Mr. Squire's Ultimate Yesbass Moment?

[Scooty]

Lets see if I can stir the pot a little here..LOL. My vote goes for Gates of Delirium. No answer..just listen to the dang song..:)

[BrianD]

I like On the Silent Wings of Freedom best but all of these are good bass moments - as are many others. Roundabout, Heart of the Sunrise, Give love each day.....from one end of the catalogue to the other.

[Silent_wings]

So many great ones.
I've always loved the bass line on OTSWOF
betcha couldn't have guessed that one!
But Heart of the Sunrise is just awesome.

[yessongs72]

On The Silent Wings Of Freedom,enough said.Then again,are there any bad Squire moments,since he is the driving force behind Yes.

[GoD57]

I hear ya Scootyes89, it's a great song...however I must throw my vote to OTSWOF.

Bill

[tardistraveler]

Well, I voted for CTTE, not because of the studio version, but in most of the live versions he inserts a bass riff that just blows me away! It's during the "I Get Up, I Get Down" section. I first recall it during the Tales tour, and went "Wow - that was fantastic!" And it seems weird to hear it now without it!

But ANY of Squire's bass work is phenomenal! I adore HOTS - so sensual!

Can't we just vote for ALL of them?

[Mr. Holland]

I personally think that Chris did some of his best work on "Drama", just listen to him poundering away on "Does it Really Happen?" and ofcourse "Tempus Fugit", which hasn't been the basis for his live solo for many years for nothing.

Out of the songs mentioned in the poll, I have to go for OTSWOF, he really shines here as a team with Alan, witch also goes for "Soundchaser", by the way......

[Jonah]

OTSWOF
It's the driving force behind the whole song.
I agree about the Drama stuff...some of the bass there is fantastic and really comes out in the mix. I also think that the bass sound on Magnification is what makes the album so wonderful, although there is less overt virtuosity.

[gathernear]

Heart Of The Sunrise! Close To The Edge second.

Larry

[bassplyr4001]

They're all great songs

But the has to go OTSWOF, he's going in a completely different direction from his usual style.
I've studied his playing for decades and that song always leaves me standing with my bass around my neck shaking my head in wonder...

[bassplyr4001]

They're all great songs

But the has to go OTSWOF, he's going in a completely different direction from his usual style.
I've studied his playing for decades and that song always leaves me standing with my bass around my neck shaking my head in wonder...


I was supposed to put "vote" in the beginning....LOL

[yesperpetualchanges]

Its got to be OTSWOF, wow is all I can say. Ive just started playing bass after doing keyboards printed all available tabs plus using the song books. He has a style like no other and picking technique that is hard to copy.( well for a beginner like me. lol) I just love the sound he gets. If anybody knows where I can find bass tabs for Magnification Please Please let me know????

Yes Fan Forever and Ever
Kim

[feeblelung]

Where is Does it really happen?
Tempus Fugit?
Awaken?

[MrCalling1]

It's a different direction but it's still Squire and he just used more effects really, ok he dosen't have the Rick-distortion-twang but using stereo on Silent Wings was the coolest thing he could have done!

[the'YES'kid]

I know some of you will be surprised with my opinion, but for me his best bass song is Astral Traveller.

The song might not be as serious as "Gates", or "CTTE", but that's the song. The bass line all by itself is another thing.

[Phat Khatru]

I'd have to agree on Silent Wings of Freedom, although I do like the Bass work on a couple early tracks. Check out Sweet Dreams and Something's Coming, Good Stuff.

Bass Lines on Roundabout are very cool too.

[About The Round]

The moment is right after Wakemans organ part on Close To The Edge. The Organ has found the way out from the threadmill of spiritual numbness and points out the track for the train to go. Chief locomotive…Squire.

[fragile34]

i play bass, and i have to say i'm a big fan of his playing on gates.

[bdyescall]

Hard choice here!!

Out of all of the choices, "Ritual" would have maybe been my last choice.
BUT, actually, I think "Ritual" showcases Chris' talents best, and!, covers bits and pieces of all of the other choices all in one song.
I think I'll listen to that one, tonite, nice and loud!!
Ladybug????-A good song for the basement!!--See what you think!!!

[yesrocks]

I would have to say CTTE. I am always now going to flash back when Chris came out on stage in his tight black pants(they were real tight, thanks Chris!) Playing the wah wah. The lights were all greenish and smoke in the air. OH YES!

[TTT]

Almost too hard to pick! Silent Wings gets the nod, but all these are top picks. I'd throw in Perpetual Change and Tempus Fugit to the mix but then I really couldn't give a credible answer lasting longer than a mood change. :)

[stevepenn]

Man, this is tough. And it shouldn't be for me. I've been playing bass for 25 years. I've got #824 of his Rickenbacker 4001 signature model and I still can't decide. Doggone it. I agree about OTSWOF as a great bass example ... but when I think about all the riffs I play over and over (on the stereo or downstairs in the studio), it is hands down the end of "Does It Really Happen." Jesus, that just rocks. Turn that bad boy up. I just wish it was longer!! And for majesty and grace, "Hold Out Your Hand" is so precious. But what about "And You And I?" I mean give that another listen. I just spent a small fortune creating a Home Theater system and I put in Close To The Edge and I'll tell ya, the subwoofer made itself known most during AYAI. Shook my body parts iffin' ya know what I mean. I've got it crossed over at 80 and even "Close To The Edge" didn't make it shudder like AYAI.

Wow.

P.S. Great observation about "Astral Traveller" as well. Some very handy work there.

