.::::::. ::::::::. ...::::::... ...:::::::... .::|||::::..::::::::: .::|||||::::::::~.::::||||::::::::. ::|||||::::::::::::::'.::|||||::::::::: .::|||||::::::::::: :::||||:::::::::::::'.::||||::::::'~`:: ::|||||::::::' `~' ::::||||::::::::::: ::|||:::::' `:.`::|||||:::::::.. `::::||||::::::::: ::||::::: .::. ``::||:::|||:::. `::::|||::::::::.`:|::::: ..:~ ..:::'' .. :::|::::|||::: `::::||:::::::: :::::'.:::. ::'' ..::: .::::::::::|||:: ...:::.`:::||:::::::.`:::. ::|::.`:.::::::' ::::::::::|||::: ..::||:::::: ::||:::::::' `::.`::|:::.`:::''.:::::::::::||:::: .:::||::' ``.::||::::::'.:. `` `:||:::.~ ```:::::::::::::'' ::|||::::...::|||:::::'.||:::.. :|||:::. ````'''' `:::::::::::|||:::::'.:::|||:::::...:::|||::::. ```:::::::::''' `::::|||::::::::::::::::::. `:::||||:::::::::::::::::. ::::|||||:::::::::::|::: `::::||||||:::::::||::' `:::::||||||::|||::: `::::::||||||:::' ```:::::::'' (tm) N o t e s F r o m t h e E d g e THE Internet YES Source # 167 December 20, 1996 ______________________________________________________________________________ = nfte nfte nfte nfte nfte nfte nfte = ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ IN THIS ISSUE ============= HOLIDAY GREETING FROM YES FUTURE TIMES - KTA 2 new tracks ready to go! ARTIST DATA - Hello Jeff BOOK DATA - Thoughts on Bill Martin's "Music of Yes" - "Say Yes!" A Review OFFERED - Steve Howe's Gibson Hummingbird - Yes items for trade - Yes items for sale - Yes footage WANTED - ABWH CD singles - REQUIEM FOR THE AMERICAS - Urgent! Yes memorabilia needed for Xmas present - MASTERS OF TIME DIALOG - Envision: A YES tribute band - Heavy Hitters - Hats off - WURM (spelled with a u-umlaut) - IONA - Gary Wright WHO I AM - Mad at record label - What's in a name - Another message about peace, love and understanding - 40 years from now - Forget the divisions - The younger Yes fans - KTA and other thoughts - The support was great and other nonsense - Kudos to Chris and MOT - Squire Interview: NOT "sugarize" - Chris Squire interview: don't speak for me - YesHeads down under - KEYS to Yes! - To all Yes fans and musicians! - Opinions are welcome! - About Syn on CD - Close To frustration - Dean: the same scene - Discography on YES ACTIVE CD-ROM - "Symphonic Tales?" Part II - Wakeman/T.Rex? - Rick's keyboard tech? - A cosmic world - The Sect named 'New Age Music' - `Ludicrous' items - "Awaken" bootlegs SOUND CHASER - My favorite year ______________________________________________________________________________ = nfte nfte nfte nfte nfte nfte nfte = ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ _____________________________ = HOLIDAY GREETING FROM YES = ----------------------------- "Our sincere thanks to all our faithful fans. We wish you Happy Holidays and a joyful New Year. See you in the New Year with our new album KEYS TO ASCENSION II, and hopefully on tour...watch this space for news." * * * * * * * * * * ________________ = FUTURE TIMES = ---------------- > From Editor Mike Tiano (mike@nfte.org) => KTA 2 NEW TRACKS READY TO GO! ============================= KEYS TO ASCENSION Volume 2 has been totally mixed and is now completed. Astonishingly the new tracks were recorded and mixed in less than a month, which even surprised the band. In all likelihood the new tracks will fill one entire CD of this two-CD set, while the other will contain live tracks from SLO that were not on Volume 1. Steve Howe specifically praised Billy Sherwood for his contribution in producing the album and bringing everything together. Conversations with all band members revealed that they are very pleased and excited about the new songs, as well as with the revitalized band as a whole. And it looks like the band is on a roll. Though all band members are off for the holidays Alan advised Notes that it is very likely that immediately afterward they will be reassembling to record more new tracks for what will be their first all-studio album with this lineup since TORMATO. Tour dates are in the works though nothing is definite. With all the new material will there be much time to play any old stuff? 8-) As for KTA Volume 1, on January 6 CMC International will be sending edited versions of "That, That Is" to AOR stations and asked Notes to advise readers to request this song by phone, email, letter, or whatever method works. Though there is still no info on the video release in most of the world it is now reportedly available in Japan on both VHS and laserdisc (a copy imported to the U.S. of the latter has been priced upward of $150). MOT * * * * * * * * * * _______________ = ARTIST DATA = --------------- HELLO JEFF ========== From: Patrick Moraz Dear Jeff, Congratulations to Caroline and yourself and Big Welcome to the World for Alec Gray ")")") Lots of news too, on our side. As you know I have been preparing my "7 Days-a-week" project over the last 7 months now and it's getting there. Also, I have been playing with lots of great musicians this year, one Ronnie Ciago, drummer extraordinaire, Master of Music from the Berklee School of Music and a personal student of "Narada" Michael Walden, Carmine Appice, amongst other luminaries. Ronnie is certainly, in my book, one of the three best drummers I have ever played with, and is also a fantastic percussionist. He can not only play all the music I have ever recorded, but also improvises with me on a level rarely attained with other drummers and percussionists in the past. Also, I have been playing with Doug Lunn, a giant bass player, (from the Mark Isham group), also a Master of Music from Berklee and UCLA, and an improviser "hors-pair". Both musicians will play with me in the near future. I have lots and lots of topics, especially with the "A way to Freedom, Real People in real Time 7 Days-a-Week" project. Thank God and all the best for now Patrick and Phyllis who says a Great Hello and Congratulations too * * * * * * * * * * _____________ = BOOK DATA = ------------- THOUGHTS ON BILL MARTIN'S "MUSIC OF YES" ======================================== From: "mfriesco@CCGATE.HAC.COM" I have just finished reading the recently-released "Music of Yes; Structure and Vision in Progressive Rock" by Bill Martin. To say the least, I have to take my hat off to Mr. Martin in terms of the obvious care and attention with which he has listened to Yes's music, both in terms of musical composition and lyrical content. Overall, the book is excellent (details below), though I have to say that Mr. Martin's none-too-hidden Marxist/Communist views were often pretty distracting and even annoying (i.e., I venture to guess that if he were living in his utopian "Radical Communitarian" state, as one of the "magnificent ants" he declares admiration for, he would a) never have been able to obtain the Rickenbacker 4001 he is pictured embracing and b) never have been allowed to write a book largely concerning philosophy without the Maoist "lead ant" imposing a swift system of censorship on him). Having thus vented, let me again praise the book, at least insofar as it relates to the music of Yes. It is probably the first time I have ever read intelligent, convincing interpretations of Jon Anderson's lyrics that actually SOUND RIGHT! I believe that Mr. Martin, at times, is giving Jon too much credit (i.e. seeing deep meaning where there is only poetic lyric), but I have to say that a lot of what he says is very plausible, and has led me to a much deeper appreciation of the beauty and MEANING of the music of Yes. I am a Howe-crazed guitarist, and am guilty of looking at Yes's music through somewhat of a "guitar filter" (just as Mr. Martin tended to overly concentrate on the bass, being a bassist himself -- that's fair, it's HIS book after all). Reading this book has, however, re-oriented me to taking in the music as a whole (it's just that Howe is so DAMN amazing...). This is the way Yes music was composed, and it is the best way to appreciate it and learn from it. At any rate, I thoroughly enjoyed the album-by-album analysis of the "main sequence", along with others. I did find myself occasionally skimming quickly through the philosophical sections, just to get to the musical "meat". However, in retrospect, all of the writing is significant, and it short-changes the book to read it merely to get "warm fuzzies" from experiencing someone else's praise for something that one already admires (although this DOES unmistakably feel good). In general, I agreed with Mr. Martin's analyses and opinions (on purely musical issues, that is...), and found myself wanting to re-listen to the entire Yes catalog as I read each chapter -- maybe I will! I wish that he had reviewed more Howe solo efforts, other that just BEGINNINGS, which in my opinion is not his strongest. TURBULENCE would have been better -- but hey, this is a guitar player talking. I would really like to know what Mr. Martin thinks of KEYS TO ASCENSION -- if you are reading this, Bill, please reply! Overall, a very good book -- required reading for every "true" Yes fan! Mike Riesco (mfriesco@ccgate.hac.com) * * * * * * * * * * "SAY YES!" A REVIEW =================== From: "0007537288@mcimail.com" "Phillip Wilkerson" "Say Yes!" A review of Rick Wakeman's Autobiography. Having grown up with two older brothers during the early 1970's, the music of Yes was very much a part of our household. I can distinctly remember by age 10 being able to distinguish Yes immediately by the sound of Jon's voice, Chris's bass lines, or the sweeping depth and grandeur of Rick's awesome keyboards. There was no mistaking the Yes signature. Now, at age 35, I still enjoy Yes as