Chris Squire's singing

[nous_sommes87]

We all know that the great Mr Squire is a really good bassist, but what about his singing? Personally I think he is quite good, If he sang all the songs on Drama I think they would've been better.

What do you think?

Justin

[mindgame]

I think Chris is a lot better than 'a really good bassist'. He's a master of his instrument and a totally original thinker. A one off!
He sings very well when supporting another voice to the point where he enhances the other vocalists. Jon is a better singer when he sings with Chris.
I am very interested to hear the new Syn music, the Squire/Nardelli vocals could be a very strong combination.

[nous_sommes87]

I think Chris is a lot better than 'a really good bassist'. He's a master of his instrument and a totally original thinker. A one off!
He sings very well when supporting another voice to the point where he enhances the other vocalists. Jon is a better singer when he sings with Chris.
I am very interested to hear the new Syn music, the Squire/Nardelli vocals could be a very strong combination.


I agree mate

[cinderella]

I like his voice. He has a very distinct singing voice to me, which really stands out in the songs.

[Timmo]

I think his singing is gorgeous.

Listen to "Fish Out of Water."

[Scooty]

I think his singing is gorgeous.

Listen to "Fish Out of Water."


Ditto what my man Timmo said..

He has an incredible voice, purely evidenced by Fish Out Of Water. His back up arrangements are nothing short of beauty in most of the Yes catalog..Its funny i was just thinking the other day that Chris' two blessings are his distinctive bass playing and a stand out singing voice...you always know when its him using either instrument...

[maxwell]

Ditto what Scootyes said. A truly superb voice with a great soaring quality and a nice huskiness in recent years.Heard his Comfortably Numb with Sherwood yesterday. His vocal on that surpasses Dave Gilmore which is really going some! On recent concert recordings I have heard some versions of YIND have Squire way up in the mix to the point where he is almost lead, and no disrespect to John, the song is all the better for it.

[tim4003]

Well, you know, he was very active in his church choir as a youth.

[Timmo]

Ditto what Scootyes said. A truly superb voice with a great soaring quality and a nice huskiness in recent years.Heard his Comfortably Numb with Sherwood yesterday. His vocal on that surpasses Dave Gilmore which is really going some! On recent concert recordings I have heard some versions of YIND have Squire way up in the mix to the point where he is almost lead, and no disrespect to John, the song is all the better for it.Yeah, that version of CF totally freakin' RULES!

I love it when Chris is forward in the mix on YIND...the last shows of the current tour did exactly that, as Jon's voice was noticibly fading.

[Silent_wings]

I love Chris's voice
It's absolutely gorgeous
His vocal arrangements for Yes are one of the things that I love about the band.

[smatt]

I like Chris' voice, but I think it's better as a supporting or backing voice, than a lead. Although his work on Fish out of Water was impressive, I still think his harmonies are better than his leads. One true magic of Yes music are the vocals. Jon gets so much credit, but it's mostly Chris' vocal arrangements that make the Yes vocals what they are. Chris' talent of hearing a lead and jsut off the top of his head throwing out the proper harmony to enhance the sound is incredible and quite rare in the ROCK world. During the mid 90's it really seemed that his voice had taken a beating. On the KNOW/OYE tours, he was really laying low and letting Billy take most of his audible parts. I think it wasmore than likely it was out of shape. Because it certainly did rebound as time wwent on into the MW, Symphonic, and beyond. These days I think his voice is fine for his age. He even sings a mean Wonderous Stories without Jon :lmao:

[Squire*Fan725]

Chris Squire's voice is SEXY. Period.

[tommc]

I'm listening right now to a weed of the Holmdel show from this year and Chris' harmonies are phenomenal. I was at this show and I noticed how clear Chris' singing came thru and how great it sounded. AYAI, Wonderous Stories and especially ISAGP stood out for me. This version of ISAGP has become my favorite of all time and Chris' harmonies are a big reason.

[brotherofmine]

We all know that the great Mr Squire is a really good bassist, but what about his singing? Personally I think he is quite good, If he sang all the songs on Drama I think they would've been better.

What do you think?

Justin
He wasn't in a choir for nothing.

[Scooty]

He wasn't in a choir for nothing.


Thats why I like ya Tony..simple, exact..and to the point..
well said bro!

[pianozach]

At last. I've always enjoyed Chris' vocals. I've always enjoyed the songs that I can hear him on . . . there's just something about his voice . . . I can't quite put my finger on it though

[VanDerGraaf]

Yep, i think you're all right, and that includes Smatt's comments on Chris 7-8 years ago. I first saw Yes on the OYE tour and did notice Billy singing a lot of Chris's stuff.
Fast forward to Wembley 2004- the guys break into GFTO and the Squire vocal chords perform the backing vox with a cavernous intensity that was simply...breathtaking! Unbelieveable....my jaw actually dropped and a big grin then appeared on my face!


I love his timbre, really warm but it still cuts.
One thing no-one has mentioned is Chris's highly distinct pronunciation (the exact word i'm looking for escapes me at present).
It manifests itself on vowel sounds a lot, but will depend on the tempo of the line he's singing, probably more on drawn out words rather than quickly sung ones. Tori Amos is one of the few singers i've heard who plays with the aural shape of words like this.
I freaking love it!!!!
It's influenced my singing and creeps in at times. i hope someone out there backs me up on this so you don't all think i'm an idiot- but when i can think of examples i'll post them.
That shows how good Chris really is. A bass player whose singing is distinctive and memorable enough to cast a spell upon you......

Rohan

[maxwell]

I think I know where you are coming from here Van der GRAF. Maybe the word you are looking for is enunciation. Squire is big on vowels, from a technical point of view. When you look at those vids from the 70's, YESSONGS and QPR , the guy really drops the jaw and opens his mouth wide! I think that goes back to his choirboy days. This is no mumbling crooner.! It may go some way to explain that lovely stretched delivery on say Silently Falling where every syllable counts or even the section in Wondrous Stories where he sings the verse "It is no lie ........imagine everything " . Its also really apparent on Drama, and even more recently on We Agree where he practically sings his arse off, getting maximum word value from the lyric. Hope this doesnt sound too wanky ! Regards

[wolfhound]

Chris Squire's singing is marvellous. There's such a strong pathos envoked.
It's something that reaches deep inside me, every time I hear his voice.
I'd love if Jon would trade off more with Chris doing vocals on numbers.
Such a strong counter-weight.

