White Reviews

[James Bond]

Here's one of the first reviews in http://www.musicstreetjournal.com/whiteselftitledcd.htm and it's glowing!

[JaneEyre]

I really have to get that CD!

[marklovesyes]

Here's one of the first reviews in http://www.musicstreetjournal.com/whiteselftitledcd.htm and it's glowing!
You know - that's a really great review. Not because it's in favor of the album, but because it's so accurate. A great take on each song.

And yes, Jane - you need to get it!! ;)

[MrZuLu]

I am really getting hooked to this Album...

Listen to Don Cassidy's show at

http://deliciousagony.com/

I hear he is going to be playing the CD during his show

[Astrall Traveller]

When is this album due to be released in the UK?

[marklovesyes]

When is this album due to be released in the UK?
Right now it's only through digital download at The Orchard web site:

http://www.theorchard.com/dist/index.php

Do a search for "White" in the search bar.

But there is some discussion going on for release in the UK and Europe.

You might also check if Amazon.com ships to the UK. I know that Amazon.co.uk used to ship to the USA.

[James Bond]

I inquired and it's going to be another couple of weeks before it's available for download through all the The Orchards digital stores like iTunes etc.

[MrZuLu]

I can't wait till summer...

THIS IS GOING TO BE A ROCKING SHOW!

[Astrall Traveller]

I tried that site, but apparently it's only available in the states at the moment and the uk itunes site can't upload it. I thought it was going to be released on Umbrello?

[James Bond]

Here's a nice customer review from Amazon:

Excellent - the best YES offshoot project in years, April 25, 2006
Reviewer: mj "mj" (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews
What a breath of fresh air this album is. With most of the YES members solo projects starting to sound the same, it is so refreshing to hear this music from YES drummer Alan White's new band.

This album has so much variety. Rockers 'New Day' and 'Sea of lies' start the album off with tons of energy.
The bouncy 'Give Up Giving Up' and the carribean styled 'Mighty Love' lighten things up and get you tapping your toes or dancing around the room.
The ballad-esque 'Dream Away' really does take you away to dreamland. It's a beautiful slow dancer as well.
'Crazy Believer' and 'Fate' show the complex rock Alan White would be well known for. Guitarist Karl Haug and vocalist Kevin Currie really shine on these two songs; namely Haug's slide work on 'Fate'.
Rounding out the album is the powerful 'Loyal' and the Karl Haug piece 'Waterhole'. 'Loyal' reminds me so much of early Gabriel-era Genesis. In fact, Currie has Gabriel sounding characterisitics. It is definitely the most progressive piece on the album and really showcases keyboardist Geoff Downe's (ex-Yes, Asia, Buggles - remember "Video Killed The Radio Star"?) brilliant contribution to this effort.

This album has it all - great songs from a variety of influences, top notch musicianship (it definitely appears that Alan White has found a new rhythm section mate in bassist Steve Boyce - he sounds excellent), and legendary band members in Alan White and Geoff Downes. The songs are quite uplifting as well, both musically and lyrically.
I definitely recommend this album.

[Buglunch]

I am really getting hooked to this Album...

Listen to Don Cassidy's show at

http://deliciousagony.com/

I hear he is going to be playing the CD during his show
He has quite a few shows weekly but not all will be live from now on; almost every suppertime, Pacific time, he can be on doing great stuff.
Wakeman's Retro probably Thursday late afternoon PDT, not sure but it will be way before 7pm BEFORE PapaJ's LawnmowerNGardenSupply.

:yesbird:

Don't know which day White is on. South Side of the Sky might be the show; could be Wednesday for White's disc. Oops, I;m probably too late.....

[Andersonic]

Here's a nice customer review from Amazon:

Excellent - the best YES offshoot project in years, April 25, 2006
Reviewer: mj "mj" (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews
What a breath of fresh air this album is. With most of the YES members solo projects starting to sound the same, it is so refreshing to hear this music from YES drummer Alan White's new band.

This album has so much variety. Rockers 'New Day' and 'Sea of lies' start the album off with tons of energy.
The bouncy 'Give Up Giving Up' and the carribean styled 'Mighty Love' lighten things up and get you tapping your toes or dancing around the room.
The ballad-esque 'Dream Away' really does take you away to dreamland. It's a beautiful slow dancer as well.
'Crazy Believer' and 'Fate' show the complex rock Alan White would be well known for. Guitarist Karl Haug and vocalist Kevin Currie really shine on these two songs; namely Haug's slide work on 'Fate'.
Rounding out the album is the powerful 'Loyal' and the Karl Haug piece 'Waterhole'. 'Loyal' reminds me so much of early Gabriel-era Genesis. In fact, Currie has Gabriel sounding characterisitics. It is definitely the most progressive piece on the album and really showcases keyboardist Geoff Downe's (ex-Yes, Asia, Buggles - remember "Video Killed The Radio Star"?) brilliant contribution to this effort.

This album has it all - great songs from a variety of influences, top notch musicianship (it definitely appears that Alan White has found a new rhythm section mate in bassist Steve Boyce - he sounds excellent), and legendary band members in Alan White and Geoff Downes. The songs are quite uplifting as well, both musically and lyrically.
I definitely recommend this album.

