Patrick Moraz

[onslo]

don't hit me for saying this but Patricks performance on this album seems to me like the best keyboards performance on any album. i think Rick is better overall but the keyboard work on this album is my favourite for all Yes albums. and i've listened to his solo stuff too and i think its great and very textured. i might have to look into some of the other bands he played for.

;)

[GoD57]

Adam, let me know if anyone tries to hit you, I got your back. I'm glad that I got to see Patrick with Yes in '74 and again in '76. Or should that be Yes with Patrick? I'm glad that you're not selling Rick short though. If you can, get a copy of one of his solo shows at the Stuff for Sale Forum. You'll hear just howe good he is.

Bill

[ANTIOCH]

Adam,

Find "Refugee" for some stellar keyboard work from Mr. Moraz.

[Jackaranda]

I love Moraz. He helped make Relayer one of the great albums ever in rock. I loved him with the Moodies. Pat was playing with Yes the 1st time I saw them and luckily I got to see him several more times after that. He made the Moodies a much better band than they'd been without him.

He'll always be part of the Yes family to me.

[tardistraveler]

I got to see Patrick solo in a very small venue, and he was incredible! Such amazing energy he threw into his performance!

I agree - the Refugee album is quite good, or any of his solo stuff.

[Timmo]

I got to see Patrick solo in a very small venue, and he was incredible! Such amazing energy he threw into his performance!

I agree - the Refugee album is quite good, or any of his solo stuff.

I'd love to see him solo.

I also need his signature on my copy of "Relayer," I've got the Yesboys.

Wonder if he's ever gonna play anywhere in LA?


TIM
Venice, CA

[ANTIOCH]

I saw Moraz with 'The Moody Blues' and with Bill Bruford in their acoustic drums and piano phase. Wow !!
Patrick brought an energy to YES that no other has.

[stevepenn]

Moraz is fabulous. Saw him with Yes in '76 and later with the Blues. The Story Of I is a great, wonderful album. And Relayer is just incredible. Too bad it was his one and only with Yes. Amazing talent.

[therifferoo]

Well, as we all know, Moraz is king!!!! LOL!!

onslo...go to Patrick's website, and order yourself a copy of his CD called Resonance. It's acoustic piano like you've never imagined....I can't tell you how awesome it is....you just have to hear it for yourself.

And you know, much as I love Rick Wakeman, and think he is truly the best fit for Yes as a band, I have to point out the reason why I think neither he or any other Yes keyboardists besides Moraz have performed Soundchaser....heck, nobody can figure out that opening flurry on the Fender Rhodes, eh??!! LOL!! What a tornado!

[Timmo]

Well, as we all know, Moraz is king!!!! LOL!!

onslo...go to Patrick's website, and order yourself a copy of his CD called Resonance. It's acoustic piano like you've never imagined....I can't tell you how awesome it is....you just have to hear it for yourself.

And you know, much as I love Rick Wakeman, and think he is truly the best fit for Yes as a band, I have to point out the reason why I think neither he or any other Yes keyboardists besides Moraz have performed Soundchaser....heck, nobody can figure out that opening flurry on the Fender Rhodes, eh??!! LOL!! What a tornado!My own personal theory regarding "Relayer" is that, since they had a new keyboardist and most of the material had been "fleshed out" before Patrick arrived on the scene, it really forced Steve to step up to the plate.

And step up he did. "Relayer" is a GUITAR album, probably the 'guitar heaviest' album in the Yes cannon. Funny, this guy at work "loves Yes....my favorite is 90125!' said "I didn't really like that weird album you gave me to burn...too much keyboards." I said "Listen again....most of what you think is "keyboards" is actually guitar."

The solo on "To Be Over" brings me to tears.

He agreed after another listen, and I think we have a new convert to the WONDERMENT that is "Relayer."

I was a keyboard junkie as a teenager, having studied classical piano, and Rick was my God. But with many intervening years and a developing love of blues, particularly Texas Blues a la Stevie Ray Vaughn, has turned my attention to the guitar. As guitar work goes, it don't get any better than "Relayer," which is why it remains by far my favorite Yes album.

That being said, it's amazing how "organic" Patrick's keys are to "Relayer." The voicing he chose, and the counterpoint he provides, really add to the music in ways that Wakey never did. Rick's a showman, Patrick shows real keyboard chops where he really ADVANCES a groove instead of playing over it. Plus he added a fusion element that Rick, for all his classical training, really doesn't groove to. He doesn't just "get out of the way," he really synergizes the music with his keys.