[Thoughtbecontact]

I have to pretty much agree with Smatt's comments about Chris' vocals, although he is a decent singer in his own right. But I do think his strength lies in his vocal arrangements. Think about it---he can bring out the best in Steve's voice, which is no mean feat.

Yet for all of his talent, to some extent he does have some doubts. Scotty told me last spring about how she was trying to encourage Chris to sing "out" more during concerts. I didn't hear much evidence of that during the first leg of the 2004 tour, but I did hear strong vocals from him beginning during the Euro leg.

[kmcpro615]

Thoughtbecontact: Think about it---he can bring out the best in Steve's voice, which is no mean feat.

Kurt: Australiaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Thoughtbecontact: Yet for all of his talent, to some extent he does have some doubts. Scotty told me last spring about how she was trying to encourage Chris to sing "out" more during concerts.

Kurt: Hmmmmmm.....(although many possible ironic comments are swirling around my head right about now, since this is Christmas, I'll take the highroad) I'm thinking I can live with Chris' vocals "as is". Maybe she could "encourage" Steve a little. What do you say Scotty?

KMCc:)
www.kurtmichaels.com

[yesmandroc]

I dig Chris' singing. There's really distinct timbre that's produced when Chris sings with another person. I think that's part of the reason why Jon's absence on Drama doesn't bother me. Chris' singing with Trevor sounds somewhat similar to Chris' singing with Jon. Not identical, but similar. It sounds great anyway.

[Yes2Yes]

Chris has an unusual singing voice. I think that's what makes it so good.

[A Student of YES]

I agree Chris's vocals are impressive! I am working hard to capture as much of Chris's work, as I can, on the Bass and in his vocals. I am lucky enough to be able to sing quite good and my voice is high enough to hit some of Jon's work but I have to tell ya; Playing an instrument like the bass and then playing the bass like Mr. Squire and then trying to sing! Man it is a true TASK! Chris's work on "Hold Out your Hand" and "Silently Falling" Still make me fall off beat when I sing and play this work! I have not yet made it through once without loosing the bass line or the vocals at some point! I am certainly not the musician Chris is, that absolutely, goes without saying! But I am pretty good and I can do other musicians work that is considered difficult, like Sting. Etc. without so much practice.

Chris has that uncanny ability to hit the odd Harmony as well? I find I can sing very much like Chris but for some reason when I play back some of the songs were working on there are parts that just do not have the right sound. It is the harmony pattern that Chris has in his head! I go for the more obvious Harmony, and although it often is OK and sounds good, it changes, very quickly, the YES sound!

Just to give a little perspective on how good Chris is;
Our longest practice sessions are now nearly 2 1/2 hours. I am an ex construction worker who is 6' 3" tall 265lbs 52" chest and well worked arms, and in fair, overall shape, for my age.

During that 2 1/2 hour time I try to play and try to sing only what Chris does. By the time I am done I am truly Exhausted! My voice is scratchy and breaking up. My fingers and wrists are stiff and my shoulder and back ache from carrying that bass and I feel drained from all the concentration and the pressure of getting it right. I must be nut's but I love it! I am 43 and I don't party that much anymore. (only when I have time to recover)
Now Chris has me by more than a few years, and he plays, sings and still party's! After watching him on stage, a few months ago, I have a new respect for his stamina as well as his talents! He is an Animal!....... Unless you have tried it you can't beleive how hard it is to play an instrument and concentrate on singing as well. Even for a few hours!

This goes for any type of music. Now throw in the fact that this is YES music I am talking about! It has three times as many notes packed into each measure and the chords and changes are very odd and difficult to master and memorize. Then the singing!.................. God these guy's are the best and I know it first hand. Every time I walk out of my little practice area and feel as though I have been beaten with a stick I realize just what creative giants these guy's are!

You are THE MAN Chris!

Randy

[Timmo]

Chris parties?

BWAAAHAAA!

[Scooty]

Chris parties?

BWAAAHAAA!


No..say it aint true..;)

Besides that...Chris' voice is fantabulous...what a singer..so underated as a vocalist..and the fact that he can play such complicated basslines and maintain a vocal presence is beyond my comprehension...

[allpurechance]

...I second that,Scott!..& his vocal lines are just about(just about!) as convoluted and unusual as his basslines...noone has ever done what Chris has done with his role in the history of amplification!...

[Scooty]

Ooooopen Windooowwws...

After seeing all your sense of fear diminish...


he's a genious...Bass playing and Vocal wise.....

[Earl Grey]

Chris should sing more.

What I love about the Lugano show is, is that whoever mixed that puppy, mixed Chris WAAAY up there. In the pocket.

A resonant voice, a bit like a national guitar... Some steel in those vocals, steel and glass. And resonance.

Squire loves fugal form.

Bachnotes from a rock star.

I love it. I want more, please Sir! :ele:

Nothing like Johnny Cash or Neil Diamond, no... Squire has class, and he knows his pipes. And Where the hell is FOoW Mach II?

...Waiting.

URL

[VanDerGraaf]

Ooooopen Windooowwws...

After seeing all your sense of fear diminish...


he's a genious...Bass playing and Vocal wise.....


Scooty, that's what i always do- sing along to Chris's wonderful contrapuntal melody (it's no mere harmony) on GFTO! Somehow that line appeals much more to my ear than Jon's on that tune.

Another good one like that is his vocal in Disillusion on ST.

Like Earl said, Bach notes from a rock and roll star!


Besides, if i sing Jons part i would definitely get some funny looks from my friends on the chorus (and maybe a ragged throat)!