much as ever. Because Yes has been a significant part of my life, I am as deeply interested in the band members' lives as I am their music. Indeed, their lives, personalities, talents, and unique approaches to music are the reason why Yes is an enduring phenomenon. So, I was first in line for a copy of Rick Wakeman's new autobiography Say Yes! published in mid-1995 by Hodder and Stoughton Ltd., London (ISBN 0 340 62151 6). I must admit, my expectation was a hard-bound book with three or four hundred pages, tons of pictures, a complete discography of Yes' and Rick's entire career, a chronology, and a huge index. Instead, Rick's book is paperback, contains less than two hundred pages, a total of 17 pictures, no chronology, and instead of an index, the last page contains the Confederate Soldier's Prayer. Most startling is the cover. A portrait of Rick, looking quite mellow and serene, half smiles at you. His eyes tell a story of hardship, trauma, and many painful life experiences. Around his neck is a gold cross. The cover portrait was my first indication that herein was more than I expected: the story of one man and how he had discovered meaning, fulfillment, and peace in his life. Moving on to the Preface, written by Rick himself, I was quickly drawn into his story. He opens by stating that what previously had seemed most important in his life had been consistently proven wrong. Now totally intrigued, I sat down and read the book through from cover to cover. As you might expect, Rick begins with his early life and some parental background. His writing is fast-paced and entire years of his early life are reduced to a few pages. By age 10, he was already preparing himself for a life as a classical pianist. He won many contests, but as he grew into adolescence, other interests (football, cricket, "blue" notes, and the opposite sex) began to slow his progress. A carefully phrased remark from his father got his attention and helped him regain his focus. From the age of 17, Rick gave the piano his best effort. He relates his struggle to make the necessary grades for admittance to the Royal Academy of Music that kept him busy during the day, balanced with the pub-hopping and piano-playing that kept him busy at night. In chapter two, Rick discusses his musical influences, the purchase of his first organ (the Woolworth Super Deluxe Reed Organ), and the first band he joined, the Atlantic Blues. Most notable about the book is Rick's ability to relate the events of his life with humor and wit. For example, after the Atlantic Blues had their debut in the middle of a pub fight, the band took their first residency at Neasden, a social club for teenagers with Down's syndrome. The band played the club every Thursday for six months and came to love and understand their audience. According to Rick, the experience remains as one of the highlights of his career. And so his story continues. One apparently unremarkable incident after another, later turning into the most relevant events of his life. Punctuating his career were bouts with alcoholism, ill health, financial woes, and bittersweet success. By the time he reaches the end of chapter 8, Rick has covered his work with David Bowie, the Strawbs, and his beginnings with Yes. Yes fans may at first be disappointed with the lack of detail. For example, he relates the incident of the 3 A.M. call from Chris Squire on page 106 and by page 125 is relating his split with the band over TALES OF TOPOGRAPHIC OCEANS. But Rick's aim is to tell his own story, not the Yes story. The book is his own testimonial of his rise to stardom and downward spiral to emotional, spiritual, and financial ruin (e.g., to pay debts he says he had to sell the rights to 25 years worth of Yes music he created). Rick has been time and time again to the "starting over" point. In fact, Rick relates his life to a roller-coaster ride, which continually brought him back to same place. Finally, he says he found the roller-coaster of Christianity, which is never- ending. I take the title "Say Yes" as a positive affirmation of many things, such as say yes to Jesus, say yes to the wisdom and insight you have gained through experience, and say yes to your potential, and say yes to your future. Rick's book belongs on the shelf of every serious Yes fan. And, with the band coming together once again, Rick's music will undoubtedly reflect the peace and serenity he has found in life and be even more powerful and passionate than ever before. To appreciate his music, you must understand the man--where he has been, what he has seen, what he has suffered, and most importantly, what he has overcome. Say Yes! is an important key to understanding Rick Wakeman's life and music. Clay Wilkerson 7537288@mcimail.com "One word from you; one word from me." * * * * * * * * * * ___________ = OFFERED = ----------- STEVE HOWE'S GIBSON HUMMINGBIRD =============================== From: "101757.307.'@Arl-Mail-Svc-1.compuserve.com" I own a guitar that used to belong to Steve Howe in the 1970s and want to sell it. It's a Gibson Hummingbird Custom from 1973 in mint condition with full written authentication from Steve himself. Let me know if you are interested in purchasing it. Dave Treloar * * * * * * * * * * YES ITEMS FOR TRADE =================== From: "cgorrell@olympic.brigadoon.com" "Cindy Gorrell" I have many of the Items you are wanting when it comes to rare video&cds t-shirts,autographs, books & posters etc. I want to trade for good quality Photographs of Anderson, Howe, Squire, and Wakeman (esp. SLO) YES FANS ONLY!!! e-mail me at (pgorrell@pcok.com) Thanks, Paul Gorrell 223. S. McCord Ponca City, Okla. 74604 * * * * * * * * * * YES ITEMS FOR SALE ================== From: "phul@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu" "Phu Luong" Saving My Heart UK CD Lift Me Up Promo CD Yes 2LP live 1988 Owner of a Lonely Heart 45 ABWH Order of the Universe Promo CD ABWH Brother Of Mine Promo CD UNION Tourbook make an offer, thanks * * * * * * * * * * YES FOOTAGE =========== From: "WMX1156@aol.com" As a young aspiring filmmaker in college, I often took my Super-8mm film camera to Yes concerts in the Philadelphia area from 1976 thru 1980. Later in life, I became a professional videotape editor, and had the film transferred to video and edited with sound. I wonder if any Yes fans would be interested in seeing my work? Here is what I have: 1) JFK Stadium, Philadelphia, 1976 (TALES) 2) The Spectrum, Philadelphia, 1977 (RELAYER) 3) The Spectrum, Philadelphia, 1978 (In-The-Round) 4) Roosevelt Stadium, New Jersey, 1976 (Tales) 5) The Spectrum, Philadelphia, 1980 (Trevor Horn)(DRAMA) If enough people are interested in seeing these, I will make them available. They are well-done, clear, and highly viewable. I also have an interpretive "music video" of Close To The Edge, shot and edited by myself in 1976. Anyone interested? Let me know. Mark Wagner WMX1156@aol.com * * * * * * * * * * __________ = WANTED = ---------- ABWH CD SINGLES =============== From: "mam@supridad.com.br" "Marco Antonio C. Moreira" My name is Marco Antonio and I'm a big fan from Yes. I would like to thank you for keep this home page for the big fans around the world. As a big fan, I'm looking for some rare recordings from Yes and maybe you can help me. I'm looking for "I'm Alive" (cd single)and "Vultures in the City" (cd single) from the Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman and Howe line-up. Can you give me some information ? Anyway, thanks for keeping me informed about Yes. We always wanted something like this. I hope you have long live. Keep us "close to the edge". Marco Antonio - Bel=E9m/BRAZIL. * * * * * * * * * * REQUIEM FOR THE AMERICAS ======================== From: spag001@IT.net I wish to buy a CD that is impossible to find in Italy. It is Requiem for the Americas of Jonathan Elias; in particular I am interested in two tracks of Jon Anderson: "Far far cry" and "Within the lost world". Does anyone know where I can find this material. If so, let me know the conditions to buy them. My address is: Serio Gioacchino Via Gobetti, 60 30023 Concordia Sagittaria (Venice) Italy * * * * * * * * * * URGENT! YES MEMORABILIA NEEDED FOR XMAS PRESENT =============================================== From: skordiliss@hartfordcomputergroup.com I need some info where I can get some memorabilia for a huge fan. I am in Chicago so if anyone has any phone numbers that I can call it would be great. Any kind of Yes related stuff would be great as long as it is hard to find or autographed....I need it for Xmas present. [Check out the posts in OFFERED above. --MOT] * * * * * * * * * * MASTERS OF TIME =============== From: "TIM-STOUT@msn.com" "TIMOTHY L. STOUT" How do I get a copy of MASTERS OF TIME bootleg recording from the UNION tour. I have gotten AN EVENING OF YES MUSIC PLUS and KEYS TO ASCENSION, vol.1 and find that I would love to have a live album from the UNION tour as well. Why didn't Yes make one? Most of us would have gone nuts over that. Is there any chance they might all get together and make another album like that, but this time with more real intent to write songs together, and possibly create line-ups that have never all played together before? [With the classic GFTO lineup busily working together as previously mentioned it's highly unlikely that another UNION style Yes collaboration of any kind will occur any time in the near future. --MOT] I have been a Yes fan for nearly 20 years, and have enjoyed every line-up they have had (I even like the DRAMA album). One more question. Why do they