactions like to CTTE50?

We are back almost to normal or what passes for normal in these parts this week. After the merry mayhem of the Yes UK and Irish tour celebrating CTTE’s 50th Anniversary, this week Mark and I return to our new-ish series trying to make semi-educated guesses about why Yes wanted to add new or different musicians to their fold. This time, we turn our excited attention to Rick Wakeman and consider what he was doing to attract the band’s attention. That’ll be fun.

Before that we have the final tour diary entry from the redoutable Simon Barrow complete with a new crop of photos on the show notes.

• What attracted Yes to Rick Wakeman?
• What had he been doing before?
• How does Simon sum up the latest tour?

Listen to Simon’s experiences at the London concert of #CTTE50 from the iconic Royal Albert Hall.

A little bit 'after the fact' but we are still proud to present Simon's second audio diary entry. Stay tuned for more very soon!

Produced by Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

I had an amazing time in London with new and old Yes friends on 21st June 2022. The concert was stunning and you'll hear me banging on about it in this episode.

A magical evening of Yes music in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Close To The Edge which was performed perfectly to a full house at one of the most iconic of all venues.

It's only the 10th time Yes have played at the RAH and it's also 10 years since Jon Davison joined the band.

• What was the performance like?
• How did the setlist work?
• What was the experience like?

This week we have the chance to talk about Yes live in concert for the first time in 3 years. Mark and I give our reactions to the setlist choices and then our roving reporter, Simon Barrow has sent in the first of his audio diary entries. He will be attending every show on the tour (apart from the warm up gig) and will be keeping us up-to-date as he goes.

• What have the first concerts been like?
• What is the setlist like?
• Will fans be able to get to the concerts next week?

Produced by Jeffrey Crecelius and Wayne Hall

We are all, as Yesfans, still reeling from the news of the death of the great Alan White and the forthcoming tour will sadly be a very different experience.

This week we return to the second part of our examination of Steve Howe’s guitar work on Tomorrow’s self-titled album.

There's also a chance to announce the winner of the amazing Asia in Asia box set. Stay tuned for that as well as a Happy Birthday to Mark!

This week we present our tributes to Alan White, Yes drummer for half a century, in the words of YMP Patrons and listeners.

Please add your own tribute to the show notes for this week if you haven’t already done so.

Produced by Jeffrey Crecelius and Wayne Hall

Next week’s YMP episode will be a proper tribute to Alan White so please add your contributions in the comments section below.

This week, rather than a ‘standard’ episode we thought it would be appropriate to re-play our interview with Alan from January 2020. He was in fine form, as always and it was a joy to speak to him.

‘Legendary’ is an entirely apt description of this true gentleman, extraordinary musician and friend to all he encountered. R.I.P. Alan.

Original interview episode show notes:

Mark and I have ticked off another of our top ambitions on the podcast by speaking to Yes drum legend, Alan White. We cover a number of different topics and Alan is absolutely delightful, as I'm sure you know.

For the first time in ages, I also managed to do a news catch-up which features a few highlights from around the social webs in recent days and/or weeks and do listen out for a couple of new items. I hope you enjoy the whole episode!

• What did Alan think of From A Page?
• What is Alan's favourite Yes album??
• What is Relayer going to be like to play live in 2020?

Just as I was preparing this week’s episode the news broke that Vangelis has died. A giant of the music world in so many different spheres, it’s a terrible loss. Most music fans will know that Jon and Vangelis was a highly significant collaboration but I am sure fewer know about the possibility of Vangelis becoming Yes’ keyboardist after Rick Wakeman left in 1974. He rehearsed with the band but it didn’t work out. However, he left his keyboard setup in place and Patrick Moraz used it to improvise the opening keyboards for Sound Chaser and this is the version used on the actual record, or so the story goes. Vangelis also has writing credits on Children of Light from Keys To Assension 2 which was originally written by Jon Anderson and him in 1986 as, 'Distant Thunder'.

His music will live on but he will certainly be missed.