[squiredevotee]

I absolutely love Chris's voice. He is wonderful by himself, but, he is incredible when harmonizing with Jon. Their two voices just meld together as if they were meant to be. Two parts of the whole, nothing more to be desired, ever. Kind of makes me believe in fate.

[TempusRoundabout]

I think Chris is a lot better than 'a really good bassist'. He's a master of his instrument and a totally original thinker. A one off!
He sings very well when supporting another voice to the point where he enhances the other vocalists. Jon is a better singer when he sings with Chris.
I am very interested to hear the new Syn music, the Squire/Nardelli vocals could be a very strong combination.

Yeah, some instruments are easy to learn, but difficult to master. Chris Squire has more than accomplished mastery. Also, the original thinker statement I agree with most definetly. Many of his bass licks get stuck in my head for a few minutes and I can't shake them out. Something not many musicians have done to me. Yes, he is also a VERY good singer, but Jon surpasses him there.

[rememberer]

These days I think his voice is fine for his age. He even sings a mean Wonderous Stories without Jon :lmao:

Is there somewhere I can hear this?

For that matter, I haven't figured out yet where I can hear the Chris version of "Comfortably Numb" either...

I'd really love to get my ears on both.

[allgoodyes]

As fond as I am of Jon Anderson's uniquely wonderful voice and phrasing, it is very enjoyable to hear Chris Squire take the lead on a song once in a while. For example, his lead vocals on "Can You Imagine?" from the Magnification album were tremendous.

[Vic Anderson]

however let's not get carried away jon is the man when it comes to vocals

[Scooty]

however let's not get carried away jon is the man when it comes to vocals


I dont think anyone is getting carried away Vic..

People are just expressing how much they enjoy Chris' voice, which is phenomenal.

Jon IS the lead singer for Yes...but Id like to remind you how important Chris' harmonies are, and intricate for that matter.

Scooty

[Timmo]

Chris' vocals, alone, on "Fish Out of Water" are pure fantasticness.

[Scooty]

Chris' vocals, alone, on "Fish Out of Water" are pure fantasticness.


Excellent point Timmo, Excellent point!

[JL]

I played bass in a Grateful Dead cover band, and sang lead on some of the songs. Listening back to tapes of myself singing songs with a lot of changes, I cringe at the sound of my singing and bass playing. For those who have played guitar and sang, playing bass and doing it is ENTIRELY different. In my experience, both suffered, no matter how much I practiced.

In my original bands, I always refused to sing, even songs that I had written the lyrics to, because my bass playing suffered. I could play guitar and sing, play drums and sing, and, in the last couple of years, I've discovered I can play piano and sing, but I cannot play bass and sing, or at least not well.

Which brings us to the thread topic. Chris's harmony vocals are consistently amazing, and so is his bass playing, and I am not using the word amazing lightly. I just love the sound of Chris's voice. The natural reverb present in his voice is reminiscent of Art Garfunkel, and both of them have a very haunting quality for that reason.

[SonicDeath10]

i'm not sure about him singing lead, it's pretty but not quite as striking as jon's etheral and quite honestly beautiful voice. chris has amazing harmoines, his voice is absolutely made for that. and steve has some good bass harmonies too! but don't let him sing lead argh!

[Olias of Sunhillow]

Two things:
1 Chris is the best bassplayer.
2 His voice is much better than Steve's

[SonicDeath10]

you don't like steve's deep bass? ;)

[Olias of Sunhillow]

Steve's voice is great when he's singing along with the rest. Just don't let him sing solo parts. I hearded his version of roundebout. Please Steve don't ever do that again. Even Rick's voice sounded better on Rhapsodies

[SonicDeath10]

i haven't been privy to hearing steve sing solo, but i've only heard horror stories. a friend of mine said he was "the absolute worst singer of all time."

[yarstruly]

I have often thought of Jon's voice as a flute to Chris' trumpet...both great but different & unique.

[Topographic][Sardaukar]

I have often thought of Jon's voice as a flute to Chris' trumpet...both great but different & unique.

that's cool, and somewhat similar ranges but completely different tone colors.

[Topographic][Sardaukar]

Steve's voice is great when he's singing along with the rest. Just don't let him sing solo parts. I hearded his version of roundebout. Please Steve don't ever do that again. Even Rick's voice sounded better on Rhapsodies

I loved it when Steve had the solo singing on the Foot Prints segment from the tour last year.

[SonicDeath10]

i love on parallels, towards the end, you can hear steve warbling "find a way to make it all haaapeeeeen" and it doesn't sound very good. you can tell they turned it down in the mix.

[flep]

Chris's voice is the perfect complement to Jon's higher octave range.

No need to say any more.

[Scaramouche]

I saw Steve solo last year at Warwick Arts Centre U.K with his band...the one with his two lads in it.

Some of the songs were good, but as much as I love Steve as a creative musician and guitarist...he has a voice sent straight from satans smelliest sock...ouch...it was appalling.

Chris is a fantastic singer....YES songs wouldn't be the same with out his fantastic harmonies.....his voice is just as synonimous with YES as Jon's

Scaramouche xx

[SonicDeath10]

although imagine the three of them combinging to one perfect voice. ;)

[yestor23]

First 1 I thought after hearing his voice on "FISH OUT OF WATER" was STING, then after listening to the album over and over I have since changed my mind. I like his voice it is not annoying and it's smooth.
Steve is a pure talent with 6, or 12, strings and he fills his part of three part harmonies well. But when I heard "GRAND SCHEME OF THINGS", I turned to my brother who is a huge YES fan and said the guy can't sing solo.

[TNyesfan]

HOB Video ~
"It Will Be A Good Day (The River)"
Chris really shines,
absolutely gorgeous!

[yesmandroc]

One of my friends listened to the XYZ demos and asked why it sounds like English is Chris' second language.

[CTTEfan]

Maybe it's just me, but I think Chris sounds a lot like Graham Nash.

[neilius]

Chris has got a fine voice, great harmonies with jon. But to play bass like that AND sing at the same time, wow, he's the man!

