Classical guitar on "Turn of the Century"

[Alexander]

Everyone likes "Awaken" but what about "Turn of the Century"?

At the ending of "...Century" when Steve Howe plays classical guitar (or is it a lute perhaps, does anyone know?) this, folks, is when I crank. There's no substitute for classical training.

But classical guitar is often so boring, it's all one tempo. If only more musicians could bring that sense of striving to emote and reveal as when Steve plays.

[gatesofdelirium]

"Turn of the century" is also a fave song of mine. I hope they´ll play it again on the next tour. (And of course I hope they´ll come to Holland!)

[Roan]

I absolutely love "Turn of the Century." You can get so lost in the music. The video they have of it on Yes Songs is nice. At least what they had showing was keeping with the story line. I want Tim to put a quote from it at the bottom of my posts.
And yes, Alex, Steve Howe's classical guitar training is a marvelous part of this song.

I can see an orchestra playing this song and being beautiful.

[Alexander]

"Turn of The Century" is more consistent all the way through. Easier listening. I'm not always prepared for the intensity of Steve's unresolved yearnings in "Awaken".

When I think about the two songs I imagine that "Awaken" is probably more like my own life. Yes really threw the kitchen sink into "Awaken". But its far more ambitious. I hope my life ends as beautifully.;)

[Dragonfly]

For those of you attending Yescapade at Konocti Harbor, keep an eye out for one of the organizers named Jamison. He's a sax player that has produced a beautiful sax quartet rendition of "Turn of the Century". He said that Steve Howe himself even complimented him once he heard it.

I'll be bringing my copy of his cd that includes it. I'll be happy to let anyone listen to it that wants to. (I'm hoping Jamison doesn't object.):bncsmls

[umgekehrt]

I never really cared much about TOTC, it's just too slow a song for me. And the version with Annie Haslam was just terrible.

[yesmandroc]

At the ending of "...Century" when Steve Howe plays classical guitar (or is it a lute perhaps, does anyone know?) this, folks, is when I crank. There's no substitute for classical training.

But classical guitar is often so boring, it's all one tempo. If only more musicians could bring that sense of striving to emote and reveal as when Steve plays.

It's not a classical guitar or a lute. it's actually just a steel string, i'm pretty sure. It might be a nylon string with the high end cranked, but I don't think so. Steve plays with fingerstyle but without the refinement of a solid classical technique. he is certainly aware of classical guitar. I've heard him praise Villa-Lobos but remain aloof about any classical training he may or may not have had.

I don't know what your perception of classical guitar is if you say it's one tempo and boring (i'm a classical guitarist so you've touched a nerve here). TOTC is all one tempo as well. You may be refering to a certain monotony that comes wih some music. Tell me what you've been exposed to and i'll point you in the direction of some good music.

[leqin]

Its a Portuguese Guitar isn't it, only I'm pretty certain that's what Steve's playing on the present tour and the way Jon is introducing him during TOTC.... 'and now Steve Howe on the Portuguese Guitar' whoo.

The Portuguese Guitar is a member of the Mandolin and Bandurria family, although it also copies features of the English Guitar or Cittern and also shares features in common with the Arabian Lute or Rebab and have up to 12 steel strings. I'm pretty certain it is because that is what Jon's saying out on tour and so far Steve's not corrected him.

[BrianD]

You have got me thinking there. My recall was that he used the portuguese guitar on Wonderous Stories, not TOTC. Certainly in the two concerts I saw (plus boots) that was when Jon introduced Steve that way.

[leqin]

You have got me thinking there. My recall was that he used the portuguese guitar on Wonderous Stories, not TOTC. Certainly in the two concerts I saw (plus boots) that was when Jon introduced Steve that way.

Brian - I stand corrected and your right and I just double checked myself.... brain phart... busy typing PMs in one window while my brain isn't in gear in another :D

[yesmandroc]

He also uses it on All Good People. I've heard some recording of Portugese guitar masters. it's pretty badass.

[Roan's Lady]

... And the version with Annie Haslam was just terrible.

It's meant to be sung by a male, IMHO.
One male comes to mind, and that's Jon Anderson. ;)

[todd de sunhillow]

Steve and Annie's version of Turn of the century is cool...sounds good to me...

[soulsearcher]

turn of the century is one of my favorite songs, and i am so happy that i got to see it live this tour.
it made my year!!!