It’s always a pleasure to speak to Geoff Downes and this time we took in Asia, Yes and the Downes Braide Association. As always, Geoff has been very busy with different musical activities and, as you’ll hear, is looking forward to getting out on the road again with the world’s greatest progressive rock band.

Geoff also sets a question for you to answer to win the wonderful Asia in Asia box set so after you’ve heard what the question is, please send your answer to show@yesmusicpodcast.com before Friday 27th May 2022 to be in with a chance of winning that collector’s item.

Unfortunately, Mark was unable to join us for the interview but he will be back next week.

Produced by Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

This week we have the chance to review the amazing new box set from Bill Bruford. Mark and I are joined by the redoubtable Simon Barrow for the conversation.

• What is included and what is excluded?
• Is there a good selection from each of Bill's projects?
• Was Bill a rock drummer turned to jazz or the other way round?

Take a listen to the episode and then let us know what you think!

Produced by Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

Mark and I are starting a new series this week where we will bang on about the musicians who were tempted to join Yes and what they did previously which attracted the attention of the band. It’s a bit like a prequel to our ‘what did they do next’ series, if you see what I mean. Each topic will be in two parts as before so you will have a week (or sometimes more) to listen to the music yourself before Mark and I give our reactions to it. A lot more on that later.

• What attracted Yes to Steve Howe?
• What was Steve up to before joining Yes?
• In what way was he a 'different' guitarist?

Take a listen to the episode and then let us know what you think below!

Produced by Jeffrey Crecelius and Wayne Hall

I’m hoping the weekly update from around the metaverse will return next week but for now we’ll get straight on with another brilliant and fascinating conversation with progresssive rock keyboard guru and all round brilliant chap, Chris Dale.

Produced by Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

I'm still on holiday this week so I'm indebted to Simon Barrow, Robert Nasir and Mark Anthony K for stepping into the breach. I'm sure you will enjoy what they have to say - please do add your comments.

• What does Steven Wilson say about Yes in his new book?
• Has Robert enjoyed the recent episodes?
• What Close To The Edge insights has Mark for us?

There's also a Two Pence from Mark for you to add your thoughts to.

First of all, many thanks to Dan and Steven Shinder for last week’s April Fool swap around - it was great fun and we look forward to doing some more sensible Yes conversations in the future.

Oliver Wakeman is always one of our favourite guests on the YMP and this time we talk about Yes and his latest release - the Collaborations box set which is available from Burning Shed. It’s another engaging and insightful chat so do let us know what you think.

• What's in Oliver's new box set?
• What would Oliver want to play if he returned to Yes?
• What does Oliver think of the change from Relayer Live to Close To The Edge Live?

Take a listen to the episode and then let us know what you think below!

Kevin and Mark discuss some amazing recent news in Yesworld!

It was great to speak to Dave Watkinson once again on the show this week. Some time ago he published an article on Yesworld.com all about the variety of music Yes have used to open their shows over 50 years and more. Mark and I very much enjoyed finding out more from Dave and here is the article - http://yesworld.com/yesshows-the-opening-music/yes-opening-music-year-guide/ 

After that conversation, there is a contribution from Daniel and Amanda Krohn with a different spin on the change from Relayer to Close to the Edge on the upcoming tour - do stay tuned for that.

Produced by Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

Mark and I just about manage to stay in control of the ‘spirited’ Fernando Perdomo this week. Ask him about guitar tech and he will literally talk for hours - which is exactly what we want on the YMP of course. What we were left with are many fascinating insights into Steve Howe’s guitars and approaches, all based around the greatest Yes album, Tormato. Stay tuned for that hurricane of enthusiasm a little later.

• How did Howe get those sounds for Tormato and why?
• Where is the steel guitar?
• What are the secrets to his guitar approach?

Produced by Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

I was on the road this week but still managed to catch up with Mark and Henry Potts to discuss the news that Yes will not be playing Relayer on the upcoming tour but have opted to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Close To The Edge instead.

I was in a hotel room with just my laptop but this news was clearly too important to miss.

• Why has Relayer been shelved?
• Will we ever hear the full album live?
• Is it too soon to play Close To The Edge in its entirety again?

Listen to the episode and let us know what you think!