[shortexchanges]

Chris Squires voice is always a treat. I Thought the thunderclap newman song "something in the air" was sung by Chris the first time I heard it. Run with the Fox is a very moving beautiful song with Chris on lead vocals>

[Scooty]

Chris Squires voice is always a treat. I Thought the thunderclap newman song "something in the air" was sung by Chris the first time I heard it. Run with the Fox is a very moving beautiful song with Chris on lead vocals>


:lmao:....I always think of Chris when I hear that Thunderclap Newman song!!

Now I know Im not the only one. I bet CS could do a beautiful cover version of it!!

[RABARKS]

i love on parallels, towards the end, you can hear steve warbling "find a way to make it all haaapeeeeen" and it doesn't sound very good. you can tell they turned it down in the mix.

Even before that bit, Steve's actually trying to sing Chris's bassline! How strange is that? I like it, at least as an idea...
:headset:

[RABARKS]

As fond as I am of Jon Anderson's uniquely wonderful voice and phrasing, it is very enjoyable to hear Chris Squire take the lead on a song once in a while. For example, his lead vocals on "Can You Imagine?" from the Magnification album were tremendous.

Yes! What makes it even better is that strange reversal of roles, because Jon's doing the backing vocals in that song! :headset:

[virginiaprograsser]

I love Chris's (and Steve Howe's) singing! But then I am a big Neil Young fan as well. In fact, it is that 'plastic', soul-less, note-perfect singing found on many of today's popular recordings that suck the life right out of the music. Chris has a distinctive and beautiful voice. I hope that he sings up a storm on the "More Drama" tour!!!!

:headset: Steve Sikes-Nova
'The Virginiaprograsser'
:1loudspkr http://www.live365.com/stations/virginiaprograsser

[virginiaprograsser]

Chris has got a fine voice, great harmonies with jon. But to play bass like that AND sing at the same time, wow, he's the man!

Have you heard the great vocalist John Cowan (New Grass Revival) sing? Chris was his idol growing up as a musician. I recently interviewed John and he talked about the huge influence that Chris had on his bass playing. And John is a full-fledged rock bassist - not a three-note traditional bluegrass bassist (although that is not as easy as it sounds to play correctly).

Everybody should pick up a copy of the just released 2-disc 'Grass Roots - The Best of The New Grass Revival' on Capitol/EMI.

:headset:Steve Sikes-Nova
'The Virginiaprograsser'
:1loudspkr http://www.live365.com/stations/virginiaprograsser

[Scott Vincent]

There is a range in which Chris Squire can sing, and does. His harmonies with YES remain important ones to the GROUP, and FISH OUT OF WATER remains a remarkable album. Now, let me go back a read what you people said about Chris Squire's singing!

And for the record, I have always been one of those YESFANS that loves EVERYTHING about YES, and continue to be grossed out by hyper criticle fans who knit-pik about so much of the illustrious and wonderous band of music makers. Yuck!

[Faceintheplace]

Like alot of others, I love Chris' vocals for their distinct sound. I never really thought about it before, but it's true, he does sing alot like "Thunderclap Newman." "Something in the Air" played in a "Fish Out of Water" style arrangement would be a very beautiful thing. I also agree he brings out the best in Steve's vocals. Chris is always a vocal perfectionist. I have an Innerview special with him from 1980 I got off Yes Museum. He talks about recording vocals with his wife. He says that he doesn't let her get off easy just because she's his wife. "I always joke around alot yeah, but when I'm in the studio that's one thing I'm pretty serious about. You're going to do some vocals?, then you're going to do them right!" There's some clips in the GFTO sessions VCD of Chris and Steve doing old 60s songs and it's quite good.

[spoukeego]

i love his voice, it's so unique. he's a natural singer. and powerful! ever notice how far from the mic he is, and still has to hold back? interesting how high he can get when you consider his boomy, cigarette-rattle speaking voice. absolutely love "can you imagine". only problem is... it's too short!!!

[Timmo]

I love Chris's (and Steve Howe's) singing! But then I am a big Neil Young fan as well. In fact, it is that 'plastic', soul-less, note-perfect singing found on many of today's popular recordings that suck the life right out of the music.Exactly.

It's why I like the Boss. Maybe not totally on-pitch, but soulful.

Billy Corgan, at his best, is the same way.

[SonicDeath10]

Yuck the boss. I think "The Boss" along with bob marley deserve the titles of "most over rated musicians ever." The Boss is like what Bob Dylan would be if Dylan was completely full of himself. And couldn't write beautiful amazing songs. And sucked completely.

[Hugh Shiebler]

I have always considered Squire's vocals to be Yes's "secret weapon". I was just listening to the Fragile version of "Southside of the Sky" yesterday, and Chris's harmonies are what truly set that tune apart.

"Fish Out of Water" is one my all-time top ten list of favorite albums. Vocally, instrumentally. lyrically, compositionally, all ways. Superb.

And, I love those sections in Yes tunes where Squire's voice suddenly comes to the fore. For example, the "lost and wondering, maybe, how it is/
Seems to me, it's as simple as this" part of "Release, release"

[Whitefish]

We all know that the great Mr Squire is a really good bassist, but what about his singing? Personally I think he is quite good, If he sang all the songs on Drama I think they would've been better.

What do you think?


Chris is one of the best vocalists in Yes. He, Jon and Steve sing great together. And he and Steve sing backup vocals great.

Chris' vocals are just as important to Yes as Jon's voice. But I think Trevor Horn sang great on Drama.

There was talk before the Buggles joined Yes of Steve Chris and Alan continuing Yes as a trio. I think it would have worked and may work in the future.

I thought that for the More Drama tour that Chris should have sung the Drama material. Would have sounded great!

Chris' absolute greatest vocals, in my opinion, are on Fish out of Water. One of the greatest albums ever!

[spoukeego]

uh, i meant... how high he can sing.

[Timmo]

Yuck the boss. I think "The Boss" along with bob marley deserve the titles of "most over rated musicians ever." The Boss is like what Bob Dylan would be if Dylan was completely full of himself. And couldn't write beautiful amazing songs. And sucked completely.I like Bruce. I have to, I was born in New Jersey, and he's their unofficial poet laureate.