Don't get me started on "Relayer!" If Moraz had only done ONE more album...I think that "Going for the One" would have been mind-blowingly amazing in a totally different way. And I LOVE "Awaken!"

The "Soundchaser" opening isn't really all that technically difficult if you've had any classical training, but it's the VOICING that sets it apart. Typically Moraz, low on flash, high on payoff.

CHA CHA CHA CHA CHA!

TIM
Venice, CA

[SKEETER]

I never really liked Patrick Morazs style, I always thought he sounded very generic. In all fairness though, he replaced two of the most creative keyboardists of all time, Mike Pinder and Rick Wakeman. Mr Moraz is indeed a gifted player, but his sound is mostly whatever technology he is using at the time, as opposed to Mr Pinder and Mr Wakeman, who both harnessed the technology and used it in their own respective ways.

[therifferoo]

TIM ~ EXACTLY!! LOL!! Not that hard to play, if only you can figure it out!!

[Timmo]

I never really liked Patrick Morazs style, I always thought he sounded very generic. In all fairness though, he replaced two of the most creative keyboardists of all time, Mike Pinder and Rick Wakeman. Mr Moraz is indeed a gifted player, but his sound is mostly whatever technology he is using at the time, as opposed to Mr Pinder and Mr Wakeman, who both harnessed the technology and used it in their own respective ways.I wholeheartedly disagree.

I find Wakeman flashier, but Moraz ultimately serves the music better.

TIM
Venice, CA

[Amy]

Don't get me started on "Relayer!" If Moraz had only done ONE more album...I think that "Going for the One" would have been mind-blowingly amazing in a totally different way. And I LOVE "Awaken!"

TIM
Venice, CA

The more I listen to Sound Chaser, the more I like it.
I agree with you completely; and I think if Moraz would have done Going for the One it would not have that "light, tinny type sound" overall. I think Moraz would have brought great depth to it. I love Awaken and I always will, but the album overall lacks something that I believe Moraz would have given it.

[Skyward]

RELAYER is an explosive effort by YES. While some would say that DRAMA is YES ( without Jon ) unleashed, I would have to disagree. Now, PM's role in that equation is seriously understated, IMHO. The "Swiss Poodle" is enormously talented and can play in a style unrivaled in the world of ivories. However, I'm not sure if it was the language barrier or just what precipitated his departure, but what we have now, the classic lineup, remains the dominant formula for all that is truly YES. Hey, while we're at it, let's not forget that other unsung hero, Alan White and his monumental performance on RELAYER. "Sound Chaser" still stands at the pinnacle of YES percussion, at least in this poster's opinion.

[Timmo]

RELAYER is an explosive effort by YES. While some would say that DRAMA is YES ( without Jon ) unleashed, I would have to disagree. Now, PM's role in that equation is seriously understated, IMHO. The "Swiss Poodle" is enormously talented and can play in a style unrivaled in the world of ivories. However, I'm not sure if it was the language barrier or just what precipitated his departure, but what we have now, the classic lineup, remains the dominant formula for all that is truly YES. Hey, while we're at it, let's not forget that other unsung hero, Alan White and his monumental performance on RELAYER. "Sound Chaser" still stands at the pinnacle of YES percussion, at least in this poster's opinion.Amen, New Hampshire bro.

The rhythm section has NEVER exceeded "Relayer," and probably never will.

What would PM have done with "GFTO?" My eternally unanswered question.

Wakey is great within his limitations, which is that he plays best when directed.

PM added subtle perfection to "Relayer."

He is my keyboard God. "Relayer" is, in my opinion, the most guitar-driven Yes oevre, with fantastic augmentation by Messiers White and Squire.

Still, PM managed to make an amazing contribution IN SERVICE of amazing music, to the best Yes has ever had to offer. Ever. Period.

You're right about "Relayer" being "explosive." "CTTE" has a wonderful "crystalline" perfectionism to it, but "Relayer" is where they really cut loose and RIPPED. No wonder Steve always wants to play more of it, unfortunately he seems to get vetoed by Rick and "The Iron Hippie," Jon. Jon, I think doesn't like the loss of control he experienced on "Relayer," and Rick, I'm afraid, doesn't want to play music that is beyond him, as brilliantly talented as he is.

"Relayer" is where they touched the gods. Don't forget "To Be Over" while you're at it, which has, in my opinion, Howe's single best solo EVER.

