* * * * * * * * * * ______ ______ ____________ _________ / \ | \ __/ \ __/ \__ _________ | \| \ / |/ _ \ _________ / | // _____ || / \_/ \ |NOTES \ // / \ \\_ \_ | |FROM \ || _____ ___\ \ \_ \_ | |THE \ || / ---/______| \ \_ | |EDGE ___\ || | | /______ __/ \ | |#16 ___/ \ \\ \_ \_ // | | \_____ / ___\ _/ \_ \ \_ _// | ______/ \__ \__/ ___/ \_ \____ | \_/ \__ ___/ \___ _/ \__ \__/ \ \_________/ \_____/ \_ \_____/ \ \_ | \_ | \__ __/ \_____________/ Notes From the Edge #16 June 28, 1991 * * * * * * * * * * IN THIS ISSUE... ================ A Letter From The Editor --a pleasant surprise Concert Dates --thanks to Cathy, the real dates! News And Info --on new Yes releases and an improved discography It Can Happen - Live --news of a live version 9012Live On CD --news of an import release Rolling Stone Article On Union --a couple word from Howe and Wakeman on Union 9184 --a review of a Wakeman epic Angkor Wat - Wat Was That --Anderson offers a translation in a four hour interview. Roger Dean On Display --where you can catch his original paintings Spicing Up Union --try this suggestion, you might like it. A D.J.s Views On Union --some comments on the Rolling Stone review and on _Union_ itself. The Classical Connection --a review of the latest Wakeman release Union Down Under --a rveiew and some comments on Union Where Can These Be Found --subscriber looking for Yes related videos How Did You Feel When... --answers to questions for Yes old timers. List o' Lyrics --what we've got to give Birthdays --as if you hadn't been reminded enough. Contributors --thanks guys. Addresses --Gee, none of us is in Battle Creek * * * * * * * * * * A LETTER FROM THE SUMMER EDITOR: =============================== Rather than give you long-winded ramblings, I thought you might enjoy something a bit more fun. Here is a crossword puzzle which was called Ricks Crossword when it first appeared around the time of _Going For The One_. Just to avoid you having too much fun, I thought I might give the answers in the next issue. The answers are tough so anyone who thinks they might have completed it can send it back to me and I will see how they have done. I may even give them honorable mention in the next issue. But, this is not a competition, the point is to have fun. So without further delay, here it is, enjoy. --Dave 1--.--.--2--.--3--.--4--.--.--.--5--.--6--.--7--.--8--.--9--. | | | | | | | | | |##|##| |##| |##| |##| |##| | |--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--10-+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--11-+--| | |##|##| |##| |##| |##| | | | | | | | | | | | 12-+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--13-+--+--| | | | | | | | | | | |##| |##| |##| |##| | | | |--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--14-+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--| | |##|##| |##| |##| |##| |##| | | | | | | | | | |--+--+--+--+--+--15-+--16-+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--| | |##|##| |##|##| |##| | | | |##| |##| |##| |##| | 17-+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--18-19-+--+--+--| | | | | | | | | |##| |##| |##| |##| | | |##| | |--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--20-+--+--+--21-+--+--+--+--+--+--+--| | |##|##| |##|##| |##| | | |##| | | | | | |##| | 22-+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--23-+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--| | | | | | | | | |##| |##| |##|##|##|##| |##|##| | |--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--24-+--25-+--+--+--+--26-+--27-+--+--| | |##|##| |##|##| |##| | | | | | | | |##| | | | |--28-29-+--30-+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--| |##| | | | | | | | | | | |##|##|##| |##| |##| | 31-+--+--+--+--+--+--+--32-+--+--+--+--33-+--+--34-+--+--+--| | |##| |##| |##|##|##| | | | | | | | | | | |##| 35-+--+--+--36-+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--37-| | | | |##| | | | | | | | |##| |##|##| |##|##| | |--+--+--38-+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--39-+--+--+--+--+--+--+--| | |##|##| |##|##|##|##| |##| |##| | | | | | | | | |--+--40-+--41-+--42-+--+--43-+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--| | |##| | | | | | |##| | | |##| |##|##| |##|##| | |--+--44-+--+--+--+--+--45-+--+--+--46-+--+--+--+--+--+--+--| | |##| | | |##| |##| |##| |##| | | | | | | | | |--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--47-+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--| | |##| |##| |##| |##| | | | |##| |##|##| |##|##| | 48-49-+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--50-+--51-+--+--+--+--+--| | | | | | | | | | |##| |##| |##| |##| |##|##| | 52-+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--53-+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--| | | | |##| |##| |##| |##| | | | | | | | | | | 54-+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--| | | | | | | | | | | | |##| |##| |##| |##|##| | |--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--55-+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--| | |##| |##| |##| |##| |##|##| | | | | | | | | | ----------------------------------------------------------- ACROSS 1. The area of the sky Yes prefer (5-4) 10. Vocally bearing no relation to his instrument (5-6) 12. What a roadie can manufacture on needing a day off (6-4) 13. Roadies don't do this very often (3) 14. Unheard of in Yes music (1-3-2-3) 16. What Sun Artistes office resembles (4) 17. What Yes give their management and vice versa (8) 18. Yes have been doing this (3) 20. Some Yes songs could end up as these sorts of works (3) 21. Soared (anagram) (6) 22. An early group of Jon Anderson renowned for fighting (8) 24. The feeling Yes' manager gives Atlantic Records (8) 27. The mental age of the manager of Yes (3) 28. An