I was about 9-10 years old. We were "down the shore" (translation...staying at the beach). My parents and older relatives went out, leaving me in my much older brother's care.

Well, he and my cousins and a few friends wanted to go hear some music, but didn't know what to do with me. One of them had friends that worked at a club, so they took me with them, sneaked me in the back, and seated me on some cases of beer off to the side of the stage.

That was my first live concert, and it was Bruce Springsteen, just prior to releasing his first record.

[fish62858]

Chris and Jon go together like:

Simon and Garfunkle
Seals and Crofts
CSNY

there are just some combinations of voices that total more than the sum of their parts.

[Steve St Thomas]

He's my favourite vocalist in Yes. Sorry! Well, sorry if that offends thee. Not sorry for the feeling. Fish Out Of Water did it for me, the lead and backing vocals are incredible, particularly the backing vocals on You By My Side. Those are intricate. He could have done that whole song accapella and it would have sounded just as good. He has a greater grasp on melody and harmony than Jon, and is leagues beyond Howe in singing technique, sound and confidence. You pair him with Rabin and you have a killer combination. With Sherwood he sounds good as well, but they have slightly similar tonality, though I can tell them apart.

[soundchaser77]

He's my favourite vocalist in Yes. Sorry! Well, sorry if that offends thee. Not sorry for the feeling. Fish Out Of Water did it for me, the lead and backing vocals are incredible, particularly the backing vocals on You By My Side. Those are intricate. He could have done that whole song accapella and it would have sounded just as good. He has a greater grasp on melody and harmony than Jon, and is leagues beyond Howe in singing technique, sound and confidence. You pair him with Rabin and you have a killer combination. With Sherwood he sounds good as well, but they have slightly similar tonality, though I can tell them apart.

As I as well Love his voice and always thought he should do more duets or trade vocals with Jon like trevor rabin did and is it me or does chris voice sound just a little like stings voice at times? :rightG:

[Steve St Thomas]

As I as well Love his voice and always thought he should do more duets or trade vocals with Jon like trevor rabin did and is it me or does chris voice sound just a little like stings voice at times? :rightG:

Well he definitely has more control over his voice than Sting ever managed! Sting's a bit erratic, specially early years, now he just rasps. Is that too harsh? Sorry, I heard Bob Marley before I ever heard Sting.
My wife, when she's heard Fish Out Of Water . . . well wait, first a few things:

A) Yes played in the house when we are there at the same time is a rarity. She won't have it, I respect her wishes.

B)I did get away with playing Time and a Word the other day. It was the original UK vinyl version, which kicks ass. I did notice her rocking to the beat of No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed, but I knew she knew who the band was. She was grooving on Kaye. I then demonstrated how ----ed up a keyboardist he is while Then played. She can spot Yes a mile off. It's usually accompanied by shut this ---- off. She didn't mind Time and a Word. Cos Kaye rocked like no other. Sorry once again, but you're going to have to live with it.

Whenever she's heard Chris singing on Fish Out Of Water,not knowing who it is I'm playing, she automatically thinks its Donald Fagen from Steely Dan. Especially on Lucky Seven. Again, he has more control than Fagen, and a wider range, but I can see a similarity in tone.

[fovman]

Well, you know, he was very active in his church choir as a youth.

He eventually was in the most esteemed Boys' Choir in England

[Hill St.]

Never had a problem.Great singer!

[ToBeOver]

I have always enjoyed listening to Chris sing; although there was a time when he seemed to be having difficulties with harmonies; but that didn't last too long. And I'm not completely sure it was him that was even off-key---I'm thinking he was led there! That's my story and I'm sticking to it! :lmao:

:keyboard:

P.S. - Timmo, have you ever heard Billy Corgan live? I have---twice and believe you me, he was off-pitch most of the time! When you go to a concert and it hurts your ears to listen to the lead singer---you've pretty much wasted your money---and I did it twice! :lmao:

[Scooty]

Chris' voice is sublime.
The man writes and creates the greatest harmony vocals that have ever heard, plain and simple. Headphones will help anyone with doubt recognize this fact, or a Weed wherein Chris' voice is a bit louder in the mix than it should be ;)

FooW is a testament to his brilliant vocal arranging,execution and delivery...
And Gawd damn does it deliver. The fact that they were whipping up Hold Out Your Hand for the More Drama tour (and I heard a bit of it over the phone) also proves to me that his voice is still very solid..
I wish he sang more to tell you the truth!

[pedro skychaser]

"its as simple as this,you can't leave me behind"(sic)---brilliant,unexpected,sideways-should be more of it! what songs were steve+fishy singing during gfto sessions???

btw 40 mins to rick's place-got topographic t-shirt, good cab shaz, must win red union
tourbus, then drive kids to cronulla beach come summertime-yeah!

[KPatrick]

I think Chris' signing was the X factor that held my attention for the first time back in 1984. i think for most people, the vox are what you hear first and Yes' vox in 1984 were the best combo they've had -- 3 fully distinct and equally good voices. But it's Chris' voice that provides the un-quantifiable element. That "twang", I guess you'd call it, with the elongate vowels, the sharp, piercing element. In harmony with Jon, it gives the voice a strong underpinning. That, I think, is the quintessential piece of Yes sound: Jon and Chris singing together. You put that over a group of bushmen playing "The Lumberjack Song" on panflutes, it's going to sound kind of like Yes.

[Timmo]

P.S. - Timmo, have you ever heard Billy Corgan live? I have---twice and believe you me, he was off-pitch most of the time! When you go to a concert and it hurts your ears to listen to the lead singer---you've pretty much wasted your money---and I did it twice! :lmao:Yes, at the KROQ Accoustic Christmas show.

My ears were bleeding. It's amazing what you can do in the studio, where his voice becomes at least tolerable!

I played some Pumpkins for a friend who has a degree in Voice. She said the music was cool, but "he couldn't carry a tune in a bucket." She also said she wanted to scream "OPEN YOUR MOUTH," as apparently his technique is abysmal.