almost never play "Tempus Fugit" in concert? It is a great song and would be a fantastic asset to any live album. [There are a lot of factors that determine whether the band decides to play a song or not. One possible and likely reason here is that neither Jon nor Rick were on DRAMA. --MOT} That's all I have for today. Thanks for your assistance. * * * * * * * * * * __________ = DIALOG = ---------- ENVISION: A YES TRIBUTE BAND ============================ From: 840.Old.Furnace.Road.Youngstown@yfn.ysu.edu September 7th An Evening of YES music as performed by Envision "If you close your eyes, this is YES" said my smiling friend Penny, and she had experienced the famed progressive rockers in concert almost as many times as I had. On Saturday evening, September 7th, the talented and dedicated members of Envision helped me to savor the last few hours of my 30s, and as midnight struck, herald in the dreaded "F-word" my 40th birthday. Last winter, I serendipitously stumbled upon Envision on the Internet, probably as a link from Notes from the Edge an on-line YES newsletter. And then because of my poor sense of direction in the world of cyberspace, it took me weeks to locate them again. When I finally did, it was hard to believe that my memory was indeed correct and this band was based nearby in Northeast Ohio. When I heard them at the Hippy Jam near Akron in May, I knew that I just had to get them to play in my hometown of Youngstown. But how would I do it? To make a long story short, I took a deep breath, and did something I've never done before and probably never will again, planned a big birthday party for myself. YES music is the passion of Envision members. Why else would they start packing their equipment so early that Saturday morning, drive to God-forsaken Youngstown, set up, do all the sound checks, don stage apparel and get ready to provide hours of entertainment for the 70 or so friends, standing by to comfort me on my last night of being young. And what a night it was. My brother remarked that he felt like he was 12 years old again, and my mother even remembered some songs. Though some friends were not as familiar with YES they marveled at the sound, and the mastery of the musicians and vocalist. Others sang along. Many told me how they hadn't experienced anything like this since college. Unfortunately, because I threw the party, I had to play host too, so I didn't get to just sit and listen as much as I wanted. But the intricate, ethereal songs of YES, as interpreted by Envison, whirled around me all evening. To be surrounded by such beautiful music and such wonderful people was the perfect way to observe this important, if over-hyped, rite of passage. You don't have to wait until you are 40. Go see Envision as soon as you can. Close your eyes and listen. When you open them I hope you'll see me in the audience too. Ray Novotny * * * * * * * * * * HEAVY HITTERS ============= From: "JRumsey999@aol.com" In search of info reported in Yesmagazine vol. 5 no.2 Random notes section, about AW releasing a CD-ROM of drum samples titled Heavy Hitters. I'm a fan of AW's drumming style and would like to know if or how I can obtain one if it exists. Thanks. [Alan's drum sounds are available on a CD audio and CD ROM formats for Akai, Roland, E-Mu and Kurzweil samplers. The library is called "Heavy Hitters Greatest Hits" and also includes drum sounds from Tommy Lee of Motley Crue and Studio Drummer Jim Keltner. Contact Q-Up arts for More Info: 801-488-0062. Thanks to Reek Havok for supplying this information. --MOT] * * * * * * * * * * HATS OFF ======== From: "mpaz19@mail.idt.net" I just returned from Houston where I saw the G3 tour featuring one of the most awesome guitar players on the planet, Eric Johnson. It was a 6 hour ride each way from New Orleans, which gave me loads of time to listen to KEYS...(advance Promo CD) I am totally blown away by the excellent quality of the live recording esp. "Awaken" is fabulous, but I have a better version on a live recording in Baton Rouge during GFTO tour. I was so pleased they included "Onward" with Steve playing gut string guitar. Chris and Jon shine on this one. And TALES is simply wonderful. That was one of the only Yestours I missed. I have seen the over 25 times now and have met them all a couple of times. My hat is off to the boys and I wish them all continued success. If you all read this, please consider doing "Turn Of The Century" on the next tour/album. Peace and love and understanding to all, Michael Paz New Orleans * * * * * * * * * * WURM (SPELLED WITH A U-UMLAUT) ============================== From: "101532.340@CompuServe.COM" "Hartmut Heinemann" Here's the definite solution to the debate about the origins and the meaning of WURM (spelled with a U-umlaut)! Wurm (with a U-umlaut!) is a small river in southern Germany. It's the outlet of a lake, the Starnberg Lake, south of Munich ... WURM (...) runs right into Munich, where it flows into the Isar, the Isar joins the Danube, the Danube ... Geological formations in the WURM (...) area caused geologists to name a glacial period after .... (...) For more detailed information consult an encyclopedia ... I don't know if Yes have been in the area, probably not ... Hardy. Germany 101532.340@@compuserve.com * * * * * * * * * * IONA ==== From: "rreithmeier@lcp.com" I suppose that most people will be writing in with comments about the new Yes album (which I am enjoying tremendously), but I thought maybe I could provide some variety by discussing another band which Yes fans might enjoy. Does anyone out there know about IONA? My wife introduced me to IONA while we were dating, and of all her music, IONA is what really made me sit up and listen. Their music is a little difficult to categorize, although I think of it as something of a cross between progressive rock and new age. As a consequence of their sound, you'll find their albums kept in different areas of music stores. Some stores file it in the rock section, others place it amongst new age albums, and it is often found in the Christian section. For myself, I don't care where the stuff is kept (after all, I often find Rick Wakeman and Jon Anderson filed under both rock and new age. I suppose I must like music that defies classification), but all that matters is whether its GOOD. I can assure you that IONA is very good. They remind me at times of classic 1970's Yes in that they will play complex songs which can both be catchy and, at the same time, be very contemplative, moody, or mellow. You will find many instrumental passages throughout their music (much of it keyboard-driven), but the vocals are also quite beautiful, and at times rather ethereal (does this remind you of any other band which we all admire?). Anyway, to my knowledge IONA have released four albums, all on the "Forefront" label. Their core membership began with: Dave Bainbridge - keyboards, guitars David Fitzgerald - saxophones (and other wind instruments) Joanne Hogg - vocals, keyboards Most interesting to Yes fans will be some of their collaborators: Tim Harries (from Bill Bruford's Earthworks and the _Symphonic Music of Yes_) plays bass on IONA's 1990 eponymous album and on their 1995 release, _Journey Into the Morn_. Nick Beggs (who appears on Steve Howe's _The Grand Scheme of Things_) plays bass on their 1992 album, _The Book of Kells_, and on 1993's _Beyond These Shores_. Robert Fripp (from King Crimson) is credited with "Frippertronics" and additional guitar on their 1993 and 1995 albums. My favorites seem to be their first and their most recent albums, but such choices are always subject to change. If I've piqued the curiosity of anyone enough that they buy one or more of IONA's albums, I hope you'll drop me a line to let me know what you think. I don't believe you'll be disappointed. - Ray Riethmeier. * * * * * * * * * * GARY WRIGHT WHO I AM ==================== From: "sebald@cae.wisc.edu" "Daniel Sebald" It is interesting that Gary Wright, "the two-hit wonder", has come up in conversations in NFTE. Maybe this is how the string originated, but Alan White played drums on Wright's very early stuff and more recently the '88 release WHO I AM. Although I'm not real familiar with Wright's early work, I would say that WHO I AM is an extremely good album. The style of music seems much different from two decades ago. After a few listens, it has become one of my favorite albums. ("Rose" and "Voices" are two exceptional tracks.) Wright's '95 release, FIRST SIGNS OF LIFE, doesn't feature Alan on drums. (Has Alan been busy lately? :) One review had only good things to say about the album, classifying it as a hybrid of world beat. (Haven't heard it yet.) I would welcome Gary Wright to open for Yes again, although I don't think anyone opens for them anymore. Peace, Dan Sebald (sebald@cae.wisc.edu) PS: KTA sounds great! PPS: I too went out at 12:30 in morning to buy KTA. PPS: I too struggled with getting those KTA CDs out of the jewel box! PPS: Heard TALK just recently. Sounds pretty good to me. Rabin did some interesting guitar work on there. PPS: Is it just me, or does Alan White's percussion keep getting better? * * * * * * * * * * MAD AT RECORD LABEL =================== From: "gjb129@mail.usask.ca" "Gregory Borysko" I am a Canadian living in a relatively large market. I was well anticipating the new release of KTA when low and behold, IT WAS NOT AVAILABLE! Well, I phoned (and visited) the majority of record stores in town - about twenty - to find answers like "Yes has a new album?"; "Ah, don't know - maybe it'll be out this