inbuilt sense in each roadie (6-5) 32. At it's best when 70 percent proof (4-7) 35. Rick tried to do this in Lisztomania (3) 36. Sure Test (anagram) (8) 39. How Briane Lane regards himself (8) 40. How you would describe some roadies exploits with women (6) 43. & 46. Fond of stanley until he folded (3-8) 44. A large bird controlled by Australian arm (3) 47. A possible name for a biblical group (4) 48. To conduct with this could be a hoot (4-5) 52. Yes management tell at least one a day (3) 53. All the sailors playing together (5-5) 54. Hopefully what all Yes songs are (11) 55. Another way of saying God (5-4) DOWN 1. Has a mood for a day (5-4) 2. An unhappy part of Alan Whites drum kit (3-3-4) 3. A good one is imperative for an outdoor concert (4) 4. Definitely not a Yes tour (4) 5. Rick plays with his (6) 6. What Yes try to do at each concert (6) 7. Yes have crossed this a few times (7) 8. They used to play music from boats (7) 9. Hopefully Yes music is not limited to thiers (10) 10. Everyone musician dreams of having one (5-6) 11. Some musicians like to play on one (3) 15. Hopefully Yes do not overdo this (6) 19. You could say going for the one is this (3) 23. What a truck driver does anywhere (5) 24. The choir needed these on Awaken (5) 25. Something a Road Crew will never do (4-7) 26. Some musicians like one before going on stage (3) 27. Sometimes goes for 27 across (3) 29. Yes used to do this without meat (3) 30. Harder working than the manager of Yes perhaps (3) 31. One of ten instruments not owned by Yes (4-6) 33. Often find one in Yes food (6) 34. What some people would like to hear from Yes (4-6) 37. Definitely not a ramshackled man (4-5) 38. Never found in Steve Howe's food (3) 40. What Brian Lane has managed to do to the Yes bank account (7) 41. Won't erase musical errors (7) 42. Not easy to choose the roadie who is this (7) 45. A roadie odour (6) 49. If there was a competition our road crew would do this (3) 50. When a tour is this it is quite sad (4) 51. A roadies pet (4) * * * * * * * * * * SCHEDULED TOUR DATES: ==================== Many thanks to Cathy Leak (aka fearless leader) for providing the "official" dates as published by Yes Magazine. Several of the dates have changed, particularly those near the end of the tour. I have scrapped any dates not mentioned by Yes magazine since I have yet to receive any other independent confirmation of them. July 5 Tampa, FL July 6 Miami, FL July 7 Orlando, FL--tickets on sale July 9 Atlanta, GA--tickets on sale July 10 Raleigh, NC--tickets on sale since May 10th July 12 Philadelphia, PA--sold out July 13 Philadelphia, PA--tickets on sale since May 18th July 15 Madison Square Garden, New York NY July 18 Great Woods, Mansfield, MA--tickets may be on sale July 19 Finger Lakes PAC, Canandaigua , NY July 20 Largo, MD (was: Middletown, NY) July 21 Wantagh, NY (was: Weedsport, NY) July 22 Tanglewood Performing Arts Center Lenox, MA July 24 Star Lake Ampitheare, Pittsburgh, PA-tickets on sale ~ June 16th July 25 World Music Theater, Chicago, IL--tickets on sale June 1st July 26 Alpine Valley Music Theater, East Troy, WI--tickets June 1st July 27 St. Louis, MO July 28 Cincinnati, OH (was: Nashville, TN) July 30 Detroit, MI (was: Kansas City, KS) July 31 Deer Creek Music Center, Indianapolis, IN August 1 Cajun Dome, Lafayette LA August 2 Houston, TX (was: Birmingham, AL) August 3 Dallas, TX (was: Houston, TX) August 6 Costa Mesa, CA (was: El Paso, TX) August 7 Concord Pavilion, Concord, CA--tickets on sale June 16th August 8 Shoreline Ampitheater, Mountain View, CA--tickets June 16th +++ +++ +++ +++ Also from Cathy: I *have* been hearing rumors (mostly on the radio) that Yes intend to add more concert dates. The one show in my area (and still 2 hours away) sold out within a couple hours. We're all hoping they schedule a show closer to the Syracuse area. I assume they do these sort of shows all over the country, but just thought that I'd mention that they're putting on a "Laser Yes" show July 2 at the Landmark Theater here in Syracuse. I went to one set to Pink Floyd last summer, and it was really wild. Better than MTV any day :-) --Cath +++ +++ +++ +++ Article from of rec.music.misc: Yes is playing at the CAJUN DOME on August 1st This is in Lafayette Louisiana. About 4 hrs from Houston. * * * * * * * * * * NEWS FROM BEYOND SUMMER VACATION: ================================ From: IN%"curadio@clutx.clarkson.edu" "Mike Borella" 17-JUNE-1991 ...In other news, Steve Howe's 1st full length recording, "Tomorrow" just came out on CD. British import, and the price isn't bad. Be careful if you're looking to buy the new Yes bootleg CD "Rehearsal Tales". The track listing doesn't match what's actually on the CD. And finally, I'm working on another "improved" version of the discography. It will be roughly 100 pages when complete, and will include musicians who played on each album, as well as a chronological list of each Yes member's career moves. Of course, for the weak of heart, I'll also have a short version with just title, year and Cat #. :-) -Mike * * * * * * * * * * IT CAN HAPPEN TO IT CAN HAPPEN: ============================== From: IN%"STU_JWSHELBY@VAX2.ACS.JMU.EDU" "Joe Shelby" JUNE-12-1991 I went to a rare-records store in Fairfax, VA, and picked up a single for It Can Happen. It's on ATCO records, listed as an Irish import (i don't know the validity of this though). The B-side is a Live version of "It can happen", produced and engineered by Eddy Offord. The A-side is pretty much the same as the album version. --Joe * * * * * * * * * * 9012LIVE: ======== From: IN%"R3JMT%AKRONVM@vm1.cc.UAKRON.EDU" "Jeff Tucker" 18-JUNE-1991 According to a friend of mine who works at a CD store, 9012Live will be released on CD in Japan and will be