Produced by Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

This week's episode once again features our resident walking vinyl encyclopedia, Mark but this time I have a chance to pick his brains about the murky world of deadwax.

As you might imagine, I get out a couple of my copies of Tormato to see what I can find in the deadwax areas of those and Mark shares some fascinating insights into the production of Yes vinyl records.

Doug Curran also sent in an example of one of his Yes rarities for us to decipher and it was a real geek-fest!

• What are acetates, test pressings and deadwax?
• Why do Yes records have information hidden in the vinyl?
• Is any of this any use? (Spoiler - yes it is.)

Listen to the episode and let us know what you think!

Produced by Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

I was on holiday this week so Mark and I couldn't get together to chat about this album but we did manage to record our own thoughts on what Benoit did next. See if you agree with us!

• What did Benoit do next?
• Is MYSTERY like Yes?
• Is this a good album?

Listen to the episode and let us know what you think!

I’m in Devon so here’s Mark’s next Album Series audio -Fragile

Is this the last part of our What did they do next series? Probably…possibly…maybe not. In any event, we are going to stop for the moment after we have talked about what Benoit David did after leaving the band due to ill health in 2012. Apart from the tragic loss of Chris Squire and the resulting return of Billy Sherwood, the band has maintained the same lineup since Benoit left. While he was still touring with Yes, he was also working on an album for a different band - which one? Well, maybe it’s not much of a mystery but if you don’t know, just keep listening as Mark and I explain what happened leading up to Benoit’s departure and what he did next.

Produced by Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

We went deep into the weeds again this week with Master of the Master Tapes, Brian Kehew, who produced the amazing live box set, Progeny, as well as working on the bonus tracks for the Tormato and Drama Expanded and Remastered CD releases in 2004.

• What governed the choices when creating Progeny?
• Is Progeny a 'better' collection of Yes live than Yessongs?
• What did Brian find in the vaults from the Tormato and Drama sessions?

Listen to the episode and let us know what you think!

Produced by Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

This we are joined by prog aficionado, writer, publisher, compère and all-round great chap, Stephen Lambe to discuss many aspects of Gordon Giltrap and Oliver Wakeman's album, Ravens and Lullabies.

• Is it a bird, is it a plane, is it a prog album?
• What did Stephen Lambe have to do with the album (if anything)?
• Is it any good?

Listen to the episode and let us know what you think!

This week it’s the first part of our next - and presumably last…maybe…what did they do next featuring the 2011-ish departure of keyboardist and true gentleman of prog, Oliver Wakeman. Mark and I discuss how and why Oliver left the band and what he did next in collaboration with another giant of the music world. We set you a task to listen to that project before next week’s episode, just like we will be doing and if you already know what we are talking about, please do leave your comments on the show notes for this week and we will try and include as many as possible in the episode next time.

• What were the circumstances around Oliver Wakeman's exit from the band?
• Was it a smooth process?
• What did he do next?

Produced by Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

It was great to speak to Gerald Bassols from Spain this week all about his amazing book, The Musical Instruments of Progressive Rock which very much does what it says on the tin. Stay tuned for that conversation.

Produced by Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

What should we expect from Yes in the coming year? Simon Barrow has some ideas as does Mark. We had a great conversation about the possibilities and our own, personal desires, partly based on the Facebook post by Daniel Krohn on the YMP Facebook page.

As always, it was a delight to welcome the erudite and knowledgeable Simon back onto the show. Do watch out for at least two books from him - an updated version of Solid Mental Grace - Listening to the Music of Yes and YES in the 90s.

In case you missed it, Simon has asked YMP listeners to contact the show if they have any photos from any Yes 90s events - so please take a look in your personal archives and let's see how we can help.

• What do you want from Yes in 2022?
• Will we see some archival releases?
• Surely no new music...?

Listen to the episode and let us know what you think!

Produced by Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

As we begin the 11th calendar year of the show, it’s time to take a look back at 2021. Mark and I have chosen a few clips each which remind us of the range and depth of Yes topics we have covered in the past 12 months. We hope you enjoy the selection - do let us know if your favourite is or isn’t included.