weekend." Well, the days and nights have past to find that my options are - 1.) Buy an import from a national chain at about $70.00 2.) Wait about a month before it comes to Canada. Now, I saw them on FOX; don't get Howard Stern; and haven't had time to download the sound clips that NFTE is providing. Therefore, I am going positively crazy -YES - crazy. Myself and a few other friends are rock-solid Yes fans. I think I was the only one in Saskatoon to buy UNION and Yes Stories - but besides that, I want to desperately hear some of the new album. If there is anyone that can help - please email me back. Thank you and Great Work Greg Borysko Saskatoon, Sk. Canada [Since receiving this mail CMC has informed Notes that KTA is now available in Canada. --MOT] * * * * * * * * * * WHAT'S IN A NAME ================ From: "Jdmack01@aol.com" As part of my job, I've been doing research in the BMI and ASCAP online data bases. Just for fun, I routed my way to the Yes publishing information areas. Apparently, older songs are represented by ASCAP, and newer ones by BMI. I don't have the Dan Hedges biography, so this info may be ho-hum to any one who does. One of the interesting things about publishing information is that full birth names are used for the writers. I now know the members of Yes to have the full names of Jon Roy Anderson, Steve James Howe, Christopher Russel Edward Squire, William Scott Bruford, Trevor Charles Horn, and Trevor Charles Rabin (what a coincidence). The other writing members don't have listed middle names, though Rick is listed as having "C" for a middle initial. The big question, though, is about Tony Kaye. In the 1970's, he is listed as Thomas Mould (the credit for "Yours Is No Disgrace, for example). After 1980, he is listed as Anthony John Selvidge (the credits for 90125, and beyond). Which of these is Tony's real name, and who is the other person? Hopefully someone out there with better Yes bios than I have can help me. [Yesologist Cliff Loeslin advised Notes that Anthony John Selvidge is Tony's true name, and that some sources incorrectly list his last name as Selridge. - -MOT] By the way, if you pop over to www.ascap.com or www.bmi.com, take their listings with a grain of salt. Jon's name is spelled "John" on a lot of songs, and one Yes song (I can't remember which) has a credit for both Joh Anderson and Ian Anderson! And several Yes songs haven't made it into the database yet. * * * * * * * * * * ANOTHER MESSAGE ABOUT PEACE, LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING =================================================== From: "melliott@bridge.net" "Cori Elliott" I have been reading and participating in NFTE and alt.music.yes for about a year. I have read ad nauseum that "Tony Kaye is no Rick Wakeman," "Alan White is no Bill Bruford," and the ever popular "Trevor Rabin is no Steve Howe." From the point of view of empirical logic, yes, those statements are correct. What I take them to mean is that the former just doesn't measure up to the latter, to the detriment of the band. To which I say, "FEH!" 1. Who in the world plays drums in the manner of Bruford, guitar in the manner of Howe, or keyboards in the manner of Wakeman? Do you BELIEVE the manner?! Damn few. So what? Who passed the law saying that their playing is a prerequisite or a standard for anything? 2. It's not true or false that one party is better than the other, it is subjective. But for some listeners whose opinions fall on the side of the above statements, it seems an insurmountable obstacle to the plain and simple enjoyment of Yes music. Some Yesfans seem determined to dislike certain writing and playing. Some, I imagine, walk out their doors in the morning and look under the rocks for things wrong. People, the more we live - LET GO! Take a nice, deep breath, and stop watching the equalizers when you listen to stuff! FREE YOUR MIND AND YOUR ASS WILL FOLLOW! (A George Clinton quote, but in the Yes spirit, I think...) A most important point I feel we lose sight of is that Bruford, Wakeman and Howe LEFT. They were not fired, or edged out by unscrupulous parties with sinister designs on Yes. In fact it was lamented by the band and management when they left. But LEAVE they did, of their own accord, when it was the right thing for them to do. There's nothing wrong with that. But Trevor Rabin put this very politely in the Tim Morse book, and I will put it more frankly: It IS wrong when someone who has LEFT the band later makes open statements that what Yes is doing without them is not "Yes-like" or "real Yes music." If a person REMOVES HIMSELF from the band, then he has abdicated any authority to say what is or is not proper Yes, yes? And therefore it follows that You & I can no more dictate what is proper Yes than someone who is/was IN the band busting their ass MAKING the music. All we can say is that we like it or we don't. I mean, all that the human being named Trevor Rabin can possibly do in this life is be Trevor Rabin, think like Trevor Rabin, write like Trevor Rabin, play like Trevor Rabin... If you need to blame someone for the fact that the band took a different turn when Steve Howe left, then BLAME STEVE HOWE! Don't get me wrong, Bruford, Wakeman and Howe are amazing. It's just that so are White, Kaye and Rabin. Let's see, Bill left Yes in, what, 1973? But he comes back to some incarnation of Yes every so often, at his convenience, for fun and profit, so that he can carry on his higher artistic endeavors which do not show a profit. (When I need to buy more art supplies, I have to go back to MY job as a receptionist.) I don't even want to take the time or space to list all of the complaints and criticisms Bill Bruford has made about Yes. But here follow all of the complaints and criticisms I have seen from Alan White, who has been there SINCE 1973, along with what other Yes members have said about Alan's ego, negativity, incompatibility and noncooperation: Some fans have said "I don't mean this as an insult, but White is no Bruford." You're right, that's not an insult. I'm glad that Alan White, an exciting, fantastic drummer who does not play like Bill Bruford, or even the same set of instruments as Bill if you think about it, is the drummer for Yes. And he WAS terribly mixed-down on "That, That Is." Even in his playing on Howard Stern, which was deliberately very soft due to the circumstances, you could hear the punch and complexity. And he didn't even complain about not having a microphone! But I digress... Finally, why say that in LIVE Yes, Alan should have duplicated Bill's parts more accurately, or Trevor should have duplicated Steve's, or Tony, Rick's, or Rick, Tony's, or Rick, Rick's...? Well if you took the bones out, it wouldn't be crunchy, would it? And if they set out to perform a perfect soulless replica of what's on the albums, then it WOULDN'T BE LIVE! It would be American Bandstand! You might as well stay home and listen to the victrola if that's what you want. You wouldn't have to spend all the money and find a babysitter and travel for hours and pay $3 for a Coke and walk out smelling like you've done something illegal even though you haven't. Me, I want a SHOW! I WANT to see what the hell they're gonna wear (or, hopefully, what Alan's not gonna wear). Ha ha! Rick messed up! But he's laughing about it, too. Will Chris lapse into West Side Story or Sly & the Family Stone or something else? Will Jon just lapse? I can't wait to find out... %:-) * * * * * * * * * * 40 YEARS FROM NOW ================= From: "klh@muir.ca.boeing.com" "Kevin Hall" Forty years from now when most of us are dead or extremely old, a new generation of Yes fans who are not confined by petty divisions will know and understand that Trevor Rabin with Yes was just as awesome and fantastic as Steve Howe ever will be. What a blast it has been for me all these years. I have never, and I MEAN NEVER, been unhappy with a YES production. Sorry to disappoint you partitioners! Also, what's the GAS about the difference between Bruford and White. I've played music professionally for many years and I can tell you that it is a treat to listen to either of these drummers period. I've heard people slam Tony for not being awesome like Rick... SO! he helped create many fantastic moments in sound history and deserves his share of credit. You can go on and point this out and that, and how sorry all this was and all that, but frankly....how unYESlike. The main point Im trying to convey here is the total, complete and giving way I have allowed the music of YES to come into my life... Unconditional. Thanks, Kevin Hall * * * * * * * * * * FORGET THE DIVISIONS ==================== From: "ppirain@concentric.net" Can fans out there tell me who Bobby Dread is? He is in the lyrics to "Teakbois" on the ABWH CD, and what is meant by the lyric, "Bobby Dread and the Kool Running"? I really have no idea. Please email me if you know. I've always been fascinated with Yes lyrics and have recently completed the book "Yes, But What Does It Mean?" by Thomas Mosbo. It was outstanding and should be read by any Yes fan interesting in interpreting Yes music and lyrics. All right. I've come to the main point of my writing. I've been viewing NFTE since last summer and have been intrigued by the constant banter between Troopers and Generators, and even "Panthers" (I still can't believe fans who like best a one-album Yes line-up has been pigeon-holed into a "panther"), and "Travelers", referring to the pre-classic phase. As far as I'm concerned, this is all nonsense! I guess, if someone held a gun to my