available as an import in the States around the end of June. --Jeff Tucker * * * * * * * * * * ROLLING STONE ARTICLE ABOUT UNION: ================================= From: IN%"cotsonas@uci.edu" "Bruce Cotsonas" 12-JUNE-1991 The latest issue of the "Rolling Stone" (the REM cover issue) has a full-page article about the Yes "Union" tour and the album. Wakeman and Howe are quoted as being unhappy with the "Union" album. Wakeman says some of the added keyboard work could have been played better by his four-year old daughter! Wakeman conceded that everyone was busy preparing for the tour, so an outside producer was brought in to finish the album. The album's producer defended his work, reminding people that Anderson supervised the producer and received "Associate Producer" credit, as a result. Rabin admitted to initial skepticism about a "Union" tour, but Wakeman now looks forward to future Yes projects. --Bruce Cotsonas, Cotsonas@UCI.EDU * * * * * * * * * * 1984: ==== From: IN%"studer@alfven.physics.su.OZ.AU" "Andrew Studer" 23-JUNE-1991 I'm suprised no one's reviewed Rick Wakeman's "1984" album yet, so I will. Overture: Part 1 (i) Robot Man Part 2 (i) Sorry (i) Wargames No Name Julia's Song Forgotten Memories (i) Hymn Proles The Room: Part 1 (i) 1984 (i) Part 2 (i) (i) means instrumental. In terms of structure, 1984 sits half way between a concept album and a rock opera. Tim Rice (who was Andrew Lloyd Webber's offsider) writes the lyrics, there are different vocalists all through the album, and the final track has a nice recap of all the earlier themes. There's also a bit of orchestral writing on the album (the first and last tracks, mainly) to complement Rick's band. At 45 minutes, it's too short for a rock opera. A rock operetta, perhaps? On the other hand, there are lots of Wakeman instrumentals, with that patented Wakeman keyboard style, so it's not the kind of thing you'd give to an anonymous keyboard player in a rock opera setting. It's a very "personal" album for Rick in a way. So, how does it rate? Well, the instrumentals on the album are all great, but the vocal tracks are rather mixed. Let's do the instrumentals first. "Overture part 1" is an orchestral intro (except for a Rick solo line). This is the best track on the album, as good as anything Rick has ever done. It segues into "part 2", which has just the band playing the same sort of thematic material as the orchestra. Again, a good track. We then segue into "Wargames". More of that later. "The Room" is also in two parts. The first is a dramatic piece with lots of good synth work. The second is a moody piece, no doubt meant to convey that "Room 101" feel. "Sorry" is vintage Rick: this could have come straight from "Six Wives". A lovely, gentle piece with terrific piano work from Rick. "Forgotten Memories" is more up tempo, and is orchestrated entirely on synths (except for drums and- believe it or not- a banjo!). "1984" is the recap, and very well done it is too. All the album's melodic themes are rehashed, but without the strained feeling that they've been pasted together (ever heard the "Flash Gordon" sound track?). And now the vocal tracks. Chaka Khan is the vocalist for "Wargames", "Julia's Song" and "Robot Man". The first and last of these are up tempo pieces, complete with backing vocalists. They're more or less straight rock songs. I never felt that Rick was particularly a master of this style, so the songs are OK but not brilliant, but the real problem lies with integrating the vocalists to the backing tracks. I like Khan's voice, but it doesn't sit well with Rick's style of production (note: no producer is listed. Presumably it's Rick). By the way: the (instrumental) ending of Wargames is a lovely synth solo. "Julia's Song', on the other hand, is a very well written and arranged ballad, unfortunately Khan sings flat throughout the entire song. Very disappointing! Our old friend Jon Anderson sits in on "Hymn", which I feel is the best vocal track on the album, although the keyboard solos in the during the piece are a bit unrelated to the song. "No Name" is a lack luster song with an appalling vocalist. Can't remember his name. A bad track. And Tim Rice himself sings on "Proles". Tim can't really sing either, but that doesn't matter: this is a "fun" track. Try and imagine Rick doing the Blues Brothers. All in all: a fairly good album. About 25 minutes worth is brilliant: the other 20 are forgettable. If you really like the early Rick albums (Six Wives, Arthur, Journey) then the good stuff on this album make it well worth your money. Lots of keyboards, lots of solos... that's why "1984" never became a rock opera. Who- apart from Rick- could play the keyboard parts? --Andrew Studer * * * * * * * * * * WHAT DO THEY SAY ON ANGKOR WAT: ============================== From: IN%"lewis@ctstateu.bitnet" "Sarah Lewis" 10-JUNE-1991 On the past two Sundays a four-hour (total) music/interview program called "Yes: Up Close" aired on WHCN, a station in the Hartford area. In it, Jon Anderson gave the translation to the Cambodian poetry at the end of "Angkor Wat." It's a simple poem which goes something like this: I am a child of the Universe I deserve total recognition of this and the light of God And being a child of the Universe, I want to live in a world without war, I want to live in a world without starvation, I want to live in a world without pestilence I want to live in a world with love, peace, and harmony Because I am a child of the Universe Write me if you're interested in a copy of the program; I managed to catch everything except the first half hour. WHCN was giving away copies of the program on CD but I doubt you could find it in a store. --Sarah (lewis@ctstateu.bitnet) +++ +++ +++ +++ From: IN%"arcarese@andromeda.rutgers.edu" 