That being said, I love the Pumpkins, as long as they process his voice!

Notice I said "Billy Corgan AT HIS BEST." Bob Dylan live is also an ears-bleeding experience.

[Steve St Thomas]

Yes, at the KROQ Accoustic Christmas show.

My ears were bleeding. It's amazing what you can do in the studio, where his voice becomes at least tolerable!

I played some Pumpkins for a friend who has a degree in Voice. She said the music was cool, but "he couldn't carry a tune in a bucket." She also said she wanted to scream "OPEN YOUR MOUTH," as apparently his technique is abysmal.

That being said, I love the Pumpkins, as long as they process his voice!

Notice I said "Billy Corgan AT HIS BEST." Bob Dylan live is also an ears-bleeding experience.

Urgh, Billy Corgan's voice. Urgh. I always thought that was the thing that dragged down Smashing Pumpkins great songs. The music was so cool, but then he'd start singing. I can only think of two people who annoy the hell out of me when they sing, and that's Billy Corgan and Axl Rose. Axl I always thought sounded like Ethel Merman's lost son.

[ToBeOver]

Yes, at the KROQ Accoustic Christmas show.

My ears were bleeding. It's amazing what you can do in the studio, where his voice becomes at least tolerable!

I played some Pumpkins for a friend who has a degree in Voice. She said the music was cool, but "he couldn't carry a tune in a bucket." She also said she wanted to scream "OPEN YOUR MOUTH," as apparently his technique is abysmal.

That being said, I love the Pumpkins, as long as they process his voice!

Notice I said "Billy Corgan AT HIS BEST." Bob Dylan live is also an ears-bleeding experience.

I love the Pumpkins, too Tim. I think Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness is probably their best work. That being said, it is quite sad to me that you have to use technology to make someone's voice tolerable for us to listen to. When I heard him live for the first time, I'm sure I sat there with my mouth open wondering what had they done with the REAL Billy Corgan. I think when you're hit in the stomach with that kind of reality, it makes you wonder how many artists out there who CAN sing are finding it difficult to get in the business and those who can't, probably have some "hook" that makes them slip on through.

I'm not a big Dylan fan, either although I have dear friends that are. He's just never appealed to me. His writing style is good, but other than that, I don't see the attraction.

And I did understand what you were saying---I just like giving you a hard time! You get so riled and your posts turn into tomes! :lmao:

Oh crap---to stay on subject, Chris Squire has the best singing voice in the universe!

:keyboard:

[squiredevotee]

You put that over a group of bushmen playing "The Lumberjack Song" on panflutes.....

Bushman playing "The Lumberjack Song" on panflutes???
:dog:

Eric Idle would be proud!

[SonicDeath10]

Billy Corgan uh sounds like a pig squealing when he's cornered, being stabbed. I was once a huge fan of that band so I can speak.

Dylan's voice is rough, but man... he puts so much emotion into it. He's truly a great singer in his early period, as he can sound angry, happy, sad, sexy, confused, or just goofy. Not conventionally pretty, but good.

[KPatrick]

Bushman playing "The Lumberjack Song" on panflutes???
:dog:

Eric Idle would be proud!

But it would totally sound like Yes. You'd have to work up a backing arrangement, and Jon and Chris would have to sing, in harmony. But it would sound like Yes.

[Timmo]

I love the Pumpkins, too Tim. I think Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness is probably their best work. That being said, it is quite sad to me that you have to use technology to make someone's voice tolerable for us to listen to. When I heard him live for the first time, I'm sure I sat there with my mouth open wondering what had they done with the REAL Billy Corgan. I think when you're hit in the stomach with that kind of reality, it makes you wonder how many artists out there who CAN sing are finding it difficult to get in the business and those who can't, probably have some "hook" that makes them slip on through.

I'm not a big Dylan fan, either although I have dear friends that are. He's just never appealed to me. His writing style is good, but other than that, I don't see the attraction.

And I did understand what you were saying---I just like giving you a hard time! You get so riled and your posts turn into tomes! :lmao:

Oh crap---to stay on subject, Chris Squire has the best singing voice in the universe!

:keyboard:Sorry TBO, maybe I take myself too seriously (and I'm ALWAYS trying not to do that!).

Everything else being equal, I am a HUGE Pumpkins fan. Despite the fact that BC was a marginal singer, at best.

Ah, MCATIS. How can I begin? First by saying it was one of those great single albums that was doomed by being a double album.

The instrumental opening was STELLAR. Perfect lead in to one of their best efforts, "Tonight, Tonight." Lyrical genius, musical perfection. I particularly like "We crucify the insincere tonight. Tonight."

Ah, god what an album. "Despite all my rage, I'm still just a rat in a cage." Porcelina. 1979. Great stuff.

But to me the real deal-stopper was "Adore." A perfect cycle of songs about relationships, gains, loss, death. And really terrible BC singing. But I so didn't care.

OK, to keep this thread marginally on topic, Chris has a fantastic singing voice. Can't ignore the old Choirboy.

(sorry, can't resist a little PT lyric..."A choirboy is buried on Moors, in a place where we used to go when we were bored." Existential meaning in Porcupine Tree lyrics...topic for another thread).

Anyhoo, back to Chris. Love the singing. Although it wasn't the primary draw of "Fish Out of Water," he didn't exactly embarass any voice coaches on that score.

Couple of thoughts on "Fish Out of Water."

First...Chris seems to think he can't top this effort.

And he also seems to think there were, like five of us who heard Fish Out of Water.

OK, a couple of thoughts written in the style of "An Open Letter to the Fishman."

My first thought...who freaking cares? You think that only a few people heard "FOOW." Leaving aside those of us who hung onto every brilliant chord...YOU THINK THIS IS DIFFERENT IN 2005?

I had a few friends my freshman year in college. We spent hours, stoned, listening to the Moodies "In Search of the Lost Chord," the latest Fripp album, and more often than not, Fish out of Water. Incessently. We probaby listenend to Fish out of Water over 400 times.