TIM
blasting "Mind Drive" in
Venice, CA

[Timmo]

I never really liked Patrick Morazs style, I always thought he sounded very generic. In all fairness though, he replaced two of the most creative keyboardists of all time, Mike Pinder and Rick Wakeman. Mr Moraz is indeed a gifted player, but his sound is mostly whatever technology he is using at the time, as opposed to Mr Pinder and Mr Wakeman, who both harnessed the technology and used it in their own respective ways.Listen a bit more carefully.

TIM
Venice, CA

[stevepenn]

Interesting. I never would have used the word generic to describe Moraz. His is a style that requires a certain taste for it, but I would never say it was generic. Quite specific I would think actually. Hmmm. Listen to the whole thing again and just focus on those keys. He's all over the place with some sounds that are nowhere near generic.

Great stuff.

[onslo]

The more I listen to Sound Chaser, the more I like it.
I agree with you completely; and I think if Moraz would have done Going for the One it would not have that "light, tinny type sound" overall. I think Moraz would have brought great depth to it. I love Awaken and I always will, but the album overall lacks something that I believe Moraz would have given it.

well i can't say i agree with that. i think GFTO was something completely different and is perfect as it is. both GFTO and Relayer are my favourite Yes album and are very different to each other. Relayer dealt with the more Epic sounding Yes and GFTO dealt with the more Spiritual side of Yes.

[Timmo]

well i can't say i agree with that. i think GFTO was something completely different and is perfect as it is. both GFTO and Relayer are my favourite Yes album and are very different to each other. Relayer dealt with the more Epic sounding Yes and GFTO dealt with the more Spiritual side of Yes.I'd go further and say that "Relayer" was Yes' only foray into the "dark side" of human nature.

"Going for the One" was a celebration of the light.

TIM
Venice, CA

[Amy]

well i can't say i agree with that. i think GFTO was something completely different and is perfect as it is. both GFTO and Relayer are my favourite Yes album and are very different to each other. Relayer dealt with the more Epic sounding Yes and GFTO dealt with the more Spiritual side of Yes.

But that's what I said!
I think you might be misunderstanding my hearing the album as "light and tinny" to mean "not good"? GFTO has always been one of my favorite albums; and Awaken - a masterpiece.

EDIT > I am a little tired today. The quote I was thinking of was in another thread: "Why is Relayer #1?":


I've heard Rick say that Going for the One, seemed to naturally follow Close to the Edge. I couldn't disagree more. It seems very clear to me that GFTO proved that what we heard (and saw) with Tales and Relayer was over. For me, it was like their last hurrah before going downhill; GFTO seems to stand alone. It was a complete shift in direction which didn't carry over to any next album and which didn't come from any previous one.

I was talking about Relayer here, so I wasn't stressing how much I liked GFTO. So sorry! I can't live with the concept that anyone thinks I don't like GFTO.

[onslo]

[QUOTE=Amy]But that's what I said!
I think you might be misunderstanding my hearing the album as "light and tinny" to mean "not good"? GFTO has always been one of my favorite albums; and Awaken - a masterpiece.[QUOTE]

oh sorry. when i saw you said "tinny" i took that to mean kinda empty and flat. pardon me.

[Amy]

oh sorry. when i saw you said "tinny" i took that to mean kinda empty and flat. pardon me.
Nice picture. GFTO is so overpowered by keyboards, that it has a "lifting" effect. This is what I meant by light and tinny.

[Bo Locks]

Nice picture. GFTO is so overpowered by keyboards, that it has a "lifting" effect. This is what I meant by light and tinny.
POINT OF ORDER: Us >ahem< keyboard players take 'tinny' to mean a bad thing - it's the noise you (used to) get out of cheap, tiny little transistor radios - it was all distorted treble and absolutely no bass whatsoever - a bee in a tin can.

Keyboard players look for 'fat' sounds, so a 'light' sound, while not bad under all circumstances, could be less favourable in most contexts than 'fat'.

Combine 'light' and 'tinny' and we ten fingered fiends can misunderstand whatcha mean and get all excited!

Personally I think the k. sounds on GFTO are very state-of-the-art for '77, likewise Relayer for '74 'cept ol' Pat brought so much 'jazz' with him it took a lot of progginess away - much colder tones than Rickiepoos.