22-JUNE-1991 Here's the story behind Angkor Wat: It seems Jon was watching some public television show regarding Cambodian refugees, and in this show, they said that the Cambodians believe that those who die will go to heaven, and then return to the spiritual center of Cambodia. Based on this idea, he wrote the poem below that he was going to read at the end of the song. At this point, he had the song almost finished; he was ending it w/ "return to the center..." He then asked someone to translate this poem into Cambodian (Pauline Cheng) (presumably he was going to read it in Cambodian), and when he heard her reading it, he felt that she did such a good job with it, that he had her read it for the song. Also, Jon asked her what the spiritual center of Cambodia was, and she replied..."Angkor Wat" which Jon used for the very end of the song... Here's the translation of the Cambodian speech at the end of Angkor Wat... [same as above poem] * * * * * * * * * * ROGER DEAN ARTWORK ON DISPLAY: ============================= >From Cathy Leak (you can't keep a good Editor down): Also, I received a postcard from Yes Mag about a Roger Dean art exhibition in San Francisco, at the San Francisco Art Exchange. It reads: "over twenty of the master's best known and most captivating Works. The show will include the *original* paintings from Tales..., Relayer, the Asia paintings and many others. OPENING: MAY 18, 1991" --this is obviously past-dated, but I think there's a possibility it is still on display. They list 2 phone numbers for the Art Exchange: (415) 441-8840 or 1-800-344-9633 if anyone is interested. Also an address for The San Francisco Art Exchange: 458 Geary St., San Francisco, CA 94102. --Cath +++ +++ +++ +++ I called the above 800 number and a fellow by the name of Mark Lanzman answered. He said they were carring Roger Dean artwork on an ongoing basis and they had about a dozen pieces on display now (note: this is a gallery selling these art works and not a museum). He also asked if I was interested in buying one! They cost anywhere up to $500,000 for original artwork, so I was thinking if we got a bunch of us together... oh well back to reality. Some sketches sell for as little as $3,500 which is still way out of my price range. It seems that they had Roger Dean come out to the gallery for the Oakland show and sign copies of two poster they were selling, one of which was Tales From Topographic Oceans. Jon Anderson showed up after the show, as did Rick Wakeman. The way Mark tells the story one guy came in with a tattoo of the Yes logo on his arm. Rick and Roger decided to have a little fun with him and starting talking about copyright infringement, royalties and the like. In the end Roger Dean wound up signing his arm which he then took over to the tattoo parlor and had tattoed on. So now he may be the only person around who has a signed tattoo of the Yes logo on his arm. Some more affordable items for sale are autographed copies of the Views book for about $100 and signed posters of Tales From Topographic Oceans for $125. Also, they are going to be doing a lithograph of an as of yet undetermined piece of Roger Dean Artwork. Mr. Lanzman seemed to think it will either be an original artwork lithograph of Tales From Topographic Oceans or Relayer. Mr. Lanzman has also vowed to keep me apraised of the situation and I will let you know what they are selling when they sell it. It seems this stuff sells like hot cakes. Please, please, please, could someone from the area visit the gallery and report on it. Rumor has it that some of this artwork is astounding in real life. --Dave * * * * * * * * * * WHERE IS YES HEADED YOU ASK: =========================== From: IN%"STU_JWSHELBY@VAX2.ACS.JMU.EDU" "Joe Shelby" 12-JUNE-1991 Well, you asked for theories, you got 'em. Here are my ramblings on each of the members of the band, plus opinions on past members and past producers on whether or not they'll join in on the Union. Jon Anderson -- Anderson's got his band back and he couldn't be happier. I think he's finally learned to appreciate what Rabin can do for the band and will not try to control him as much as he tried on Big Generator. He ain't gonna leave any time soon. Potential Partners? He'll work with all of them, like he did on both Big Generator and ABWH -- he'll either have a song that he'll let the others (mostly Steve, Trevor, or Squire) add to, or he'll modify what the others write by adding lyrics or whatever, just to keep it "official Yes music." Bill Bruford -- I think he'll be the first to leave, if any. Right now, he's probably after a little friendship and some financial base to support Earthworks from, but he'll probably start feeling the pull back to full-time jazz work soon. Potential Partners? I don't think he'll be involved in any major song writer effort any time soon. Steve Howe -- He's in it for the music the most. I believe that Steve feels there is one last "project" left in him, perhaps a "Close to the Edge" or even another on the "Tales" scale. Something major at least. He feels that by working with Jon and Chris, he might be able to bring it about before he finally has to retire. Potential Partners? As I said, Jon and Chris mostly. I can also foresee him not taking as long in producing a 4th solo album, if the third sells all right. Relativity Records is being quite supportive to him. Tony Kaye -- He ain't gonna leave, despite how much he might hate playing "2nd fiddle" to Rick. Besides, he'll keep Rick from using so many studio musicians for a lot of the pre-production work. Potential Partners? Alan White. He and Alan have been close friends for several years, even outside of the band. They've probably got a few tracks written that they're ready to present