Q
03-19-2002, 03:53 PM
The spirit is willing - the fingers may not come thru. Igor Khoroshev's time in Yes, like that of Billy Sherwood, was relatively brief. It is difficult to pin down very many noteworthy musical specifics in both cases.
Ironically, however, we have more of Igor on record than we have of Pat Moraz or Geoff Downes. Downes makes a single appearance in the Yes canon, on Drama, and Moraz is seen only on Relayer and Yesshows.
Igor made an appearance on OYE, was part of the team for The Ladder, and may also be found on House of Yes.
Still, despite his formal inclusion by Yes as one of their alumni, the fact is that Igor was never contractually a part of the band - and his role as a contributing musician was severely limited. He had little opportunity to distinguish himself as anything more than a sideman.
The appreciation which follows is simply a list of highlights of his contributions to Yes during the 1997-2000 period:
1) On The Ladder, Howe is clearly the melodic lead. Even Squire has less than his usual opportunity to stretch out melodically. Igor's contributions are largely musical backdrop. However, he has several wonderful opportunities to stretch out a bit. One of these is his organ lead in "Homeworld," where he races a bit with Howe, echoing the Wakeman era. His organ voice is fresh and different from the sounds used by Wakeman and Kaye, a welcome variation. He also has a nice run in "New Language."
2) Igor makes some really nice voice selections in the areas of The Ladder where he is not prominent. His light percussive sounds in "It Will Be a Good Day" are a good example.
3) Live, Igor made a real impression. His talent is immense, if not particularly unique. Highlights that may be found on House of Yes include his interaction with Anderson during the harp solo on "Awaken," which has many unique touches, and his interpretation of "Owner," where he remains true to the notes played in the original version yet selects synth sounds that give the parts a new flavor.
Q
Ironically, however, we have more of Igor on record than we have of Pat Moraz or Geoff Downes. Downes makes a single appearance in the Yes canon, on Drama, and Moraz is seen only on Relayer and Yesshows.
Igor made an appearance on OYE, was part of the team for The Ladder, and may also be found on House of Yes.
Still, despite his formal inclusion by Yes as one of their alumni, the fact is that Igor was never contractually a part of the band - and his role as a contributing musician was severely limited. He had little opportunity to distinguish himself as anything more than a sideman.
The appreciation which follows is simply a list of highlights of his contributions to Yes during the 1997-2000 period:
1) On The Ladder, Howe is clearly the melodic lead. Even Squire has less than his usual opportunity to stretch out melodically. Igor's contributions are largely musical backdrop. However, he has several wonderful opportunities to stretch out a bit. One of these is his organ lead in "Homeworld," where he races a bit with Howe, echoing the Wakeman era. His organ voice is fresh and different from the sounds used by Wakeman and Kaye, a welcome variation. He also has a nice run in "New Language."
2) Igor makes some really nice voice selections in the areas of The Ladder where he is not prominent. His light percussive sounds in "It Will Be a Good Day" are a good example.
3) Live, Igor made a real impression. His talent is immense, if not particularly unique. Highlights that may be found on House of Yes include his interaction with Anderson during the harp solo on "Awaken," which has many unique touches, and his interpretation of "Owner," where he remains true to the notes played in the original version yet selects synth sounds that give the parts a new flavor.
Q