[Scooty]

Almost too hard to pick! Silent Wings gets the nod, but all these are top picks. I'd throw in Perpetual Change and Tempus Fugit to the mix but then I really couldn't give a credible answer lasting longer than a mood change. :)

That's the point..these are the songs I picked at the time I posted the thread..but now..it might be totally different..lol..tempus Fugit..the close..MAN, awesome, gald Ive gotten some great posts here though!!!..astral Traveler...jees Reniet make me look stupid why don't you..lol

[yesmusic]

Hay, what's up all you YES fans,
would anyone put in
No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed
some where????
yea, get some grate BASS in there,
we love it......
the end of "Does It Really Happen."
would be an Excellent Solo at a concert

[Bo Locks]

What a happenin' thread...!?

No Opportunity Necessary
Astral Traveller
Sweet Dreams
Something's Coming

... are all brilliant Yes songs. You people actually listen to the MUSIC!

And Wings Of Freedom too...!? From the much unloved Tormato? Personally, I think it's up there with the best.

Have a happy Friday...

[yessongs72]

What a happenin' thread...!?

And Wings Of Freedom too...!? From the much unloved Tormato? Personally, I think it's up there with the best.

Have a happy Friday...
My same sentiments.How could anyone even bear to listen to ONTWOF if so many hate Tormato? I really hope they play OTSWOF this tour,I am tired of White Fish,it's such as tease.

[Earl Grey]

OTSWOF is such an amazing song.

I can't think of anything that could nose it out as my favorite Squire moment.

HOTS and RITUAL are right up there...

Still, OTSWOF doesn't sound like anything I'd ever heard of, before it.

A genre unto itself, On The Silent Wings Of Freedom.

My favorite Squire moment.

Chris Squire is a genius.

[the'YES'kid]

Some people say that one of the most difficult questions in life is "How the mind works?". Well, this question about Chris is very difficult too.

There's another great moment I forgot to mention in my last post and that is the mini "solo" on Lightning Strikes. All the intruments stop playing for Mr. Squire :bowdown: to do his little thing there.

Listening to that on the radio (specially) was very exiting. I used to say "wow, and to think that I'm not the only person listening to that right now!"

[Sticks]

Heart Of The Sunrise by a half head to Starship Trooper.

His work on HOTS is simply majestic and the tension he creates in Starship Trooper (Wurm) is riveting.

[Michael42]

"On the Silent Wings of Freedom" was definitely one of Squire's Finest Hours -- and a highpoint on an album that was, sadly, a bit hit-or-miss.

Curiously, his playing on the track reminds me of ex-Jefferson Airplane bassist Jack Casady -- in terms of sheer drive, attack, and aggression.

[Koko]

CLOSE TO THE EDGE EVERY TIME...for Me - there's No Contest.


Koko

[EricWise]

I've been playing bass for almost 30 years. When I saw Fish play Ritual at Saratoga in 2001; I think I saw THE ultimate Squire bass moment (s). He was absolutley bombing the place. Though come to think of it, the Masterworks 2000 show version of Ritual that I saw was awesome, too.

Honorable mention should go to Silent Wings of Freedom and Does it Really Happen. To bad that one fades out...

[Earl Grey]

CLOSE TO THE EDGE EVERY TIME...for Me - there's No Contest.
Koko

Absolutely Koko! I'm listening to it this very moment... It's such a strange bass part too. Sort of a sideways walking bass line during the intro... He's SO in the groove with Bruford here, but at the same time, it's as though he were playing lead guitar on bass. Better than Entwhistle. Tastier than Jaco.
How the hell does he do it? He must have some major callouses on those fingers... Chris is the busiest bass player, yet he holds the whole thing together, spot-on with Bill or Alan. The heartbeat of YES... directly in the groove. And yet busy... He's the only bass player I can think of, who can be so over the top, and yet hold the whole thing together at the same time.

~I love the McCartneyesque octave slides during the verses... Such taste. Such mastery of the instrument. CTTE is another song that sounds unlike anything I've ever heard before or since...

One more reason to speak of Sir Squire as the best bassist on planet earth.

I celebrate the man's birth today.
I've my autographed photo from the NAMM show hanging directly over my computer...
And again, I genuflect, and speak in a quavering voice... 'We're not worthy We're not worthy!' Haha! :ele: :ele: :ele:

The man's a genius.

:yesbird:

[airshift]

Absolutely Koko! I'm listening to it this very moment... It's such a strange bass part too. Sort of a sideways walking bass line during the intro... He's SO in the groove with Bruford here, but at the same time, it's as though he were playing lead guitar on bass. Better than Entwhistle. Tastier than Jaco.
How the hell does he do it? He must have some major callouses on those fingers... Chris is the busiest bass player, yet he holds the whole thing together, spot-on with Bill or Alan. The heartbeat of YES... directly in the groove. And yet busy... He's the only bass player I can think of, who can be so over the top, and yet hold the whole thing together at the same time.

~I love the McCartneyesque octave slides during the verses... Such taste. Such mastery of the instrument. CTTE is another song that sounds unlike anything I've ever heard before or since...

One more reason to speak of Sir Squire as the best bassist on planet earth.

I celebrate the man's birth today.
I've my autographed photo from the NAMM show hanging directly over my computer...
And again, I genuflect, and speak in a quavering voice... 'We're not worthy We're not worthy!' Haha! :ele: :ele: :ele:

The man's a genius.

:yesbird:


First the list provided is missing His or anyone elses greatest solo of all time....omg I am stunned no-one has brought up the 14min. tour--de--force called THE FISH on Yessongs featuring the not too obvious nod to Led Zeppelin...and the first time I heard that I knew I had listened to GOD!

Since it's not there my vote goes to Sound Chaser just for sheer difficulty. I play bass and more, much more of a guitar player and I can tell you that Sound Chaser is the hardest music he has ever recorded.

I will never forget meeting him in Konocti 2001, he is the man no doubt.

[EricWise]

First the list provided is missing His or anyone elses greatest solo of all time....omg I am stunned no-one has brought up the 14min. tour--de--force called THE FISH on Yessongs featuring the not too obvious nod to Led Zeppelin...and the first time I heard that I knew I had listened to GOD!

