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ANDERSON BRUFORD WAKEMAN HOWE
Track listing: Themes (5:58), Fist Of Fire (3:27), Brother Of Mine (10:18), Birthright (6:02), The Meeting (4:21), Quartet (9:22), Teakbois (7:39), Order Of The Universe (9:02), Let's Pretend (2:56).
Back in the late eighties it seemed to me highly unlikely that the 'classic' Yes line up would ever reform.
Most of the original seventies prog groups had sold out or split up, and even the early eighties wave of bands had just about vanished. It was therefore great news that four of the original members of Yes were to re group, record an album and go on a world tour. Jon Anderson, Rick Wakeman and Steve Howe had not recorded together since 1978's Yes album 'Tormato' and Bill Bruford had left the group back in 1972; some 17 years earlier.
This was perhaps one of the most bizarre events in Yes history as ABWH were unable to use the Yes name because it still belonged to the Trevor Rabin led 'Yes-West' line up that had produced the huge '90125' album -
also featuring Chris Squire, Alan White and Tony Kaye. Consequently, the band had to use their surnames and ended up sounding like a firm of accountants!
There were, in theory, two Yes's in existence but this crew were a bass player short and so hired Tony Levin, who had recently worked with Peter Gabriel and Pink Floyd amongst others.
Also on board, for some reason, was additional keyboardist Matt Clifford and guitarist Milton McDonald. Other notables on backing vocals are Jon's daughter Deborah, Tessa Niles, Carol Kenyon and Frank Dunnery of It Bites.
The opening track 'Themes' begins with some twinkling keyboard sounds before Bruford's electronic drum attack kicks you out of the initial reverie. Anderson's vocals are quite aggressive and Wakeman's keys are
very prominent - as they are indeed throughout the album. Howe's playing becomes more upfront in the closing instrumental section and duels with the keys creating a very energetic opening piece.
'Fist Of Fire' is a mid paced song with Jon's chanting vocals and Rick again putting in some very strong keyboards reminiscent of his moog playing heydays in the seventies. 'Brother of Mine' is certainly my
favourite track and must be the strongest piece on the album. This multiple part symphonic piece has some superb vocal melodies and instrumental sections that really fly.
'Birthright' is a rhythmic piece with more strong vocals - a little too commercial in places maybe - but with more blazing guitar and keys. 'The Meeting' is a very serene ballad featuring just piano and vocals
with some nice synth waves that conjure up a very relaxed and calm state of mind.
As the title suggests 'Quartet' is a four part piece that meanders along without ever really getting going.
It is perhaps more of an Anderson song, being rather twee at times, but does however have many beautiful moments. 'Teakbois' is the only real fly in the ointment being an awful latin dance type tune; quite why this song is on the album is a complete mystery as it would feel more at home on an Anderson solo album.
Despite its title 'Order Of The Universe' is more in the AOR territory than the "cosmic" area.
Again, Jon puts in some perhaps out of character hard edged vocals and even Howe plays it rather safe, only Wakeman produces some big majestic themes with his battery of synths. Finally a short acoustic piece 'Let's Pretend', co written with Vangelis, ends the album in beautiful style.
Overall the ABWH album does not quite capture the grandeur of seventies classic Yes but, to my ears, it's far superior to any of the Rabin led so called Yes albums. On the down side Bill Bruford's electronic
percussion can be a little irritating at times and, although Levin's bass playing is very good, one can't but help notice the absence of Chris Squire.
However, Rick and Steve put in some great playing and with Jon's golden voice this album is a must have for any Anderson and Yes fan.
Steve 22/4/01
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