to the band, plus they might be sketching ideas for a new album for Kaye's solo career. Kaye has put out at least 1 solo effort (new age) for Cinema records. Trevor Rabin -- Despite claims by many "Classic Yes" fans that he's to pop-oriented, he's become (at least in Jon and Chris's eyes) a major force in the band, and probably won't leave soon either. He and Steve obviously (from the recent tour) have worked out set patterns so that neither is playing back-up to the other for too long. He'll probably write at least 1/3 of the next new album. Potential Partners? Rick Wakeman. From the "eye contact" the two maintained on the tour, I get the feeling the two of them have already started some collaborations. Perhaps we might see some "speed shows" between the two. Chris Squire -- They all claim he and Anderson have made up, but I can still foresee potential clashes between the two. Anderson still wants to be leader (as he was on ABWH), but Squire prefers to have every band member equal (as in Big Generator). These are the same clashes that caused Jon to leave both in '80 AND '88. This time, I think Jon will see it Chris's way and loosen the reigns a bit. Potential Partners? He'll probably work with Trevor and Steve, and bring in some ideas from outside the band. He hasn't been very prolific these days. I hope he realizes the quality of music that his harmonies with Jon can produce and focuses on developing those a bit more. Rick Wakeman -- "On a lovely roller coaster ride" and having the time of his life right now. I am suprised he didn't contribute more to the new album besides a few free-form improvisational tracks. Most of his creative effort seems to be going to the endless stream of solo albums I guess. Potential Partners? Trevor Rabin for speed shows and Jon for "new age" stuff like Angkor Wat. Alan White -- Another one having fun in all of this. He's willing to let Bill "do his stuff" whenever he wants, so I don't see any conflicts developing between the dual rhythm section. Who drums on what tracks will mostly depend on what the song writer prefers more than any argument between them. Potential Partners? Like I said before, Tony Kaye. Past members: Peter Banks? no offense, but he's just not "Yes" anymore. A one shot reunion, maybe, but he won't become a full-fledged member again. Geoff Downes/Trevor Horn? They've traveled too far without Yes, and their stint was for only one album anyways. They both have too much work in production and engineering to return to being musicians full-time. It would be nice to have some song writer contributions from Horn, though. Patrick Moraz? Again, he's gone too far since then. He loves the Moody Blues too much to leave them, and has enough work with his solo projects to join a second band for a major tour. Producers? Trevor will produce anything he writes. Jon will oversee the production of the entire album, along with Chris, to make sure it "feels" like Yes when it's done. Eddy Offord? I think both Jon and Chris realize Eddy's "still got it" with his work on "Miracle of Life" and "The more we live -- Let go". Steve will probably want Eddy back as well, if his "project" ever sees the light. Trevor Horn? He knows how to make a "hit" (re: Owner, Leave it, recent Rod Stewart releases), but that seems to piss Rabin off too much. I don't know if he'll be invited back to help develop any new releases. Bob Ezrin? worked with Trevor fine on "Can't Look Away", but will probably be too busy with the Pink Floyd to help out any more. Jonathan Elias? nice work, but contributed FAR too much on the ABWH tracks of UNION. Too much reliance on free-form music...made some of those tracks too much like "Songs from the Lost World" well, those are my random thoughts and ramblings for now. --Joe * * * * * * * * * * TIRED OF UNION ALREADY? TRY THIS: ================================ From: IN%"GORMAN@SCRI1.SCRI.FSU.EDU" "Brian Gorman" 8-JUNE-1991 To all those feeling disappointed with the Union album... Try changing the tracking order! After listening to Union the second time, I realized that much of the disappointment I have with it has little to do with the individual tracks. The biggest problem, I think, is the tracking order. It sounds like someone used the old "dart board" technique to pick the tracks. With all the talk about delaying the album's release because of "lack of continuity", I would have expected at least a half-decent job in the final product. The upside to this problem is that it can be corrected. I spent about a week listening to the tracks in various orders, and using tempo, key, dynamics, and general tone, I came upon a tracking order that I think is a vast improvement over the original. A friend of mine whom I had asked to try this order later told me that it greatly raised his opinion of the album. He also recommended that I post it here, so here it is by the numbers: 7, 1, 12, 2, 11, 6, 4, 8, 5, 3, 13, 10, 14, 9 If you're not already too comfortable with the "factory" tracking order, then give this one a try, or do some experimenting yourself. --Bryan Gorman (gorman@scri1.scri.fsu.edu) * * * * * * * * * * A REVIEW OF A REVIEW AND A REVIEW (GOT THAT): ============================================ From: IN%"fflav@Brahms.udel.EDU" "Stephen J Kramarck " JUNE-10-1991 I'll give Rolling Stone some credit for their review, it was consistent with the one for ABWH (one star). The two albums are actually quite similar and that is the one thing they got right in the review. My personal opinion, as an objective DJ, is that Union was better than I thought they could pull off, but still not the quintessential Yes album I pray for as I go to bed every night. I gave it a C+ on my show but that was immediately after the release, now its up to a B/B-. There