Since it's not there my vote goes to Sound Chaser just for sheer difficulty. I play bass and more, much more of a guitar player and I can tell you that Sound Chaser is the hardest music he has ever recorded.

I will never forget meeting him in Konocti 2001, he is the man no doubt.

Soundchaser is a great, difficult basspart but that riff is all on one string, (of course he does it on varying strings throughout the song) but it's sheer speed and quickness (which ceratinly is admirable). When I was learning his parts about 20 or so years ago, I don't think it was as difficult to learn to play as Heart Of the Sunrise or On the Silent Wings.

Another honorable mention should go to Gates, because there are some incredible lines in there (the syncopated, off-beat stuff during the "battle" portion (keyboard solo) goes off the chart a few times) and some very simple, but stately bass melodies during Soon.

And now that I think of it, the comment made about Close To the Edge is very appropriate, there are some great lines in there that really hold the song together, not terribly difficult, but solid and busy, without overplaying...

[yarstruly]

Ummmmmm....the FISH anyone? Especially the Yessongs version...

[bcking]

Silently Fa
l
l

i

n


g

[CageyPea]

Given these choices, I chose Close to the Edge -- absolutely fierce tone and his note choices add so much tension and release to the piece (I'm thinking of the intro right now!)

But off-poll, my fave Yesbass track by the Man is Siberian Khatru. I think it's overlooked in his legacy . . . even though he may have played more aggressively or quickly or lead-like later on, the thing is, in "SK", his bassline is the keystone that holds the whole thing together. Through so many shifting sonic-scapes of slide guitar, harpsichord, etc etc., the bass stays constant and stitches its way effortlessly through and through, going from melodic to contrapuntal to groovinatin' to soaring on the outro. Without getting in the way of everyone else!! How(e) did he manage that?? Though I've been playing bass for 20 years, I still can't quite get it to groove like he does on this tune.

We must give props to the Fish* for not only his bold, forthright moments, but also for his moments of musical subtlelty!

*BTW: being a child of the '80's, I always have some mental dissonance in nicknaming CS "Fish" . . . to me, that will always be Marillion's first singer.

[EricWise]

Please, don't mention Marillion and anyone from Yes in the same sentence.

[stevepenn]

[QUOTE=EricWise]Soundchaser is a great, difficult basspart but that riff is all on one string, (of course he does it on varying strings throughout the song) but it's sheer speed and quickness (which ceratinly is admirable). When I was learning his parts about 20 or so years ago, I don't think it was as difficult to learn to play as Heart Of the Sunrise or On the Silent Wings.


I agree. He demonstrates the SC riff on the Star Licks video. It's really not that hard technically speaking. Just fast and covers some decent real estate between fingerings. The thing about Squire isn't the difficulty necessarily as it is how smooth, unique, inventive and precise he is in his approach. And awfully damn quick to boot. He's the Thor of bass guitar to be sure! When he wants to do, he can really swing the sound and move the rhythm of a tune around at will. I love his stuff. Sweet.

[EricWise]

I used to have that Star Lick's video, almost comical it is to have this guy who looks like he should be in a Metal band asking Fish about what kind of warm-up scales/exercises he does. "Well, I could always do a little Soundchaser...." And off he goes. I must say it was nice to have him talk about his stage set-up rig and his collection of basses. Then you get Amazing Grace at the end...

[Timmo]

OTSWoF and Soundchaser.

He's great on all the listed songs tho.

TIM
Venice, CA

[stevepenn]

I used to have that Star Lick's video, almost comical it is to have this guy who looks like he should be in a Metal band asking Fish about what kind of warm-up scales/exercises he does. "Well, I could always do a little Soundchaser...." And off he goes. I must say it was nice to have him talk about his stage set-up rig and his collection of basses. Then you get Amazing Grace at the end...


LOL. Yeah, the guy is kinda dweeby. He seemed star struck and didn't really know what to say. I kept wondering if Squire was thinking "who IS this guy."

Comical indeed.

[CageyPea]

Heh heh . . . Star Licks. I never saw CS's video for them, but if that dude was the same one on Entwistle's video, he got the same reaction from the Ox!

Please, don't mention Marillion and anyone from Yes in the same sentence.

:rolleyes: Ohhhhhhhhkay, then EricWise . . . how about this:

Chris Squire has often gone by the nickname "Fish".
Those of us who grew up in the '80's, however, may moreso remember that as being the name of Marillion's original (and some say, better) singer.

[Jackaranda]

I voted for Sound Chaser, but here again, it's really too tough to call.

[EricWise]

:rolleyes: Ohhhhhhhhkay, then EricWise . . . how about this:

Chris Squire has often gone by the nickname "Fish".
Those of us who grew up in the '80's, however, may moreso remember that as being the name of Marillion's original (and some say, better) singer.[/QUOTE]


I'm sorry, compared to Yes, (and in consideration of Squire's legendary bass-playing) who are Marillion??? I don't mean to be rude but those of us who grew up in the 70's didn't really notice them too much.

[Rabin105]

I personally think that Chris did some of his best work on "Drama", just listen to him poundering away on "Does it Really Happen?" and ofcourse "Tempus Fugit", which hasn't been the basis for his live solo for many years for nothing.

Out of the songs mentioned in the poll, I have to go for OTSWOF, he really shines here as a team with Alan, witch also goes for "Soundchaser", by the way...... I agree with Mr Holland Drama reaqlly show cases Squire's talent tempus fugit is one of Squire's finest bass moments.
also On the silent wings of freedom. some early yes (the opening for survival) show case squire starting to come up with his trade mark sound. In fact I remeber hearing a story in the early days of yes they were playing at a club and there was a solo in a particuklar song so the lighting guy thought it was a guitar solo and put the spot light on Peter. Well the person who was actually soloing was Chris Squire not Peter Banks.