There are far fewer of us faithful now. If you try a solo effort, drive off a cliff and crash and burn...well, we love you for trying. I have a feeling that, given your long history in this crazy bidness, this ain't happening. I also have a feeling you still have a few musical tricks up your Fishsleeve...especially since it's been 30 FREAKING YEARS since you've treated us to a solo album. I find it hard to believe you've spent all of those years partying without a musical thought in the old noggin.

Just ain't happenin.'

Second, when we had a liquor-infused conversation about said solo album, I seem to recall a lot of references to "Yes, that was my Orchestral album."

Oh, please, "my hands are the size of baseball gloves" man. We all love "Safe...Canon Song," but as much as you seem to glom onto that as your ultimate achievement as a songwriter, the faithful all know the apogee of FOOW was "Silently Falling." Getting every instrument in the orchestra to play your wonderfully simple line was brilliant, but the layered keyboards in SF was FAR more interesting. And I suspect you've got a few more ideas on the subject. RIGHT?

So go back, Jack, and do it again. Personanally, i would be far more chuffed for another stab at a solo album than another Yes effort. Call me cynical, but I think ya got a lot more interesting idears in that head of yours than your mates. And trust me, I'll get crap from the powers that be for this statement, but screw 'em dude. You're stuff is just more interesting to me.

Just get the freaking record company to pay for your studio time, and screw the side projects (god only knows where THAT's leading) and even your Yesmates.

Make a goddamned solo album, and let the chips fall where they may. We only have so much time on this orbiting third rock from the sun.

So many have said "Make Fish Out of Water II." I think you have something far more glorious than a rehash of your 1976 ideas, and I even think I tried to make that point in our unfortunate first phone conversation where I was too stewed to know where I was even parked.

Make us proud. Make us Yefans. Even better, make us Squire fans. Hit the bricks, hit the studio, do us up right.

Worst case scenario, it sells a paltry 20K copies. I bet it would do even that much to the faithful. I'd buy it and tell you to you face if I thought it was unmitigated crap.

The chances of that happening are virutally nil though. Fish rules, fish has songwriting chaps, fish knows how to get great musicians on his team. Fish just knows.

Love ya Chris. Keep on truckin. We're more with ya than you'll let us be.

The great unwashed are always faithful as well.

[pedro skychaser]

hmmm interesting.....first someone ridicules jane anderson's physical appearance +then perhaps a rash post concerning a certain bassplayer gets pulled- whats up with all this?-a full moon somewhere???


'loki discovered the kitten has claws!"

[Earl Grey]

Pedro,

A wise friend once told me, "Earl, Murcury is ALWAYS in retrograde. You might as well get used to it..."

It's always interesting watching the cogs of this little website turn...

Lord knows it's never boring!

Eeeh, gee! :ele:

[Steve St Thomas]

Muscla_1, that was a kickass post.

Please Mr. Squire, listen to Muscla for once! Another solo album, please.

[gitsy]

Why is it that the most interesting posts are deleated? Is it because we didn't get to read them?

[neilius]

Why is it that the most interesting posts are deleated? Is it because we didn't get to read them?


You don't want to know.

[Trooper59]

I just got through watching the 35th Anniversery Tour DVD and Chris' vocals were magnificient! I recall an interview where Chris talked about overcoming the difficulties of getting down both the vocals and his bass parts..does anyone else recall this? GFTO, Wonderous Stories and And You and I showcase some challenging vocal/bass lines- just goes to show how talented Chris is.

[SonicDeath10]

When it comes to the Smashing Pumpkins, I thought James Iha had a nice, if indistinct voice. Billy, dont' get me talking; when he's not trying to rock, and sings in a quiet voice, it can be quite pretty. But his voice is not made for rocking.

[smatt]

Sorry TBO, maybe I take myself too seriously (and I'm ALWAYS trying not to do that!).

Everything else being equal, I am a HUGE Pumpkins fan. Despite the fact that BC was a marginal singer, at best.

Ah, MCATIS. How can I begin? First by saying it was one of those great single albums that was doomed by being a double album.

The instrumental opening was STELLAR. Perfect lead in to one of their best efforts, "Tonight, Tonight." Lyrical genius, musical perfection. I particularly like "We crucify the insincere tonight. Tonight."

Ah, god what an album. "Despite all my rage, I'm still just a rat in a cage." Porcelina. 1979. Great stuff.

But to me the real deal-stopper was "Adore." A perfect cycle of songs about relationships, gains, loss, death. And really terrible BC singing. But I so didn't care.

OK, to keep this thread marginally on topic, Chris has a fantastic singing voice. Can't ignore the old Choirboy.

(sorry, can't resist a little PT lyric..."A choirboy is buried on Moors, in a place where we used to go when we were bored." Existential meaning in Porcupine Tree lyrics...topic for another thread).

Anyhoo, back to Chris. Love the singing. Although it wasn't the primary draw of "Fish Out of Water," he didn't exactly embarass any voice coaches on that score.

Couple of thoughts on "Fish Out of Water."

First...Chris seems to think he can't top this effort.

And he also seems to think there were, like five of us who heard Fish Out of Water.

OK, a couple of thoughts written in the style of "An Open Letter to the Fishman."

My first thought...who freaking cares? You think that only a few people heard "FOOW." Leaving aside those of us who hung onto every brilliant chord...YOU THINK THIS IS DIFFERENT IN 2005?

I had a few friends my freshman year in college. We spent hours, stoned, listening to the Moodies "In Search of the Lost Chord," the latest Fripp album, and more often than not, Fish out of Water. Incessently. We probaby listenend to Fish out of Water over 400 times.

There are far fewer of us faithful now. If you try a solo effort, drive off a cliff and crash and burn...well, we love you for trying. I have a feeling that, given your long history in this crazy bidness, this ain't happening. I also have a feeling you still have a few musical tricks up your Fishsleeve...especially since it's been 30 FREAKING YEARS since you've treated us to a solo album. I find it hard to believe you've spent all of those years partying without a musical thought in the old noggin.

Just ain't happenin.'