were some good songs but many were underdeveloped and too short (ie-Evensong,Silent Talking), and a few were overblown (ie-Miracle of Life). I still, for the life of me, don't know what JA was doing on Angkor Wat. Just an aside on that, there is a band called Angkor Wat, haven't listened to them yet. Anyway, everyone is entitled to their opinion and that was mine. Nomination for most underappreciated Yes songs 1) South Side of the Sky 2) Parallels 3) No Opportunity Neccisary....etc --Later, Steve * * * * * * * * * * THE CLASSICAL CONNECTION: ======================== _The Classical Connection_ by Rick Wakeman 1) Gone But Not Forgotten 6) Catherine of Aragon 2) After The Ball 7) Catherine Howard 3) Elgin Mansions "The 1984 Trilogy" 4) Sea Horses 8) 1984 Overture 5) Merlin The Magician 9) The Hymn 10) Finale (Incorporating Julia) Recorded in January of 1991 and into record stores in May, now that's quick. For those of you who tire easily of lengthy reviews I can summarize my views of this one in one statement: if you like early Wakeman music buy this CD, you'll like _The Classical Connection_. Having said that you might wonder what else there might be to say about this most recent of Wakeman works. First off a lot has been said about it being Piano version of his most famous works. Well, this statement is almost true, but not quite, on a couple of accounts. First, the album is not really a solo Piano work. Wakeman is accompanied, and quite deftly I might add, by David Paton who plays bass on nearly all of the album and guitar on several of the tracks. On top of that some light, but very effective, electronic keyboards are added. The extra keyboards are used sparsely so that when they do show up the added effect is quite subtle and quite nice. Second, while it is true that most of the works played are earlyish, not all of them are his most famous works (though perhaps they should be). The track "After The Ball" is from _White Rock_, not one of his better known works, and "Sea Horses" may be the best track on _Rhapsodies_, a work that could best be described as infamous rather than famous. "Gone But Not Forgotten" is from the nearly unknown _Cost Of Living_ which unlike _White Rock_ is at least out on CD somewhere in the world. A good portion of the music (three tracks, and 15 minutes) is from 1984 perhaps the most under appreciated Wakeman album of all time. Don't let the obscurity of these sources fool you though, the tracks chosen are still among his absolute best material. Among the more famous tracks are "Catherine Of Aragon" and "Catherine Howard" which are, of course, two of the _Six Wives Of Henry VIII_, probably Wakeman's most famous and best work. "Merlin The Magician" is obviously from _Myths And Legends Of King Arthur And The Knights Of The Round Table_, again one of Wakeman's better known works. While these tunes, like most of the tunes on this album, are clearly recognizable, the arrangements vary a great deal from the originals. For example the 1984 trilogy has many of the themes from 1984, but more or less tossed into a blender, along with some new stuff, so that the result is always surprising. Throughout the album the playing is superb, with the bass and piano playing almost as one instrument. The arrangements have a way of taking familiar material and making it fresh and new again, and the energy produced out of just piano, bass, and light electronic keyboard can be truly astounding. Regardless of the relative obscurity of some of the originals, each is a new arrangement of a Wakeman classic, and eminently enjoyable in either arrangement. What else is there to say except that this album is a must for any fan of early Wakeman. --Dave * * * * * * * * * * UNION ARRIVES DOWN UNDER: ======================== From: IN%"studer@alfven.physics.su.OZ.AU" "Andrew Studer" 23-JUNE-1991 Finally, at long last, "Union" made it to Australia. (20/6/1991). At one record shop, they even gave away free a copy of the "Lift Me Up" CD single with the LP. A bit useless (since the single version is just an edit) but a nice touch. So, having given the CD a few listens, I'll voice my opinions on "Union" and the future of Yes. ...... My first response on starting the CD was "Wow, you can hear the guitars!". The production on "Union" is flawless. Elias has made a positive contribution here on the ABWH tracks, and the Rabin tracks sound great too. Musically, I feel the disc is largely very good, with a few dud moments. However (and some will disagree) the really great thing is that I can judge the tracks as "Yes" tracks. To my mind, this is the first Yes album that SOUNDS like a Yes album since "Tormato". (The four albums in between, while having their merits, were a change in direction). This CD deserves to have a Roger Dean "Yes" logo up the top! The other great thing about this album is Howe's guitar work, which I feel really shines. Rick's a bit subdued, but, fair go, he was all over the last album. Levin's bass work is great, too (especially "I Would Have Waited..."), in fact it sounds rather trebly and Squire like. Frankly, though, I find Bruford's drumming disappointing- and I'm a big Bruford fan. Because he uses such a huge snare sound, it's very hard for him to play with the beat. On the old Yes stuff, even the four- to- the- bar stuff had great drumming ("Long Distance Runaround", sections of "Troopers" etc). Rabin's still sounding commercial, but at least "Lift Me Up" is a good song. "Miracle of Life" is a good effort too, harking back to the structure of "Changes". He needs to stop showing off a bit, but no- one's perfect. The quality of song writing is largely good too. Anderson, as always, works best when collaborating: his three "solo" songs ("Without Hope", "Dangerous" and "Take the Water", notwithstanding Elias' contributions). sound a bit forced and lacking direction, whereas some of the other stuff, ("I Would Have Waited", "Holding On", and "Silent Talking") is a lot better. So, whither Yes? Certainly, the some of the ABWH tracks on "Union" are worthy of "Tormato era" Yes, and Rabin's stuff nearly holds its own against "90125" (maybe not quite catchy). If everyone genuinely collaborated on songs and arrangements, the next Yes album could be rather marvelous. And why would anyone have to leave? If the guitar and keyboard players could control their egos enough to "lay out" on some tracks, things wouldn't be so busy. And a lot of the stuff on "Union" actually needs eight musicians. Well, nearly. So, to my mind, "Union" sees Yes at nearly full strength. There are only two (important) missing ingredients. 