Mac

[prem895]

The Fish from Yessongs gets my vote

[Rabin105]

Fish is good. though drama does need to bput up there i think that was a defining moment in Squire bass work

[CageyPea]

I'm sorry, compared to Yes, (and in consideration of Squire's legendary bass-playing) who are Marillion??? I don't mean to be rude but those of us who grew up in the 70's didn't really notice them too much.

Eric, comparing Yes and Marillion is not the point here. I only mentioned Marillion in a secondary and footnoted capacity in my post above, as a "by the way / coincidence" matter on the subject of nicknames. Also, as a potential matter of insight into a generation of fans whose birthdates were sometime concurrent with the release of The Yes Album! So, come on, now. I can't stand a lot of the cr*p that came out in the '90s; I don't try to solemnly censor those who refer to it, however.

I'd much rather focus here on what we obviously have in common -- that is, a love of Chris's bass-work, and Yes in general . . . !

. . . that being said, here's an extension of the topic-question: What is Chris's Ultimate 80's Yesbass moment? True, there's a lot less to choose from, but during that decade, he still went seeking new directions and approaches, which is part of his inherent awesomeness.

I'd say . . . "Our Song." No, really. Just as a great, melodic, dynamic bassline; he's all over the neck, very driving, yet tastefully upholding the tune. I think he played the Rick on that track.

[EricWise]

Sorry, I didn't mean to get off on such a tangent. However I did see Marillion open for Rush once sometime in the 80's and they didn't leave much of an impression on me. For someone to even bring them up in this discussion, seems rather unfitting. Anyway, 80's Yesbass stuff... I'm still tryin' to forget the 80's....almost hard to compare, two different bands, really with the same name...I'd have to give an honourable mention to I'm Runnin' and Leave It. The bass part for Leave It is really holds the whole song together, nicely.....Still with a guitarist like Trevor Rabin, Squire's bassplaying had to take on a different perspective, as opposed to his playing with Steve. I don't think the 80's stuff is on the same level as what he was doing in the 70's. Listen to the walking bass in Your Is No Disgrace, that's classic. Or even a simple part like Circus of Heaven, has a very well crafted, innovative bass line that really pulls all the other parts together, while supporting the melody effectively like a good bassline should.

Oh, btw did anyone ever notice that Squire is the only member of Yes who's been in every version of Yes; of course except ABWH, who weren't allowed to use the name Yes, because somebody objected...

[Rabin105]

Our song, Big generator (the song not the album), Leave it, and love will find a way (seriously he does good job on the song) another topic is Squire best yes bass moment in the 90's for that Mind drive, the mnessenger and new languages

[yessongs72]

Hmmmmm,SST,HOS,OTSWOF,GOD,Rittual,The Fish I could go on and on about Mr.Squire. I believe everyone should now understand that I think Chris,is the best Rock Bassist,then John Entwistle,Paul McCartney,Jack Bruce.

[Squire*Fan725]

Hmmmmmmmmm, it was a tough decision...I really love Silent Wings, but instead, I chose Ritual, simply because of the SOLO he does! I mean on the QPR vid, he really jams on that sucker!!! Not only that, where else can you hear (and SEE live at a show) him play those kettle drums???? :valintine

Another choice I would've picked was Hold Out Your Hand, but I see that only YESBASS moments need applied here....

[tardistraveler]

Hey, SquireFan! Glad to see you out here - you've been away for a while, it seems!

I loved Squire playing the tympani too! It was amazing live - I wasn't too far from him in Atlanta this year, and it was SO cool!

And your signature line is a hoot! Did Squire really say that at some point? LOL

[Squire*Fan725]

And your signature line is a hoot! Did Squire really say that at some point? LOL

Yes indeed he did, Diane!! It was during the SLO rehearsals. Steve was going off on a lighting tech, cuz the light was'nt right, or he was'nt getting any light. He complaines about being "sick of playing in the bloody dark" and he threatens to kick him in the head, thus Squire remarks with that funny quip! I happen to have that wav file on a disc somewhere, I'll have to post it!

[Gabriel]

Definatly OTSWOF and Soundchaser; two great goose bump bass songs from Chris!

I'm not too up on the others I need to listen to the bass more carefully but the two I picked are definatly highlights.

[Mr. Holland]

Definatly OTSWOF and Soundchaser; two great goose bump bass songs from Chris!

I'm not too up on the others I need to listen to the bass more carefully but the two I picked are definatly highlights.

I don't know how familiar you are with the Drama album, but aside the songs you mention here (on which I fully agree), give Does it Really Happen? a good listen, he is really attacking the bass there, Chris = the song on that one.....just my two cents...

[EricWise]

Does It Really Happen has a great bass part, but the end of the song has a nice signature solo that (for me) goes right up there high on my list of, "songs that I wish didn't fade out." (Also high on that list is the end of Starship Trooper) With some of these songs, the jam just starts to get going when the fade-out occurs; it would be nice to hear it go on for a few minutes longer. That makes me wonder if there's a demo version out there that makes up for that..

It almost seems as if, consideration should probably be given on three different levels:

- live moments either experienced in person or heard on tape that seem to sum up what Squire's bass playing encompasses;

- studio songs that have a solo or improvisational section in them;

- songs that just have real nicely crafted bass lines, that arent solos or improvisational.

[Ryan]

my vote goes to Close to the Edge. Every note he plays is great and its so damn powerful!

[ndselwood]

Its far from my favourite album...but what about Chris' work on Drama ? He stands out like a beacon on the album and I think it's his best work (IMHO).

Of those in the poll - has to be Soundchaser.

[GaryC]

Into The Lens !

[1yesfan]

My fav moment is not listed. Live version of Starship Trooper. The last minutes when he is working the base pedals, when it shakes the house down!