Second, when we had a liquor-infused conversation about said solo album, I seem to recall a lot of references to "Yes, that was my Orchestral album."

Oh, please, "my hands are the size of baseball gloves" man. We all love "Safe...Canon Song," but as much as you seem to glom onto that as your ultimate achievement as a songwriter, the faithful all know the apogee of FOOW was "Silently Falling." Getting every instrument in the orchestra to play your wonderfully simple line was brilliant, but the layered keyboards in SF was FAR more interesting. And I suspect you've got a few more ideas on the subject. RIGHT?

So go back, Jack, and do it again. Personanally, i would be far more chuffed for another stab at a solo album than another Yes effort. Call me cynical, but I think ya got a lot more interesting idears in that head of yours than your mates. And trust me, I'll get crap from the powers that be for this statement, but screw 'em dude. You're stuff is just more interesting to me.

Just get the freaking record company to pay for your studio time, and screw the side projects (god only knows where THAT's leading) and even your Yesmates.

Make a goddamned solo album, and let the chips fall where they may. We only have so much time on this orbiting third rock from the sun.

So many have said "Make Fish Out of Water II." I think you have something far more glorious than a rehash of your 1976 ideas, and I even think I tried to make that point in our unfortunate first phone conversation where I was too stewed to know where I was even parked.

Make us proud. Make us Yefans. Even better, make us Squire fans. Hit the bricks, hit the studio, do us up right.

Worst case scenario, it sells a paltry 20K copies. I bet it would do even that much to the faithful. I'd buy it and tell you to you face if I thought it was unmitigated crap.

The chances of that happening are virutally nil though. Fish rules, fish has songwriting chaps, fish knows how to get great musicians on his team. Fish just knows.

Love ya Chris. Keep on truckin. We're more with ya than you'll let us be.

The great unwashed are always faithful as well.


I think that the Pumpkins were genius..... Too bad Billy's head got so big it exploded.........

As for the on-topic gyrations.....

One of the most obvious and sickening butt-licking posts I've ever seen....... :lmao:


I wouldn't write the Fishman off just yet as for a solo effort. The problem is, although he's an idea man. He seems to lack the drive that is required to complete a project on his own. He needs a driver to follow his whims of musical genius...... Alas, I do not agree with you, despite the quality of the FOoW album, it simply doesn't stand up to Yes works of the time. It pales to the brillaince of CTTE, Tales, Relayer, GFTO. The balance between thses guys is needed, they bring out the best in each other...... That's were the gold lies, within all of them together.......

[allpurechance]

That being said,Smatt...lol!

Here's s'more analingus on you:

(And I actually agree with both your post and Timmo's...!)

It's Love from TWIL is entirely revelatory.Had I the opportunity to witness this performance I would surely be less a limb or two or at least a portion of the reproductive anatomy...

[Sigil]

I have a master's degree in voice studies and I can clearly hear the church choir influence in Chris's singing - it's to do with using quite a rounded open mouth and throat that add a rich oro-pharyngeal resonance. But that's not the whole story by any means, as, like his bass-playing, there are rock/blues qualities and roots to his approach just as much there are churchy. If Jon is a counter-tenor (arguable), then Chris is a tenor, albeit one who fairly often is singing higher notes than Jon (seasoned witch, etc).

The exemplary Squire sound, certainly in his maturity, has got to be "Can You Imagine". Let's not forget, though, that his vocal skill as a backing singer is also compositional, showcasing an inventiveness not unlike his bass work. Watch the GFTO (song) rehearsal video clip, and hear how he's picking out a really abstruse variant to the tune when putting down BV on the chorus.

[tidewater]

I think his singing is gorgeous.

Listen to "Fish Out of Water."

AGREED:headset:

C

[tidewater]

I love Chris's (and Steve Howe's) singing! But then I am a big Neil Young fan as well. In fact, it is that 'plastic', soul-less, note-perfect singing found on many of today's popular recordings that suck the life right out of the music. Chris has a distinctive and beautiful voice. I hope that he sings up a storm on the "More Drama" tour!!!!

:headset: Steve Sikes-Nova
'The Virginiaprograsser'
:1loudspkr http://www.live365.com/stations/virginiaprograsser

I am a HUGE Neil Young fan myself and I agree with you

C

[90125yes]

one of the highlights of the last two tours has been chris's singing and harmonies

[Earl Grey]

Chris is a HUGE fan of vocal oriented music...

If you mention Dave Crosby's 'If I Could Only Remember My Name' to Chris, you'll hear the man gush.

You could also mention Bach's Kantatanwerks, or Beethovan's 9th... Or Franz Schubert's Leider...

The man knows his Pop, Rock and Classical. And he is Classically trained, vocally.

CS&N and The Beach Boys 'Pet Sounds'.

eegee:yesbird:

[90125yes]

it is his training in in the st pauls choir that has a lot to do with his vocal skills

[Yesguitarman]

Chris' harmonies were fantastic at the Boca Raton show last night. He really carried And You And I ("float your climb") and Machine Messiah.

Oddly, over the years, I've come to appreciate Steve's vocal harmonies as well. I think Steve's vocal abilities have improved since the early years. I've also come to appreciate his ability to harmonize while playing intricate guitar riffs at the same time. Try that while playing Siberian Khatru!

As for Benoit, I originally embraced him during the 2008 Fall tour. However, last night I listened really closely. His voice is almost too perfect, no edge to it and at many times his Montreal accent was more than apparent. I'm not saying I disliked it. There's just something missing and I guess that's Jon unmistakeable timbre.

[Yescelt]

3rd that.

Ditto what my man Timmo said..

He has an incredible voice, purely evidenced by Fish Out Of Water. His back up arrangements are nothing short of beauty in most of the Yes catalog..Its funny i was just thinking the other day that Chris' two blessings are his distinctive bass playing and a stand out singing voice...you always know when its him using either instrument...

[Whitefish]

Chris is a great vocalist. I always thought he should have taken over lead vocals before they got Benoit.

I like his Chris' voice as much Jon's.