head and said, "State what you are," I'd be forced to identify myself as a Trooper simply because I have the fondest memories of Yes in their Classic phase. But why is a distinction necessary? I prefer to think of myself as a consummate Yes fan, particularly a fan of the creations of Jon Anderson, and not a fan of a particular line-up, or musical phase the band underwent. Now, I'll admit, in 1984 when I attended my tenth Yes concert and was made to listen to Trevor Rabin's guitar as opposed to Howe, it took some getting used to. It took a little time to swallow the fact that Steve Howe, a main staple to Yes, was gone, and replaced by someone apparently into a heavier lead guitar sound. This was very different to me and to buy off on this for Yes was a challenge. But the problem with the Trooper mentality is they have problems getting on with things, with progressing. Would Yes have done better to continue to produce music such as CTTE or Tales for the rest of their existence? Would the Beatles have done better to continue to crank out music like She Loves You, and I Want to Hold Your Hand, rather than to progress onward to Sgt. Pepper and Mystery Tour? Of course not. It would have become boring and fans would have eventually been crying for something new and innovative. Musicians', and peoples', focus change as they mature. And, interestingly, the Trooper era was really over with the release of TORMATO, if not with the release of GFTO. So why all the Rabin bashing? He hardly single-handedly ended the Trooper phase. I don't remember such a stink being made when Moraz took over for Wakeman. Most Troopers loved the RELAYER album. I guess my point is, Yes music is the most unique and satisfying music ever created -- it's miles ahead of it's time, and it is timeless, that is, music like Tales, RELAYER and GTFO will still make sense and be listened to a hundred years from now as it is currently listened to twenty years since its creation. So why must Yes fans further divide themselves into Troopers and Generators? It's all outstanding music, yes, even their white elephant, BIG GENERATOR, when compared to what's out their on the market. Now, if I can indulge myself, I'm interesting in hearing from anyone who may have attended these Yes concerts in the Chicago Area way back when. I'd like to exchange views on the concerts. Please e-mail me. Sept./1972 -- Arie Crown Theatre, Chicago -- CTTE Tour 03/06/74 -- Amphitheatre, Chicago -- Tales Tour Nov./1974 -- Amphitheatre, Chicago -- RELAYER Tour 07/04/75 -- Chicago Stadium, Chicago -- RELAYER Tour 08/14/76 -- Hawthorne Race Track, Cicero, Illinois -- Solos Tour 09/03/77 -- Chicago Stadium, Chicago -- GTFO Tour 09/23/78 -- Amphitheatre, Chicago -- TORMATO Tour (In round) 04/23/79 -- Illini Hall, Champaign, Illinois -- TORMATO Tour (In round) 09/22/80 -- Amphitheatre, Chicago -- DRAMA Tour (In round) 03/09/84 -- Rosemont Horizon, Rosemont, Illinois -- 90215 Tour Nov./1987 -- Rosemont Horizon, Rosemont, Illinois -- BIG GENERATOR Tour Pete Piraino Fairfax, Virginia ppirain@concentric.net * * * * * * * * * * THE YOUNGER YES FANS ==================== From: "dagreen@vt.edu" "David J. Green" I would like to add a few comments about the younger Yes fans out there. Although we are few and far between, we are out there. I was born in 1978, many years after Yes emerged. Like others my age, I was introduced to Yes through my father. I remember when UNION was released, and my father bought the album. He owned no other CD's from Yes that I had seen, and I naturally considered them to be a new band. My father took me home and made me listen to Close to the Edge through the stereo headphones off of an old LP. Instantly, I was hooked. I now own over 15 Yes CD's, and am interested in starting a collections of boots. Living at a college campus, in a typical college town, I knew I could find boots at many different stores. Unfortunately, this did not include Yes boots. I guess Yes just does not appeal to most college students anymore. My next stop was the net. This is a call to all of the Yes fans who have followed the band through the years. If anyone could help me out in my search, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, and I'll see you at the next (my first) Yes tour. * * * * * * * * * * KTA AND OTHER THOUGHTS ====================== From: "100722.30@CompuServe.COM" "Robert Jackson" I have to put my 2 cents worth in about KEYS...GREAT! Then again, I was expecting something this good once I heard about these five getting together again. The only line-up changes I would make is changing out Jon and Steve for Trever Horn and Peter Banks...JUST KIDDING! Seriously, I might change Alan for Bill, but I am a big fan of both. Has anyone seen the Bruford and The Beat video? It's pretty cool! On "That, That is", Jon's chanting on the transition early in the song is very neat. Surprisingly, the song finishes on a strong note. Most of their epic-length stuff doesn't do that. I hope to see both new tracks live... I want to share my spiritual experience of how I got to be a Yes fan. This is 100% true, I swear it. It was about 1982 and I heard "Starship Trooper" on the radio. I fell in love with that voice! The words were beautiful and the song simply "took me on a journey". I didn't know who sang it, though, and the radio station went on to other songs and never said. I didn't even know the song title. Despite my efforts to sing a little to my friends, I only got strange looks. About a month later I awoke in the middle of the night and my RADIO WAS ON PLAYING "STARSHIP TROOPER"! I didn't leave it on, but it sure was on now! I laid in the darkness, listening to the great tune again, and when it was done, the DJ said it was Yes. I walked over, turned the radio off, and bought the tape the very next day. Since then, Yes music has become a very large part of my life and has been just as magical as when it all started. A few thoughts before I go: - All the live tracks are great on KEYS! - The studio stuff is great, but will never gain much mass appeal, I'm afraid... - TORMATO isn't that bad, folks...On The Silent Wings Of Freedom is a great song! - It was funny to hear how the band did the "crowd noise" part on "Release, Release" - (still on TORMATO)...I walked to top of Yes Tor in Devon...have you done that? - The band should have a sixth member...Longwalker! - The show should be called Beverly Hills 90125 - The conflict part in the Yesshows' version of Ritual is pretty scary, don't you think? - Rick Wakeman can't start the day without a new album... - If you listen to the full length of The Gate of Delirium at a decent volume with your eyes closed and don't cry, you're not human! I welcome all mail! * * * * * * * * * * THE SUPPORT WAS GREAT AND OTHER NONSENSE ======================================== From: "catel@HOPE.CIT.HOPE.EDU" "mylene catel" It's me, Holly Golightly, the hapless slumping fan. Well, I've got 3 things to say, and they're all good (to an extent!) #1: the support is overwhelming, THANK YOU ALL!!! I was total- ly unprepared for such an outpouring, and had thought 'They'll think I'm one of those hypocritical "If-Trevor's-Gone-Then-It's-Not-Worth-It"Newbies' (I have often been called a "Newby" by a record store owner I know--and he usually prefaces this with "You stupid..."--see why I was afraid to ask for help?) #2: a wonderfully ending, badly beginning tale. On Friday the 8th, my day was awful. My car had been totaled with me in it on Wed., and I got a ticket for "Failing To Yield At STOP Sign"--but I had, I know not where the other lady had come from (neither of us was hurt). On Thurs., I read in the *Chicago Tribune* that the White Sox were try- ing to dispose of my favorite player (just read the paper, it's there!), and on Fri. I had a fight with my boyfriend while he was driving me to college. I just wanted to go back to bed! But when I opened my Email account, here were all these wonderful letters from NFTE people, and I started to think 'Maybe this day can be salvaged!' Well, guess what! The power of NFTE people and YES music is unbelievable (here comes hte part where I sound fanatical)--by the end of the day I ahd an exam can- celled, my Mom told me that the insurance people were sure my car is fixable, and in the evening my boyfriend called and apologized! I'd never felt better! And the letters keep coming! #3: MY SLUMP IS GONE! Hearing our boys on the "Howard Stern Show" was all it took--I loved it! It got me so excited that I danced thru the house afterward, singing and pounding on the kitchen table. I thought that my cousin Mike (a fellow fan who tries very hard to keep up with me) was asleep on the couch downstairs--I knew SOMEONE was! Well, it turned out to be my uncle, who I'm sure wishes that the members of YES would quietly stop making music so Holly could "get a life"--he's so boring that way, how typical! Of course, he's almost 60, which may have something to do with it. Any 60-year-old fans out there? ;) I just said "Oh, I thought it was Mike" and fled the scene. Oh well. I plan on getting a copy of *KTA* very soon--I just have to scrape together $20 or maybe ask my poor boyfriend if he would get me that for Xmas. I still hate Howard Stern as a person, but think of it this way: we can now say "Hey, this group is so chic even Howard Stern likes them!" I actually tried that on a Beatle fan I know, who has always given me grief, and she said "My gosh, Holly--Howard Stern has never been polite to people! And you say he was??? What a coup! What a success!" She still lusts after her