[Amy]

POINT OF ORDER: Us >ahem< keyboard players take 'tinny' to mean a bad thing - it's the noise you (used to) get out of cheap, tiny little transistor radios - it was all distorted treble and absolutely no bass whatsoever - a bee in a tin can.

Keyboard players look for 'fat' sounds, so a 'light' sound, while not bad under all circumstances, could be less favourable in most contexts than 'fat'.

Combine 'light' and 'tinny' and we ten fingered fiends can misunderstand whatcha mean and get all excited!

Personally I think the k. sounds on GFTO are very state-of-the-art for '77, likewise Relayer for '74 'cept ol' Pat brought so much 'jazz' with him it took a lot of progginess away - much colder tones than Rickiepoos.

I disagree completely. Relayer is extremely progressive; and Moraz did an excellent job with the keyboards.

[Bo Locks]

I disagree completely. Relayer is extremely progressive; and Moraz did an excellent job with the keyboards.
I didn't say that Patrick didn't do an excellent job on the keyboards. I loved his solo albums which I went to extraordinary lengths to get on LP long after they were deleted. He is an exceptional player.

I think I know what you're disagreeing with. I find Fragile and CTTE and GFTO extremely progressive. I find TFTO and Relayer a bit short of those mega, Mega, MEGA pinnacles of prog. Does that put my comment in a better context for you?

[Amy]

I didn't say that Patrick didn't do an excellent job on the keyboards. I loved his solo albums which I went to extraordinary lengths to get on LP long after they were deleted. He is an exceptional player.

I think I know what you're disagreeing with. I find Fragile and CTTE and GFTO extremely progressive. I find TFTO and Relayer a bit short of those mega, Mega, MEGA pinnacles of prog. Does that put my comment in a better context for you?

I was disagreeing that Moraz's style took away from the album's progressiveness. Relayer is one of the most progressive albums Yes has done, if not, THE most. Both Relayer and Tales ARE the mega pinnacles of progressive rock.

[Bo Locks]

I was disagreeing that Moraz's style took away from the album's progressiveness.
We were talking about keyboards and k. sounds. I hear loadsa jazz in what he does. I find that jazz tends to root me back into the ground rather than release me for intersellar flight as does classical. (There are always exceptions!)


Relayer is one of the most progressive albums Yes has done, if not, THE most. Both Relayer and Tales ARE the mega pinnacles of progressive rock.
Well... then we must agree not to agree. :D

[Timmo]

We were talking about keyboards and k. sounds. I hear loadsa jazz in what he does. I find that jazz tends to root me back into the ground rather than release me for intersellar flight as does classical. (There are always exceptions!)


Well... then we must agree not to agree. :DYep, I'm with Amy on that one...although I must say that to say that "CTTE" is more the "Mega" or "pinnacle" of prog is kind of arguing over how many angels can dance on the head of a pin...all of those records are the pinnacle of prog.

"Relayer" just SLIGHTLY edges "CTTE" for me on both avante-guardism AND emotional impact.

AMY WINS!

Tim
Venice, CA

[Amy]

likewise Relayer for '74 'cept ol' Pat brought so much 'jazz' with him it took a lot of progginess away - much colder tones than Rickiepoos.

I want to add something here, because for some reason, I feel like I'm hearing Relayer for the first time tonight. This is probably the 2nd or 3rd time I've listened to the entire album after everyone's sleeping - which makes a big difference.

I think I understand why you feel it's less progressive. Whether or not I can put it into words, I don't know, but I'll try. Being that you are a keyboard player, you might be prone to liking the keyboard changes, which are much more pronounced on the other albums you mentioned (CTTE, TYA...I'm not sure what else you mentioned). For the most part, the songs on those albums are faster moving - with more keyboard changes. (I love those albums too; and I'm not disputing the greatness of them).

With Relayer, the changes and the overall effect are so much more INTENSE. There is plenty going on with the keyboards on Relayer, but they blend in so nicely, that if keyboards is where your focus is, you are going to be disappointed.

I not only think that Relayer is extremely progressive, (did I say that before?), but I think that Moraz helped make it that way.
:D

[Tex]

The only keyboard player to try and tackle Moraz was Igor. He did a fine job, but the reason PM is my fav. Yes Keyboardist is because of the psychotic energy he gives on Relayer with Howe and Squire. His playing is just insane!!There's no other album like it!!!! Granted, every Yes album is different in styles because of the usual lineup changes, but Moraz is my guy!!! Not to rip Wakeman, Kaye, Downes, or Khoroshev.