1) The arrangements still don't sound quite unified, although a million times better than the first ABWH album, where no two members sat in the studio at the same time (nearly). If there were more genuine group involvement in arrangements, Yes would be even better than they are now. 2) The melodies. Back in The Good Old Days, Yes wrote killer melodies. Unfortunately, with all respect to those in the USA, they've become Americanised. They should all spend six months locked up somewhere so that they can't hear any West Coast stuff, because it doesn't fit in with their type of music. But still, I am pleased. As I said, in judging this CD, I feel that I can judge it as a Yes album. Yes have managed to take a big step forward, without going backward. Good stuff. --Andrew Studer * * * * * * * * * * WHERE CAN THESE VIDEOS BE FOUND: =============================== From: IN%"gt1291c@prism.gatech.edu" "Andy Rachels" 22-JUNE-1991 I just watched the Yes Rockumentary on MTV and actually thought MTV did a decent job. Anyway, I noticed on the credits that they used footage from "Yes' Greatest Video Hits." I have never heard of this video before and was wondering if anyone knows what songs are on it, and where I could get a copy. I was also wondering if anyone knows where I can get a copy of the complete Asia in Asia video that originally aired back in '82-'83 (not the hour long video available at record stores), and a copy of Asia's videos (I think there are five of them). If anybody has any info, you can just e-mail me. --Andy Rachels gt1291c@prism.gatech.edu * * * * * * * * * * ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS FOR YES OLD TIMERS: ======================================= In the last issue Jason Horacek asked: >From: IN%"acm001@zeus.unomaha.edu" "Jason Horacek ACMM" 29-MAY-1991 > >I have a few questions for those old time Yes fans out there... > > First off, when you heard that "Drama" was coming out WITHOUT Jon >Anderson, what was your first reaction? > > Second, when you heard about 90125 with the revised line-up, what >did you think? What do you remember when you first heard "Owner of a Lonely >Heart" on the radio? (Imagine hearing that power-chord intro...) > >--Jason Horacek ACMM +++ +++ +++ +++ From: IN%"ILWN500@INDYCMS.IUPUI.EDU" "Dave Markfield" 10-JUNE-1991 Here are my responses to some questions posed in the most recent Notes. Drama ------ I was very upset when I heard that Jon and Rick had left YES. I was particularly discouraged over Jon's leaving. I was even more discouraged when I heard of there replacements, Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes, The Buggles. I had heard "Video Killed the Radio Star" and it was in no way my idea of YES. However being a fan I had to give the band a chance and so I purchased DRAMA. And was very pleasantly suprised. IMHO DRAMA is a great album and it is a shame the band does not perform any of it in concert. 90125 ------ The reformation of YES. What was there not to be excited about? Sure Steve Howe was missing, but Jon was back. And Tony Kaye was a founding member and played on THE YES ALBUM. I had never heard of Trevor Rabin but really was not too worried about it. YES was back! "Owner of a Lonely Heart" ------------------------- Shocked. Suprised. Didn't really like it at first. Definitely not what I had expected from YES. But it grew on me, as did 90125. Not the sound I had expected from the band, but then again YES had always been about musical growth and challenging their fans. --David Markfield +++ +++ +++ +++ From: IN%"david@ait.com" "David Kuznick" 14-JUNE-1991 On first hearing Drama would not include Jon Anderson: ----------------------------------------------------- I thought the end of the world was nigh. On hearing about 90125 lineup and on first hearing owner of a lonely heart: -------------------------------------------------------------------------- See above. I could not bring myself to get 90125 at first. I was literally scared to death that I would be buying a bad YES album. But when I heard Owner.. I said "Hmm.. Not bad. Not yes, but not bad." I bought the album and liked ti a lot. The concert was nbelievable; I saw them at Madison Square Garden, NYC before they jettisoned the lasers(BTW does anyone know why they don't use lasers any more?). --David Kuznick (david@ait.com) * * * * * * * * * * YESFEST ANYONE: ============== Here is the current list of people looking to get together and/or share rooms at YesFest. Diane Westerfield wes5@midway.uchicago.edu Dori Kelly garyl@meaddata.com Mike Borella borellms@clutx.clarkson.edu MaryLynn Orzechowski discg1!istda11@dsac.dla.MIL +++ +++ +++ +++ From: IN%"curadio@clutx.clarkson.edu" "Mike Borella" 17-JUNE-1991 In the last issue, someone mentioned about getting together for rooms at YesFest to defer the cost. Cathy, Dean and I are looking for a 4th (male or female). Is there a list of people going? Do you know of