[fish62858]

i shouldn't be surprised by anything on this site....
but i'm surprised that gates rates as low as it does.
as a bass player, i find that gates is without a doubt the most moving piece listed in the choices.... and the main reason is the climactic end to the battle section, just before we return to 4/4 and melody... as that segment builds and builds and builds, when it finally resolves, instead of coming down to a big rumbling low note, as 99 other bass players would have done, chris stays way up high on the neck through most of the first measure of that resolution. its not until the second measure, or second time through the phrase, that he comes back to the low bottom support. amazing. i suppose it is moments like that, when chris does something that no one else would have, that make me smile and shake my head and say "wish i'd have thought of that"....

[Alex]

i don't know what the ultimate moment was. all i know that during starship trooper, saturday at jones beach, chris had the place shaking.

[squiredevotee]

I can't choose one but can narrow it down to 4:

1. On The Silent Wings Of Freedom (absolutely beautiful)
2. Starship Trooper Live (Like at the beach last Saturday)
3. Ritual Live (Yes, give the big guy the kettle drums!)
4. Roundabout (The first Yes song I ever heard)

[Squire*Fan725]

Even though I already posted before, I can narrow it down to 5 more, but I do love every Squire moment!!

1. The Soundchaser riff...How fast is he playing that sh*te?!? WHOA!!!!

2. The live version of The Fish from Yessongs...Never have I heard such a rockin' jam!!!! It's got that heavy metal quality about it near the end!!

3. Squire's solo from RCMH, 8-5-02...That little addition of the Silent Wings riff was a rather nice surprise!!

4. The rest of FOOW...That album just ROCKS!!!

And last, but not least:

5. SILENT WINGS!!! Only the best example of LEAD BASS ever!!!

[The Prchr The Trchr]

Hello and greetings! This is my first post - great site!! I voted for Close to the Edge, not only becuase it's the greatest thing in history, but because I can't for the life of me figure out what Chris is doing - at ALL. OTSWOF is great, but too obvious. Soundchaser is all on open strings, so even though the picking hand is moving fast, there's not much to that line. Ritual is a great tone, Gates is great as well...but CTTE is nothing short of super-human. Nice to meet you Yes-heads!

[Earl Grey]

Silent Wings Of Freedom is always #1 for me. As poignant a musical statement as anything Jimi ever played. It's aural poetry...
The full spectral map of what is possible in the land of Rickenbackers, Rotosounds and Ampeg stacks... It's Squire's most defining moment.
It's such a HUGE sound, yet it defies gravity. It's as though some mad aviator strapped rocket-jets to the sides of The Empire State Building, then flew it into the blue.

How the hell did he get THAT up there?

Indeed.

I don't know how Squire found such depth bottom and rumble while retaining such precision. But he did. And he does. Silent Wings is escape velocity man!

EG:yesbird:

[squiredevotee]

Silent Wings...........I'm just facinated by how Chris flys from the low rumbling notes all the way to the bright top notes & back down again. So fluid, just such an incredible sound. You're right Earl, it's just a HUGE sound (listen to it on headphones, you can literally fall into the wall of sound that surrounds you!). I don't think I know a song from any band that I enjoy as much as that one. The first time I heard that song, when it ended all I said was "Holy Sh**! I was just totally floored, still am, every time...

[TempusRoundabout]

I love Silent Wings of Freedom, but also I like Close to the Edge and Sound Chaser. I voted for all 3, and I think that they each display Chris's mastery on a multitude of levels.

[About The Round]

For Everyone, -the long version. I have a bad copy of a bad copy of an old weed. The bass solo in the middle section is fantastic. Sheer fantasticness.

[Bo Locks]

No doubt about its fantasticosity then? I shall go away and listen to it muchly this weakened.

[About The Round]

I'm afraid it was not me who invented the word fantasticness...

You should have known better!

[Bo Locks]

You should have known better!I was cerebralating the transformulation of fantasticous words!

How about 'Rickenblaster'? or 'Basschaser'?

Christopheles Basstiered

[Scooty]

I'm afraid it was not me who invented the word fantasticness...

You should have known better!


Thats right!!

Fantasticness is in fact a word created by our very own Christopher Squire..

And a cool word it is....

[JL]

I just discovered this cool thread and poll. I voted Sound Chaser because, in addition to being a great example of Chrisness, it is just so different than anything that anybody else, or even Yes, has ever done. Take any idiot with tons of musical talent, lock him in a room with a bass for 6 hours a day for 5-10 years, and he'll be able to play the SC bass line, but only Chris could come up with it.

Massive honorable mention to the Yessongs version of CTTE. I don't know if it was Chris or Steve that decided that the intensity needed to be kicked into Level 27 that particular evening, but whomever it was, his string partner fell in line. Or maybe (I like this better) they both got the idea and found the other already on the same wave length. Either way, it severely rocks.

[brotherofmine]

Well Live Certainly I would go with 'The Fish' solo, on record 'Silent Wings Of Freedom'..but there are other contenders close behind like for instance 'Tempus Fugit'....Chris's bassline on that song is what keeps the song together.

[SonicDeath10]

'Tempus Fugit'.YES. i would have voted for this oddly enough. Maybe it's because just at this moment i was listening to tempus fugit, but man that bass line... one of chris's last big bass hurrah's before the era of simplified bass for trevor's music. he never lost anything though, which is amazing.

[Timmo]

Let's not forget The Fish.

The song, that is. The Yessongs version is spine-tingling.

[cjreyes]

I love Silent Wings, but I had to go with Ritual, Yesshows version. That one always takes me away. I can't help but airbass like a madman every time. It takes over my body. :rightG:

[Yes_Fan_4_Life26]

I listened to Sound Chaser on headphones and paid extra attention to his bass line. It's crazy! This song has the best bass endurance-ness.

[True Believer]

How can I choose? They're all great.

[Hugh Shiebler]

i have to go with the Yesshows Ritual - there is nothing else like it.

And don't forget "It's Love" from "The Word is Live"

And the entire "Fish Out of Water" album.