dippy Pauly, tho'. some things will never change! I'd better go--I actually do have a life besides this! Hahahaha... "Holly Golightly" * * * * * * * * * * KUDOS TO CHRIS AND MOT ====================== From: "EToll@aol.com" Kudos to Mike Tiano for a great interview with Chris Squire in NFTE #165! Kudos also to Mr. Squire. While his talents are out-of-this-world, his personality is very down-to-earth. At the SLO after-concert parties, he was always the first to arrive, the last to leave, and by far the friendliest with fans. Rock on Chris, and here's wishing you a lifetime of happiness! Erich Toll, Yes fan into the 21st century * * * * * * * * * * SQUIRE INTERVIEW: NOT "SUGARIZE" ================================ From: "haasm@columbia.dsu.edu" "Mark Haas" I would like to thank you for the interview of Chris Squire. It was very informative. However, I have a question still burning in my mind. I am the person who submitted the question about the suicide reference in FISH OUT OF WATER. While Chris answered that he didn't remember such a reference and mentioned the "sugarize" or "sugar eyes" line, I still would like some clarification. The particular line I was referring to is on track 4, between 5:26 and 5:50. It does NOT sound like "sugarize," which I do recognize earlier in the track. Perhaps you could help me understand this line once and for all. Mark Haas haasm@columbia.dsu.edu * * * * * * * * * * CHRIS SQUIRE INTERVIEW: DON'T SPEAK FOR ME ========================================== From: "siriassv@conrad.appstate.edu" My congratulations to Mike Tiano on his interview with Chris Squire. It was both entertaining and informative. I do, however, have one concern about his series of questions and comments regarding the upcoming YES tour. In these queries, Mike assumes the position of spokeperson for all YES fans when he states that YES should only tour the larger cities. Mike emphatically states that YES fans would go anywhere that YES plays in order to listen to their favorite band. I wish Mike hadn't spoken for all of us on this issue. Not everyone can drop all their familial and professional obligations to travel to distant cities to see YES. In addition, many, I think, would not have the financial resources to embark on such an enterprise. I have been a YES fan since 1973. Life has been good to me, professionally and personally. I have been blessed with a sixteen year-old son who is also a rabid YES fan--he discovered the band by himself when he learned how to operate the CD player--and I have a job that I love. However, I cannot pick up and leave everything to go to New York or Los Angeles to see YES. I am sorry, but I would have to pass as much as it would break my and my son's hearts. During the TALK Tour, the band came to Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina. I live three hours from Charlotte and five hours from Raleigh. My son and I went to both concerts. The experience bonded us forever. I think that Mike might consider these to be "little burgs." But the thousands of YES fans that were there greeted the band with great enthusiasm and had a wonderful time. So, Mike, great interview. But don't impose your vision of the "Quintessential YES Tour" on the rest of us. I am delighted that NFTE is getting the recognition that it deserves. But with that recognition also comes power. Use it wisely. There are YES fans everywhere who deserve--and would certainly support with their hard earned dollars--a show by their favorite band at a location near them. Silvio Sirias siriassv@appstate.edu [Your point is well taken on the issue of scaling down the tour. However, on my assuming the position of `spokesperson' for Yes fans my question began "In fact I'll put forth to you one idea"; IMO there is nothing that indicates that beyond my question that I positioned myself in this manner, even implicitly. Ultimately Yes will do what it is that Yes wants to do, despite anyone's suggestions. --MOT] * * * * * * * * * * YESHEADS DOWN UNDER =================== From: "brismike@ozemail.com.au" "Michael P. Bentley" Hi Jeff and the rest of the gang - You are doing a fantastic job with NFTE. I really look forward to seeing it pop into my mailbox. Just a small point though, I seem to get two copies of it downloaded each time. Maybe my E-mail address is recorded in your system twice? Thanks to your efforts and the existence of NFTE, I went to an inaugural meeting of South East Queensland (Brisbane) YesHeads last weekend. It was great to meet up with like minded Yes fans. We all got connected through postings in NFTE. Hopefully this will be the start of something bigger. Maybe you could mention in a future issue of Notes that any Yes heads in the South East Queensland area of Australia who are interested in meeting together can contact me direct by e-mail at >brismike@ozemail.com.au.< Finally a dream come true for Oz YesHeads! It looks like Australia will hopefully be included in the future real "World Tour". I knew in my heart of hearts that someday they would finally come back to "This Place". And guess what, "We'll Take Good Care of Them" while they are here! If they play "That, That Is" when they come on down under, it will be well worth the wait. That song is fantastic, they have excelled themselves with that one. If KTA2 is as good as KTA1 I can't wait for it. My two small wishes are for the current lineup to do a DRAMA song such as "Machine Messiah" or "It Can Happen" (If Trevor H could sing them, so can you Jon, they are legitimate YESSONGS that should not be forgotten), and also the monumental "Soundchaser", (Rick, you could do it with your eyes shut after seeing your efforts on the ABWH video). Through Notes I have also met, via e-mail, many Yesfans worldwide and organised tape trades for music I never even dreamt existed. I hooked into the "Envision" site and corresponded with and organised a tape trade with Matt Riddle, the keyboard player with "Envision". If any Yes fans want to hear a great band play some stunning Yes music, have a listen to "Envision". They play some incredible classic Yes music up to the GFTO era. You will find their webpage well worth a visit at >http:/ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/MattRiddle/homepage.htm< I am having the time of my YES life! Why didn't I get a modem before now! I have also downloaded many back copies of Notes. and found out many interesting things I did not know about. Anyhow gotta go, I have other e-mails to respond to, tapes to make up, back issues to catch up on, New YES Cd's and Yesoteric tapes to listen to..................:-) Regards Mike Bentley * * * * * * * * * * KEYS TO YES! ============ From: "teamworks@ossinc.net" What fun! Having received the latest edition of Yes Magazine (with many great interviews - check it out!), I saved reading it until I bought the new KEYS album, sat down on Halloween night and had myself a Yes Feast! I'm glad to start reading the KEYS reviews (Notes #164) from other delighted members, too. Till, we can tend to get a little too over-analytical, can't we? Of course there are little imperfections in the live pieces but then again - they _are_ LIVE pieces! I'm amazed at the accuracy, passion and energy displayed, especially considering the band hadn't toured extensively before these recordings - they only did rehearsals! While I think the performances would've been even stronger had they toured before recording, this is the way they felt it had to be for now, and they did quite well! Surprisingly, "Onward" is my favorite piece! What a great arrangement! I'm also struck by how present Chris is in his singing during all of the live pieces - HOW does he do it? I always admired Geddy Lee for singing and playing such amazing bass lines at the same time, but at least his vocals are a little more straight ahead than the harmonies and lyrics (via Jon!) that Chris sings while he jams! I guess I never realized before just how much Chris sings. Can't wait for his solo album (being one of the lucky few who saw the CS Experiment live). The new pieces are definitely a good start toward the band coming back up to speed. Well, "That, That Is" is more than a start - it's got some truly classic moments to it! While the segue out of the 'Crossfire' section is a little too abrupt, most of the sections flow well in and out of each other. Good job, guys! I hope to see it live! Hopefully Vol. 2 will incorporate Rick a little more, as I hear he co-wrote a song with Jon -- he's not nearly present enough on Vol. 1's studio tracks. One more note - as a staunch defender of TORMATO, I also would like to assume the formidable risk of defending "UNION". I really don't see why it is bashed so much by fans, including people who like ABWH. Essentially, "UNION" contains the full 2nd ABWH album (with the blessed addition of Chris on harmony vocals), with some Yes West tracks thrown on, too. Why don't people see it this way??? The production is so much better than ABWH - a song like "I Would Have Waited Forever" actually rocks, unlike "Themes" where Steve's guitar is so thin that it's hardly present. Sure, there's a couple of songs that are a little inconsistent, but I really appreciate hearing the diversity of a Steve guitar solo, a pop-rocker ("Dangerous") along with classics like "I Would Have..." Plus, the YesWest songs are really good! "Miracle of Life" is Trevor's crowning achievement with Yes - and very much in-vein with classic Yes. I also love Chris' "Let Go". While it may have seemed more consistent to have separate ABWH and YesWest albums, I'll take "UNION" gladly! Let us all be thankful that we get so many opportunities to hear this band in its various incarnations (and solo projects!). Amazing, isn't it, that numerous Yes tours and albums will most likely be a reality 'til the Turn of the Century (ooh! How about a grand Yes New Years Eve concert in 1999???), well over 25 years after their first inception. Thanks for the music and energy! - Scott Medina * * * * * * * * * * TO ALL YES FANS AND MUSICIANS! ============================== From: "CloudDance@gnn.com" Myself and friends in the Boston area, are looking to form, or just jam with musicians of the same musical taste. Yes being our main inspiration it has been hard to find other people looking towards the same musical direction. We are not looking for master musicians, don't care if you can play two chords or just bang on a can. As long as you have a great love for the mystery in music and enjoy a creative atmosphere, then your the one we are looking for! If you are interested in playing any instruments with us, drop us line. We'll reply as soon as possible with details! Greatly awaiting your reply, Charles Ezio Ronanye, Paul (Torm) Amato, & Jennifer Lee Skelton at CloudDance@gnn.com P.S.