anybody? I'd like to get this settled with the reservation people ASAP. Let me know if there is a list of net people going. Thanks! -Mike +++ +++ +++ +++ From: IN%"discg1!istda11@dsac.dla.MIL" "MaryLynn Orzechowski" 18-JUNE-1991 Hi everyone, I am going to the YES concert here in Philly on July 12th and probably the YesFest the same day. I live in Northeast Philly and know the city pretty well if anyone who is going to YesFest has any questions feel free to ask. I hope to see some of you there. --MaryLynn Orzechowski * * * * * * * * * * GOING TO A SHOW? ================ Here's the list of people to get in touch with if you are interested in meeting other people before/during/after the concert: Atlanta (7-9) Christian W. CWalters@Ducvax.Auburn.Edu Chicago, IL (7-25) Dave S. DaveS@Heurikon.Com Indianapolis, IN (7-31) Dave Markfield ILWN500@INDYCMS.IUPUI.EDU Concord, CA (8-7) Ben Ragunton RAGUNTON1@llnl.GOV Mountain View, CA (8-8) Ben Ragunton RAGUNTON1@llnl.GOV If you'd like to be put on this list as an organizer for any shows, drop me a line saying so! +++ +++ +++ +++ From: IN%"RAGUNTON1@llnl.GOV" "Ben Ragunton" 18-JUNE-1991 I would like to be the focal point for the Yes shows at both the Concord Pavilion, Concord California(August 7), and the Shoreline Amphitheater, Mountain View California(August 8). Both of these shows went on sale June 16. If anybody would like to get together before or after the concerts, please drop me a line at RAGUNTON1@llnl.GOV and we'll see what we can come up with! --Ben Ragunton * * * * * * * * * * NEWS FROM THE LYRICS-MEISTER ============================ Hi, all! I've gotten about 8 skillion requests for lyrics to Union, and I've been filling them as best I can. If you requested 'em (or ANY lyrics) and haven't gotten them yet, that means I have LOST YOUR MAIL. Our system was having problems over the last few weeks, and some of my mail got eaten. Please ask again, and I'll be happy ship them out. Also, I've just recently received the lyrics to "Give And Take," the cut that did not make it on the American release of Union. All future sendings of Union will have this tacked on, but if you didn't get those lyrics, you have but to ask :) I want to thank Paul Zeman for typing in all the lyrics and liner notes to Jonathan Elias' "Requiem For The Americas." That was a mammoth project that Paul took on all by himself with no coercion from me (the check's in the mail, Paul :) ) Here is a list of all the lyrics I have at the moment. If you have other lyrics, or are dying to type some in, please feel free. :) I suggest you check with me before you start, only to make sure no one else is doing it. Paul has started work on Chris' "Fish Out Of Water," and Cath says that she's got scads of them being prepared. Anyone else? :) AVAILABLE YES (AND RELATED) LYRICS: -Yes Albums- Yes The Yes Album Fragile Close To The Edge Tales From Topographic Oceans Relayer 90125 Big Generator Union (with "Give And Take") -Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman, Howe Albums- Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe -Jon Anderson solo albums- 3 Ships In The City Of Angels -Jon And Vangelis albums- Private Collection -Other Miscellaneous Songs- Loved By The Sun (Jon with Tangerine Dream - from "Legends" soundtrack) So Long Ago, So Clear (Jon Anderson with Vangelis) Prince Rupert Awakes (Jon Anderson with King Crimson) Pre-Drama Songs (Written for Yes before Jon and Rick quit. Never recorded by Yes, but some appear on Jon's solo works) Requiem For The Americas (Written by Jonathan Elias and features Jon, among others) We Can Fly From Here (Written by Yes (Drama lineup) but never recorded in the studio. Bootlegs exist of a live performance) Lyric requests to: Cwalters@ducvax.auburn.edu * * * * * * * * * * BIRTHDAYS: ========= Happy birthday to Mr. Peter Banks who celebrates his birthday on the July 7th, and to Trevor Horn who celebrates his on the July 15th, and Geoff Downs who will be well over the hill on August 25th. July ---- 2 Yunju Baek 4 Sean Leahy 5 Ajoy Kodali 7 *Peter Banks* 10 Dave Cochran 10 Brian Kauffman 10 Robert Talbert 13 Ben Ragunton 13 Gary Kelly 13 Onnie Bose 13 Ted Byrne 15 *Trevor Horn* 16 John Costello 20 Tom Kresin 22 Vicka Corey 22 Rick Meyer 22 Michelle Kelley 24 Paul Parker 25 John Nash 28 David Schuetz 29 Dan Osher August ------ 1 Marc Meltzer 2 Mike Robinson 12 Gary Schroeder 14 John Arnold 16 Dennis Richards 17 Dave Markfield 17 Atro Tossavainen 20 Mike Richichi 23 Sake Aramaki 24 Ron Chrisley 24 Eric Powell 24 Ingrid Agolia 25 *Geoff Downes* 28 David Gidalevitz 29 Andy Will 29 Diane Westerfield 31 Shri Krishnan 31 Tom Erkenswick * * * * * * * * * * CONTRIBUTORS: ============ Take a bow you guys: Mike Borella, Andrew Studer, Joe Shelby, Andy Rachels, Ben Ragunton, Brian Gorman, Bruce Cotsonas, Dave Markfield, David Kuznick, Jeff Tucker, MaryLynn Orzechowski, Sarah Lewis, Stephen J Kramarck * * * * * * * * * * THOSE ALL-IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: ============================= For New Subscribers, Contributions, Questions/Comments/Criticisms: Dave Scidmore (Editor) DaveS@Heurikon.Com or: Christian Walters CWalters@Ducvax.Auburn.Edu Note: the deadline for submissions for next issue will be July 10 so keep those ecards and eletters comming. For requests for Back Issues, Lyrics: Christian Walters CWalters@Ducvax.Auburn.Edu For Survey Responses (submissions and requests): Dave Scidmore DaveS@Heurikon.Com For the Yes Discography: Jeff Hunnicutt Hunnicutt@VXC.UNCWIL.Edu For the Rarities List (Additions and Requests): Dave Markfield ILWN500@Indycms.Bitnet For Import CD's (last resort): Joe Pizzirusso JoeP@CBMVAX.CBM.Commodore.Com ********************************************************************************