And "No Opportunity Necessary..."

[Ian B]

Er, The Fish, 'Yessongs' version, it still floors me each time I hear it, and I've been listening to it since I was thirteen.

[barra1]

OTSWOF got my vote, imagine they used that as the show opener or 2nd on the set if they tour 2008, getting goosebumps already at the thought.
come on JA commit to this.


Fergus

[relayeire]

of these, OTSWOF or SC... Tempus Fugit is another great lead bass song... and as others have mentioned, FOOW, The Fish from Yessongs and Ritual from Yesshows...

[Squire*Fan725]

What else can I say except ALL YesBass is good!?

[ctask]

Have to go with Ritual here - it's just such a celebration of life! It floored me when I first heard it. Side 4 got played over and over. Lead bass at it's finest!

[Earl Grey]

At one point, they were thinking of leaving Ritual off of Tsongas. It would have made for easier marketing, only one DVD to deal with, instead of two, and a cheaper price for the package.

I'm happy to report (I heard it through the grapevine) that when Chris heard of this, he INSISTED that Ritual be included, damn the tormatoes...

'Ritual': Nothing quite like it in any genre...

EG:yesbird:

[Wakey's #1 Fan]

Silent Wings of Freedom and Close to the Edge for me...but where's the Fish? I think this is his best bass moment!

[Heather 73]

An unforgettable event: "Starship Trooper"--Detroit, 1984. Roxi and I remember, along with other parties who were present.......

[MrZuLu]

I know some of you will be surprised with my opinion, but for me his best bass song is Astral Traveller.


Having recently learned this tune I must agree...

Agressive with a wonderful melody in the middle

[CerebralJazz85]

**********
On CTTE, the shift at 6:04 to the most unorthodox, 'outside of the box' bass line imaginable - It's so non-conventional it can only be described as idiot savant. It's so brilliant, it's retarded. When I listen to this piece, I have to rewind it a couple of times. It only lasts to 6:46. Someone with technical savvy and taste should sample and loop this part - then rap over it. And then, never release it.
************

[CerebralJazz85]

xyz

[JoEy YeS]

RITUAL!!!! amazing

[allpurechance]

There are some scrumptious bass moments in Heart Of The Sunrise.

Also, the bass in the middle section of South Side Of The Sky is wonderful!

But, I'd like to agree with those who have said "all of them."

All Yes bass is marvellous.

[shortexchanges]

THere is alot of squire fanatics here. More recent vintage music should include face to face and Magnifaction's first two tracks.

[Senor Mono]

My vote goes for Gates of Delirium. No answer..just listen to the dang song..:)

Well said. Gates Of Delirium is out of this world, for sure

honorable mentions:
Heart of the Sunrise
Sound Chaser
City of Love (understated genious)
Most of Drama
I'm Running
(Beginning of) Lift Me Up
Give Love Each Day
In the Presense Of

ANY of Chris' Basslines are quite honorable.


:thumbup: :beerchugr: :thumbup:

[CerebralJazz85]

It was a real treat to see RITUAL on the Yes 35th Anniversary DVD. For about a week, I thought 'Every Little Thing' was an excellent Yes original that I had never heard. Beatles song, huh?? Anybody have any opinions on Live at Montreux 2003?

[rhaibrazil]

OTSWOF was the responsable to show me Chris'talent, but i always dream with a version of "Looking Around" only with the bass guitar. The bass line on this song is delicious, almost a chocolate cake.

[marklovesyes]

I would have to say 'Long Distance Runaround' is amongst Chris's finest ever moments. I am not a bass player, but more than one bass player has told me that 'LDR' and 'Roundabout' are amongst the most difficult bass lines to play.

Regardless, the bass line in 'LDR' absolutely kicks.

[rhaibrazil]

The truth: is very difficult to say only one special moment.
But, after trying to remember what really shocked me and alomst made me get up and dance , i stay with the bass line of "Yours is no disgrace", the Yessongs' Version.
The second solo by Howe and the groove from the Chris is amazing!
But we cannot forget "Fish (from Yessongs too) - the best bass solo in the whole world.
:appl[1]:

[Altres]

On the Silent Wings of Freedom for pure artistic expression. What an amazing work.

Beyond that, far too many to mention.

Brian

[relayeire]

the more that I think about it, the Yesshows version of Ritual...

[relayerjim]

Gates Of Delirium
followed by....Sound Chaser

[Squire7508]

The middle section of Machine Messiah is nuts to try and play along with. Of the choices listed here though I'd pick Sound Chaser.

[YesJen357]

For me, as Chris or any bass player's finest moment live...It would have to be 'It's Love' on the Yes album tour.
Closely followed by 'Tempis Fugit.'

[Senor Mono]

the more that I think about it, the Yesshows version of Ritual...

Gates Of Delirium
followed by....Sound Chaser

GOD off Yesshows is exceptional as well.

[pedro skychaser]

yeah watching QPR 1+2 demonstrates that fishman shreds his bass...its really astonishing...soundchaser--GOD----

i'm lost 4 words..

[rhaibrazil]

For me, as Chris or any bass player's finest moment live...It would have to be 'It's Love' on the Yes album tour.
Closely followed by 'Tempis Fugit.'
I agree with you - i heard it (Yes - in a Word:live)one month ago :headset:
It´s so different from Yes' stuff!
It was a very nice suprise (hear Chris singing alone and the drums' beat:drummer:)
Conclusion: what a amazing bass player that can only bring doubts about his Ultimate bass moment! You just cannot choose only one!

[teenyesfan]

I would have to go with Close to the Edge. I had a really tough time trying to play that on bass. haha not that the others are easy to play.

[Earl Grey]

A few years ago, I had the chance to sit next to Squire's bass.

It was a party, everyone was goofing around in the hotel room.

I opened the bass case for the slightest of moments. Just a crack.
...Couldn't help it. Could YOU?!