 

• Who did we interview in 2021?
• What did we learn'?
• What were the most memorable episodes?

 

 

Produced by Wayne Hall and Jeffrey Crecelius

'IT'S CHRISTMAS' as yer man sings in that song (which doesn't feature in our festive collection). Mark and I select a few prog or prog-related Christmas songs to rank in another totally pointless but fun seasonal activity.

• Is your favourite in our selection?
• What is 'proggy'?
• What is Christmassy?

Listen to the episode and let us know what you think!

Mark and I met someone who can fill in a few more gaps in the Yes story this week. We managed to track down and speak to Peter Woolliscroft who was only a short time into his studio engineering career at Advision studio in London when Yes turned up to record Tormato. He shares his recollections of the sessions which are rich and extensive and it was a pleasure to welcome him to the show. Listen out for revelations about Tormato and a little bit about Peter’s extensive list of work with some of the biggest names in rock and pop.

• How were things set up at Advision for Yes?
• Would it have been better to employ a producer?
• Who walked into reception accompanied by an avian pal?

Listen to the episode and let us know what you think!

This week Mark and I spoke to Chris Kimball about a 70s oddity in the Yes instrumental arsenal - Alan White's North drums. After restoring, playing and recording with these strange objects, Chris is ideally placed to explain why they look so weird and why drummers like Alan White were interested in using them.

It's another engrossing story from a very knowledgeable musician and it's packed with detail so I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

• Why are North drums shaped like that?
• What were they made of?
• Why did they disappear?

Listen to the episode and let us know what you think!

This week Mark and I have had a great time re-watching 3 videos from the Going For The One era. As you may know, there is an extensive behind-the-scenes film of what went on at Mountain Studios in Montreux in 1976 and I was wondering if the feel of that process was evident in the following tour. So Mark suggested the film of Glasgow on that tour and I added the mash-up of the title song which takes film footage from several different concerts and matches it to a good quality soundtrack.

All 3 videos are embedded into the show notes for this week. You might want to watch them before listening to us discuss our reactions.

• What was the mood like when Yes were recording Going For The One in Switzerland?
• Did the melodica trio end up on the album or not?
• Why did Rick Wakeman take his shoes and socks off in Glasgow and what did he do next?

Listen to the episode and let us know what you think!

As always, it was a sheer delight to welcome Stephen Lambe and David Watkinson back onto the show this week to talk about their latest collaboration, YES in the 1980s.

It's a great book which goes into detail about the often tortuous journey of the band in the decade of excess. Solo albums and other groups closely associated with Yes are included in a volume which boasts 2 sets of full-colour photos as well as countless other illustrations, a lot of which are presented in printed format for the first time.

A must for all serious Yes fans (particularly the five per cent), the book is available now from Burning Shed at the link in this week’s show notes. We asked the dynamic duo all sorts of questions including:

• Why write a book about the decade which could - or should - have killed off progressive rock?
• What hidden stories are uncovered?
• What untaken paths would the authors like to have see Yes take in the 80s?

It was a great pleasure to welcome back to the show former Yes keyboard player and prolific solo artist, Oliver Wakeman.

We asked him about some of his latest releases including Dark Fables, Tales From Gaslight and his soundtrack to Yendor.

It was particularly interesting to hear recollections of working with original Yes guitarist Peter Banks and Oliver also shared some remarkable tales from his Yes days including what happened when he first joined the band in Canada, what Chris Squire said to him and something to do with sellotaping two keyboard pedals together...

• Was Oliver's entry to the band smooth and straight-forward?
• What was Peter Banks like to work with?
• Why does Oliver keep coming back to epic structures and story-telling in his music?

In this second part of our look at what Steve Howe did next, Mark and I listen to his solo album, Spectrum.

It includes contributions from Tony Levin, Dylan Howe, Virgil Howe and Oliver Wakeman and features many fabulous examples of Steve's virtuosity and versatility.

• How does this rank among Steve's solo albums?
• What are the contributions of the 'guests' like?
• Is that 'Hour of Need'?

Listen to the episode and let us know what you think!