- Hoping to explore the unknown in the classic Yes fashion and long their ongoing legacy!! * * * * * * * * * * OPINIONS ARE WELCOME! ===================== From: "lacorata@acqua.ifa.rm.cnr.it" Hi ... to this reply of mine: >> I beg your pardon but I find hard to believe that someone who loves Steve's >> guitar playing (and possibly considers him as the flag of Yes) "doesn't get" >> his magnificent solo in that powerful and imaginative rock piece which is >> "Sound Chaser".< Mr. Bob Daniels responded : > Oh please!, you pompous ass...If people can't have opinions about things > then what's the point of it all??? adding his "true-Yes-fan" trademark : > BTW....Bring back Trevor!!!! and last his open view of life : > Exactly..In your opinion, Kindly keep opinions of this kind to yourself > matey 8-)) my best compliments... Sorry, but I'll always reply to comments like yours, if I happen to read them... Often the reactions of their author are even more funny...:-DDDDDD bye bye, Gug * * * * * * * * * * ABOUT SYN ON CD =============== From: Lionel Gibaudan[SMTP:Lionel.Gibaudan@wanadoo.fr] About the Sixties years vol II cd featuring tracks from the Syn ,you can contact the following adress: Collectors Pierre LE REUN 2 bis rue neuve des Capucins 44000 NANTES France It's from this man I've got my item, in a record convention, last summer. * * * * * * * * * * CLOSE TO FRUSTRATION ==================== From: "sTALKer@bart.nl" Europe, which Europe? ...seams to me the Yes members could one day ask. It's so often talk about Yes performing in the USA, videos coming out only in the USA, tours only in the USA and so on. What could be the reason for this distance that Yes takes from European listeners? Ain't my money as good as the US dollar? :( Chris * * * * * * * * * * DEAN: THE SAME SCENE ==================== From: "Hogne.B.Pettersen@hiMolde.no" "Elf" Roy DeRousse wrote: > 1) The Roger Dean art: Great stuff! Has anyone else noticed that the > cover art and the centerfold are basically the same scene? Has anyone else noticed that almost every single album cover Roger Dean has made is basically the same scene? Although I have enjoyed a lot of his cover work and have a few posters of his paintings on my walls I must say that Dean is a cliche! Look at UNION, Yesyears, KTA, inlay of YESSONGS, Aria and some others. Am I the only one who see the similarities? The paintings I like most by Dean are his paintings that differ from all the others. The first 3 Asia covers and quite a few of the paintings in the Views books. I really wish Yes would stop using him. They should keep the Yes logo of course. I mean, it IS the best looking logo ever made. I used to be a great Dean fan, but in the past few years I have realised that Dean is a very limited artist. But on the other hand, the KTA cover is much better than the TALK cover.... BTW! In the first Views book Dean presents drawings and plans of his dream house. Did he ever get to build it? When it comes to the KTA album I must say that I like the new songs very well. (BTW, all you Rabin bashers! How ironic that 'Be the one' is the most Rabin like song Yes has made. And Rabin isn't even on it!)' That, that is' is GREAT and shows that Yes is still master of their domain. Only complaint is the keyboard sound.... The keyboard sounds is also the problem on the live tracks. Wakeman only uses the cheapest pre-sets around on his keyboards. And the keyboard sound ruins 'Awaken!' The same thing ruined 'CttE' on the ABWH live CD and video. But the live version of Starship Trooper is the real gem. My God it rocks. And the solo Wakeman gives on this one almost make me forgive his boring presets. I can't believe I'm saying this about Rick. The guy who made me pick up a keyboard...... Now a question about Steve. Is it true that Steve Howe lived in Norway for a time? A friend of mine told me this. Does anybody know if there is any truth in it? Shade and sweet water from -Elf- * * * * * * * * * * DISCOGRAPHY ON YES ACTIVE CD-ROM ================================ From: "rinaldo@zen.it" "Rinaldo Tesi" Some time ago I bought the CD-ROM YES ACTIVE. It's really a fantastic journey into the world Yes TALK era. The Discography is well done too, but in my computer it begins from TALES OF TOPOGRAPHIC OCEANS. I would like to know if is the CD-ROM that correctly begin from TFTO (but in this case why?) or it's my copy wrong (or I don't play well)? [THis appeared on all copies. It was an unintentional mistake that everything prior to TFTO was not listed. --MOT] Rinaldo Tesi * * * * * * * * * * "SYMPHONIC TALES?" PART II ========================== From: "ghinds99@sequent1.providence.edu" "Gregory Hindsley" I have posted this before but I feel that it should be addressed again with the original line-up back. Back in December of 1994, when I met Jon at Tower Records on South St. in Philadelphia, I praised him for TALES... and he shared with me many of his experiences and meanings interpreted with that wonderful album. He told me that there was a possibility of the band (in '94, of course, still w/ Rabin + Kaye) doing a symphonic version of TALES... with a full orchestra and choir. I loved (and still do) this idea and expressed my eagerness to him. Of course nothing came of that idea and I haven't heard it brought up since then in the Yes camp. Now I feel that this could work! "Good evening hippies..." - John Wetton from the end of "Exiles" on "Great Deciever". Sorry, my stereo is just a bit too loud! It would be wonderful to hear a choir pound out the words from the end of "The Remembering"! And the violins bursting forth the beginning chords of "The Revealing..."! I'm sure there are many fans out there that would love to see this project become reality. I must get back to studying for my Astronomy exam!! Gregory Hindsley "starless" ghinds99@providence.edu * * * * * * * * * * WAKEMAN/T.REX? ============== From: "RELAYER@inlink.com" Just found this blurb in the "new release" section of RPM's online catalog (http://rpmrecords.com/): T. Rex- Electric Warrior Sessions / New double cd with unreleased versions of the tracks from his most successful lp "Electric Warrior". First pressing of the disc comes with a bonus cd of an interview. Wakeman played on ELECTRIC WARRIOR. To be honest, he is not very prominent on it as far as I remember. I'm wondering if he is more evident on this release of the album. Comments, anyone? -- Have fun! Roy DeRousse (RELAYER@inlink.com) St. Louis, Missouri, USA * * * * * * * * * * RICK'S KEYBOARD TECH? ===================== From: "eframp@mindspring.com" So, who is Rick's current keyboard tech, and how did he come to gain that title? thanks -Eric * * * * * * * * * * A COSMIC WORLD ============== From: "cmarchet@uwf.edu" Hey I really enjoy NFTE! When Yes started their UNION tour in Pensacola where I live, I had the opportunity to meet Jon (The Cosmic King). After a brief TALK I presented him with a pair of Tingshas (small cymbals attached together by a string) I cast out of bronze. I told him that Tibetan monks use them because the sound helps to eliminate want. He said he would hang them in his tent, hugged my wife and left to his room. I was telling my mother-in-law this story while checking out NFTE, we were looking at pictures form the Mother's Day show when we saw the cymbals hanging from a mic stand. I was very excited by this coincidence, It's a cosmic world we live in my friend! Kevin & Cayne Marchetti ph/fax: (904)478-1410 e-mail: cmarchet@students.uwf.edu * * * * * * * * * * THE SECT NAMED 'NEW AGE MUSIC' ============================== From: "maxi@algo1.fcen.uba.ar" "Maximiliano Contieri" Hello, I would like to share a brief thought with you. Last night I was talking to a friend about musical tastes, we realized we liked the same style of music. We also note several of our best liked musicians worked together as guests. We guessed they were members of a secret kind of endogamic sect who were commanded to work together by means of a secret contract. Almost every musician worked or helped in some way with all the others and the list seems to be very long. I would like you to help me get the whole list (I didn't write down any references since they were too many !) Some of the sect members are.. Vangelis Jon Kitaro David Foster Mike OldField Other Yes Members.. Etc. Maximiliano Contieri maxi@algo1.fcen.uba.ar mc2i@dc.uba.ar http://www.geocities.com/Athens/1759 * * * * * * * * * * `LUDICROUS' ITEMS ================= From: "dev01!droberts@ncr02.attmail.com" > Time will tell whether this Yes can get the ball rolling again or not. > On the positive side, these five seem committed to being in Yes and > pushing it forward. On the downside, what was so fantastic about this > lineup's creative 70s work, apart from GftO? "what was so fantastic about this lineup???" Have you been reading this fan mail???? Without this lineup, there is no "Yes". You simply MUST go see YESSONGS. That incarnation, in that movie and album, is simply the greatest live performance by any group of musicians ever, for all time, period. > From: "DMURRAY@emuvax.emich.edu" > > Greetings I am looking for any live recordings or live video of > the DRAMA tour. I am interested to hear what and how they played any of the > older material and how they came across as a whole. > If anyone has any such items I am interested!!!!!! If you're interested, I saw that tour. Get the album DRAMA. They sounded EXACTLY like the album, down to every last note. Now imagine the same sound of the instruments doing a bunch of "Yes" covers like "And you and I", "Yours is no disgrace" and "Roundabout". Apart from some straining on the high notes, Trevor Horn did an admirable job on vocals. Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes were the most un-Yes-like members ever. If I could summarize my feeling of this concert in one word, it would be "OOF". > MOST LUDICROUS LYRIC > ==================== > From: "laurie@compuserve.com" > > I'd like nfte readers' input on a little matter that's been troubling me. > What is progrock's daftest lyric Now this is awesome! Most ludicrous lyric! Hmmm... let me think! How about: from Madrigal: "Cast off your garments of fear, replace them with love" oh, heck... the whole song's like this blather! from COH: "But there were no clowns, no tigers, no lions, or bears, or candy-floss, toffee apples, no clowns." from RSoG: "TALK to the sunlight caller" "soft summer mover distane mine" ( But I'll admit, I like these lyrics, ludicrous as they may seem! ) Somehow, it never bothered me that the lyrics didn't make sense. What was amazing to me was that "the message" came through somehow anyway. In later years, I was amazed reading interviews with Jon Anderson, how much he sounded like me ( except that part about fairy kingdoms and such...) ) * * * * * * * * * * "AWAKEN" BOOTLEGS ================= From: "sullivan@gwis2.circ.gwu.edu" "Steven Sullivan" sTALKer wrote in the last issue of NFTE that he resisted getting boots of Awaken because the recordings were not 'masterboard' quality. Actually, sTALKer, there are at least three soundboard-quality boots I know of that contain "Awaken": Chicago 1979, Quebec 1979, and one of the UNION boots. I actually prefer Chicago 79's performance of Awaken to the KtA one, though "Awaken" admittedly is no favorite of mine. * * * * * * * * * * ________________ = SOUND CHASER = ---------------- > Notes From the Editor Mike Tiano MY FAVORITE YEAR ================ Or at least one of them, as 1996 brought some special gifts of my own personal favorites in entertainment. Obviously chief among them was the reemergence of the quintessential Yes line up. Beginning with the three special shows at SLO last March, the band performed songs that many fans doubted they would ever hear, and played to an audience that traveled from near and afar to witness what was for many this historic rebirth. The project was dubbed KEYS TO ASCENSION, with the performance recorded for the current album of the same name (along with the second volume in 1997) as well as the forthcoming video. The previous fall the band recorded two new songs that were ultimately included on the album, and these did not disappoint. "That, That Is" in particular demonstrated that the band could still compose an effective epic, and play their butts off to boot. It's great to have Rick Wakeman back, as his creative keyboard playing is integral to the band's sound and energy. But it is the return of Steve Howe that really reawakened the band, with his wealth of ideas, exceptionally unique talent, and quest for excellence. It was Steve who spearheaded the effort to explore Yes compositions that have not been played since their initial tours, if at all, and it was his uncompromising resolve that resulted in the songs remaining intact rather than edited or rearranged. But this is not to denigrate the contributions of the other three. Chris is playing with more fire, Alan sounds better than ever, and Jon is reveling in his renewed role of driving the band with his wondrous vocals. In fact, none of the band are backseat drivers, which sometimes seemed to be the case of the 'YesWest' band. All hands are firmly on the wheel. New management was also key to the return: Jon Brewer, with Yes new distributor CMC International, ensured that KTA was launched with a bang, resulting in appearances in Paris, New York, and Los Angeles. And Yes fans today have more access then those of us did in the 70s. Back then experiencing a Yes performance was limited to radio (like the King Biscuit Flower Hour), a movie ("Yessongs"), or of course a tour stop in your city. Current fans were able to hear appearances like Yes's gig at Tower Records in Hollywood over the Internet or satellite, and can see the band on videotape or laserdisc whenever they want. Technology has made it possible for a potentially worldwide audience to experience Yes in ways that we never imagined during their first decade. Though this was a major highlight for me this year, it was not the only one. THE BEATLES ANTHOLOGY was a Beatlemaniac's dream; though I welcomed Volumes 2 and 3 of the CD it was the mammoth video that was the real treat, so dense that a whole disc would cover a very short period of a few months. The wealth of information contained on this collection is astounding, and provided another special event. The return of Yes and the history of the Beatles, my all-time favorite bands, would have been enough to make any year memorable, but I received a third treat this fall when I discovered my all-time favorite film had been restored. Alfred Hitchcock's "Vertigo" was rereleased in 70mm with Bernard Herrmann's haunting score in stereo, and this amazing restoration is one that is not to be missed. Though I eagerly await the deluxe video version promised for next year it won't match seeing it on a big screen. If you love this movie then you owe it to yourself to see it in a theatre it it's playing nearby; if you've never seen it then check it out and maybe you'll see why it's been voted one of the best movies ever made. But as for Yes it seems 1996 may have been a dress rehearsal for 1997, with much more new material, the release of the KTA video, and of course a worldwide tour. Our thanks to all of you, for your support and your great submissions. We wish you all good health and prosperity this season, and in '97. See ya at the shows. MOT * * * * * * * * * * ______________________________________________________________________________ = nfte nfte nfte nfte nfte nfte nfte = ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ THE ADDRESSES ============= Notes From the Edge Web Site: http://www.nfte.org Editors: Jeff Hunnicutt - jeff@nfte.org and http://www.cms.uncwil.edu/~hunnicu (New subscriptions, deletions, contributions, questions/comments/criticism) Mike Tiano - mike@nfte.org (Tour and Release dates, appearances, issue layout) Web Design and Programming: Tom Lorenz - tom@nfte.org (NFTE Webmaster: Server/WWW Server problems, additions/corrections to the lyrics & GIFs, and additions/corrections to the rarities list) Ronnen Miller - ronnen@nfte.org (NFTE enhancements and YesWorld Webmaster) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Notes From The Edge PO Box 2721 Redmond, WA 98073-2721 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | WHEN SUBMITTING ANY INFORMATION FOR INCLUSION IN NOTES, PLEASE INCLUDE: | | - your full name | | - sources for any information | | - date and location of interviews, appearances, etc. | |----------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Submissions should be in straight text format with hard line breaks, no | | longer than 80 columns wide. | |----------------------------------------------------------------------------| | DO NOT SUBMIT COPYRIGHTED ARTICLES, INTERVIEWS OR LIKE MATERIAL UNLESS YOU | | PROVIDE THE EDITORS WITH AUTHORIZATION FROM THE COPYRIGHT HOLDER TO DO SO. | | OTHERWISE THEY WILL NOT BE INCLUDED. | |----------------------------------------------------------------------------| | The Editors retain the right to edit or refuse any submission. | |----------------------------------------------------------------------------| | The views expressed within Notes From the Edge are the opinions of the | | individual contributors and does not necessarily reflect the views of the | | contributor's provider of the online service, employer, or school. | | These views also in no way reflect the views of the editorial staff unless | | otherwise stated. | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ______________________________________________________________________________ = nfte nfte nfte nfte nfte nfte nfte = ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ END OF NOTES FROM THE EDGE #167 ______________________________________________________________________________ = nfte nfte nfte nfte nfte nfte nfte = ------------------------------------------------------------------------------