Something strange overtook me...

I heard the opening notes of 'On The Silent Wings Of Freedom'...

I heard the linear ascending and decending notes of 'Onward Through The Night'...

I cracked the case open, then closed it as soon as I opened it. Pandora has nothing on me.

Chris hits the notes, his Rikki kicks them out.

Every bass note ascending to create.

EG

[Whitefish]

Close between "Ritual" and "Sound Chaser", but I went with "Ritual".

What about "Beyond And Before", the one that started it all?

[YESOLA]

I have never looked at this thread before....I am surpised that Silent Wings is winning. It has a nice ending there but there is so much more meat in the others.

[allen toth]

All of Mr. Squire's Bass playing is Ultimate, if you take away most of the Rabin Years, IMHO.

[Altres]

http://www.trevorandthea.eclipse.co.uk/WalTripleNeck.jpg

[Scooty]

http://www.trevorandthea.eclipse.co.uk/WalTripleNeck.jpg

I love this picture...

[Sheerah]

http://www.trevorandthea.eclipse.co.uk/WalTripleNeck.jpg

*drool*

[relayer_1]

How can I vote if the choices do not include TEMPUS FUGIT or AWAKEN (only song he uses his 3 neck Bass!) ??

For those who can actually play Bass and know the instrument, would agree.

[Scooty]

How can I vote if the choices do not include TEMPUS FUGIT or AWAKEN (only song he uses his 3 neck Bass!) ??

For those who can actually play Bass and know the instrument, would agree.

I started the thread and limited the choices based on a handful of songs simply because the list is endless of his wonderful bass playing and prowess on the instrument. i also wanted to bring up other songs, as you have, that are obviously incredible bass moments.

I can actually play bass and know the instrument, and I agree :)

I love playing Tempus Fugit, I am always wiped out after playing that one through.

[thistle15]

Although the Squire repertoire is vast and incredible, for me, it will always be Sound Chaser

[Sunhillow_]

To me, Sound Chaser is one of the greatest songs of all progressive rock. The entire Relayer album is special and this song really rocks! The bass parts are just incredible!

[packattack4]

Chris is great on all of em, what about HOTS, that is one of his solos too, he blew me away on CTTE, but of these choices I had to take Ritual, his solo with Alan is awesome, not to mention Fish, I just cant wait to see him again

[Write a punch line]

Siberian Khatru is my favorite. On that list CTTE. Chris's playing on CTTE is so fluid and phrased with bill's drums that its a compisition on to its self. There is a great deal of "feel" in the playing of this song.

[somissound]

To me, Sound Chaser is one of the greatest songs of all progressive rock. The entire Relayer album is special and this song really rocks! The bass parts are just incredible!

:beerchugr:

He has the magic touch like no other...

And every album has so much (bass) flavor...

HOTS, CTTE, Siberian Khatru, Relayer, Silently Falling, Drama, Cinema, I'm Running, In the Presense Of....There's just so many!

Any news on the new Solo album??

[ZEN]

Sorry but non of the above in the 'vote' list - For me my most fave bass Moment is that BIG deep Chord and Note on Machine Messiah - WHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHOOMMMMMMMMMMMPPPPPPPPPP!....it rattles the fillings in my teeth!

[marinadignon]

Mr. Squire's Ultimate Yesbarassment Moment

[Lifeseeker66]

Well, I voted for CTTE, not because of the studio version, but in most of the live versions he inserts a bass riff that just blows me away! It's during the "I Get Up, I Get Down" section. I first recall it during the Tales tour, and went "Wow - that was fantastic!" And it seems weird to hear it now without it!

But ANY of Squire's bass work is phenomenal! I adore HOTS - so sensual!

Can't we just vote for ALL of them?

Actually, Yes you could... it's allowing for multiple votes... personally my fave is OTSWOF, but I added all but Gates of Delirium from the choices listed. All are great basslines, but my favorite has to be OTSWOF.

Dave

[Ig]

I chose Gates because for me bass playing is not just about melody and technique but providing harmonic and rhythmic grounding for the music. the bass lines in Gates fulfils this function whilst being supremely melodic playing. It's truly a bass part you can sing - try it!

and then there's the "solo" section on gates!!!! what can I say

Sound Chaser too has some awesome moments especially the in the tempo changes section after the guitar cadenza, but then that's more of a band thing- having five musicians jump from one arbitary tempo to another whilst playing the same motif is a very difficult thing to do.
When i bought relayar I thought that SC would never be played live because of the difficulty of this section. Imagine my surprise when it was the opening number!! I've never looked back from that moment.

A lot of folk think of Relayer as being a "Howe-centric" album, but it's the bass that comes to the fore really.

[miar]

It has to be CTTE if you ask me :)

[fovman]

Every moment.....(in his own mind.)

[bjlevine]

Might be a bit of a surprise, but I'm gonna go with Heart of the Sunrise. This song has everything: a bass solo, chording, bass playing the main melody line, tons of precise changes, and of course, an incredible and challanging main hook. This song is one of the hardest Yes songs to play in a band setting because there are so many precise parts and the timing has to be just right.

[Yesguitarman]

Although I think Chris would say Heart Of The Sunrise is his favorite, his bass play in Gates of Delirium is phenomenal. My hat is off to any bass player who can play it properly. It is the rhythmic glues that holds that whole work of art together!

[Steve Mahoney]

Playing Fish at the Sydney 2003 Yes concert.
That was a huge Chris Squire moment.

[Scooty]

Although I think Chris would say Heart Of The Sunrise is his favorite, his bass play in Gates of Delirium is phenomenal. My hat is off to any bass player who can play it properly. It is the rhythmic glues that holds that whole work of art together!

Chris usually drops Heart Of The Sunrise as his fav bassline...

Gates is my personal fav as well. It blows my mind and I stare at my Ric and scream.."Play THAT!!" :lmao:

[miguelbass]

Obviously a "suicidal" exercise to chose from a so short sample of songs, all of them have a thousand reasons to be elected. I chose Ritual from YesShows. Starting with the echo funky-noodling while Jon is at the "red-blue-green-purple corner"... then few seconds of tension.... and a big explosion for the solo intro... After that comes the supporting for Steve's melody, doing those expressive octave leaps, you can sing them like if they were the main melody. Then comes the second solo break, again a blast... then the orchestral guitar part with Chris fast picking on low dynamics and wah-wah...the carrying on all the verses while doing all backing vocals... and later the main solo itself (part 2 on the vinyl) with some scat vocals... and the outro with the bass driving so melodically all those chord changes... This particular performance moves me a lot!

Miguel

[fovman]

Squire's bass solo does it

[Meng]

I would have voted for The Fish (Yessongs version) had it been included. Heart Of The Sunrise would have been second - had it been included.

[busterthedog]

Statue of Justice on Rick Wakeman's Criminal Record takes some beating for a bass performance ... If I remember rightly I think the bass and drums were recorded after the keyboards which makes it even better !

[yesfreak 3]

Everything the man plays is class, however I voted for OTSWOF. One of best momories I have of Chris and his wonderful bass playing is an early 70s concert at the Glasgow Apollo when he played Amazing Grace, superb

[shortexchanges]

To me his bass moments are on Drama. Tempus fugit is his shining moment. The fish on fragile was advant garde.

From the limited list Gates does it for me.

[oliasofsuffolk]

I voted for silent wings but when you actually reflect there is not a single significant Yes song in which the bass part is not exemplary. Check out the gentle but superb lines in Wonderous Stories or at the end of A Venture or when the bass kicks in after the opening of No Opportunity Necessary... the end is listless as Rick would say.

[Sonny G]

This is only my opinion but I feel Chris's playing on "The Gates Of Delirium" delivers such a wide spectrum of pure emotions that it has to be my favorite, although there are some great elements of his playing on all the songs listed. One only has to listen to any of those tracks or even Chris's solo album "Fish Out Of Water" to know why he is progressive rock's premier bassist.

[90125yes]

On the silent wings of freedom for me

[the greenman]

I'll go for Silent Wings cos it's just such an underrated track in many ways from what I personally regard as a 'weak' album, but one which has 'Onward', 'Future Times/Rejoice' , 'madrigal' 'release, release'.. oh not all bad then ;-)

I think a new 'live' recording of it would be great. It should be as much a classic as 'Awaken', but somehow..

Elsewise, well there's 'Shock to the System' - a very simple bass run, but played with real punch.. & so much else really.. it's hard to choose!

[harty]

I was hoping for an 'amazing grace' solo on this tour.

I vote for CTTE. I have loved that riff for eons. I even followed that riff on tour so my son could see it and hear it live, 'cause I know he hasn't mastered the air-bass of it like I have.

[bjlevine]

The bass line in Gates is amazing, incredibly avant garde. Silent Wings is also a terrific piece that sort of suffers with a chorus that isn't quite up to the rest of the song (IMO).

[Scooty]

Elsewise, well there's 'Shock to the System' - a very simple bass run, but played with real punch.. & so much else really.. it's hard to choose!

*Psssst


Tony Levin played that...

Carry On.

[the greenman]

*Psssst


Tony Levin played that...

Carry On.

Did he? Well there you go! LOL. I thought it was Billy, actually... ;-)

[michael]

it's a brief moment and not his "ultimate" but when he and Alan nail the lick preceeding "I listened hard but could not see...." in AYAI I get a warm glow!! Chris has a nice fat chorus on his bass when he plays that line and I love it.

[Roan's Lady]

I picked this up from another site:

http://de.youtube.com/watch?v=MVymT10s16Q&feature=related

Don't know if there are "ultimate bass moments" from Chris within, but it surely makes me wish (and yes - hope) for new songs of this caliber.

[crotale2112]

gates has some killer bass on it and so does the drama stuff. Way to hard for me to pick a single song.

[Dramato]

I love Silent Wings, but I had to go with Ritual, Yesshows version. That one always takes me away. I can't help but airbass like a madman every time. It takes over my body. :rightG:

Yep, Ritual on Yesshows is one of those re-definitive moments. That was my vote; he just runs away with it on that version.

[Ceasar's Palace]

There's another great moment I forgot to mention in my last post and that is the mini "solo" on Lightning Strikes. All the intruments stop playing for Mr. Squire :bowdown: to do his little thing there.


I always get a mental picture of Chris slipping out of the movie-frame,
sort of like cartoon characters do during a chase! Great little moment.

And what about Siberian Khatru?

[Vic W.]

Chris probably rocks the most on Yes and Time and a Word, their first two albums.

Not that he doesn't come close time and again in the next 5.

[90125yes]

Chris probably rocks the most on Yes and Time and a Word, their first two albums.

Not that he doesn't come close time and again in the next 5.


_____

agreed - good post

:appl[1]: :appl[1]: :appl[1]:

[bjlevine]

Especially the live versions.

[rphheather]

It is impossible for me to choose THE ultimate as it is all exemplary. But one moment I particularly like that wasn't mentioned was in SC right after Jon sings " as is my want I only reach to look in your eyes" in the interlude (maybe it really is a movement) when the tempo increases to an impossible speed. This is just amazing to me, I don't play bass but it just blows my mind, how that can be done? And even better when the tempo slows again it stirs something in me everytime,it's primal!!:bncy:

If you are in a hurry it is around the 6th minute , take a quick listen if it isn't ingrained in your mind already. Your ears and soul will thank you :Peace!:

[Wild Westie]

You’ve given us five songs from which to chose, so I’ll select only one from these, OTSWOF.

Not the album version, though. You must see and hear him LIVE; my goodness, what a splendor of audio delight!