From Seatlle huh? Isn't that where Alan lives? :cool2:
I can't wait to have the album, I heard a few songs and really liked them...CD Universe hurry up with that package!

[MrZuLu]

Karl Haug's solo in New Day is blistering!

I love how Steve's bassline supports it as well...


REFRESHING!

[MrZuLu]

there is something truly amazing about this music...

the mix is fantastic.

I have a dolby 5.1 logitech 6 point system.

the subs ar so clearly defined I can feel Alan's kick thru the floor!

That is astonishing!

[James Bond]

there is something truly amazing about this music...

the mix is fantastic.

I have a dolby 5.1 logitech 6 point system.

the subs ar so clearly defined I can feel Alan's kick thru the floor!

That is astonishing!

Mr Zulu can you post a full album review?

[MrZuLu]

Mr Zulu can you post a full album review?
soon...

not ready yet...

[MrZuLu]

With Yes on hiatus, Alan White, to keep his chops up, plays the Seattle area regularly. He has formed friendships with many of the local musicians and does drum clinics at the Drum Workshop to teach young people percussion. He has worked with Paul Allen at the EMP as well. During this time he formed a new band called White. Here is my review.

White ~ Released April 18, 2006:

New Day ~ This song has commercial hit potential. It has a strong, hard driving rhythm section. Alan White on drums and Steve Boyce on bass are definitely in the pocket! Vocals are strong and the band is fantastically tight; yet, there is a raw quality uncommon in studio recordings.

Beyond the Sea Of Lies ~ Another very radio friendly tune. As with New Day this song would be perfect to dance to and driving down the freeway as well. Geoff Downes' keyboards stand out in this one. Again that raw sound stands out. Three part vocal harmonies are good. Will be interesting to see this one performed live.

Give Up Giving Up ~ Old School Hard Rock! Kevin Currie's voice and Geoff Downes with his classic Hammond B3 sound open this one with Karl Haug's haunting guitar sustaining in the background. Steve's bassline is truly the foundation with Alan supporting it with Iron Rebar!

Crazy Believer ~ While not written by Downes, his influence is clearly represented in this tune. Again Haug's playing is haunting... Steve and Alan are more laid back and Geoff is clearly having a 'Buggles' moment playing with his synthesizers. The song builds to a peak then drops into the release with tuned precision. Great song!

Fate ~ This is a scary song. Dark... Fate is scary in life and this song reflects that feeling. Haug's bottleneck guitar makes this piece shine. Not many guitarists play bottleneck these days. I hear Leo Kottke and Jeff Beck influence. The counterpoint two part vox in the chorus substantiates the darkness of Fate.

Dream Away ~ This song reminds me of High School dances. Geoff's understanding of Orchestral arrangements is the highlight of this tune. This one would fit on a soft rock or hard rock radio station. Kevin Currie has a vocal tone that sounds like a very young Peter Gabriel.

Once And For All ~ It will be a huge error in promoting White if this song does not get pushed to radio stations. The chorus hook is like a dandilion seed. Once it starts growing the entire yard will be yellow in a matter of days! I am already singing it to myself! This settles it ONCE AND FOR ALL!

Mighty Love ~ This is the only song that sounds like someone else wrote it. It sounds like YES!
There I said it ~ it is so close to "Saving My Heart " it is nearly a ripoff. I love the song and it's reggae influence notwithstanding!

Loyal ~ I can't help but feel that this tune is a tribute to the early Genesis format. Kevin definitely has a tonal quality found only in early Genesis and early Marillion. But there the simularity to either band stops. Polished and raw at the sametime. Steve, Alan, Geoff and Karl give Kevin musical support that obviously allows Kevin to sing effortlessly. A very strong piece.

Waterhole ~ This tune represents Karl Haug's influence with class! Perfect Jam Band piece. The structure is such that where vocals are present it is rigid and clearly defined; however, the solo sections are are just loose enough to warrant breaking the chain and running with all strength to "The Waterhole". Excellent piece to end the album and would make a wonderful show stopper!

Overall an outstanding new release. Best new material I have heard in years.

Michael Frampton AKA MrZuLu

[pedro skychaser]

thanks MrZ...looking forward to this,the vocals esp,but also the setlist of the tour+obviously live dvd...kevin has a future and alan loves to play all the time so this is a great local outlet...maybe they can do a concept album based on the local seattle area indiginous indians mythology???!!!!?? (snow falling on sacred cedars)

[Buglunch]

Wonderful to have the Zulu Reviewlu- thanks!
;)

Alan wrote lots of Yes material, including piano parts and playing some too.

[bondegezou]

I thought it was going to be released on Umbrello?

That was the plan at one stage last year, but White dissociated from Umbrello after the More Drama Tour didn't happen.

Henry

[MrZuLu]

That was the plan at one stage last year, but White dissociated from Umbrello after the More Drama Tour didn't happen.

Henry
smart move under the circumstances...

All I know for sure is this album is HOT!

[pedro skychaser]

just groovin to 2 white songs...newday+czybeliever@ work,quiet comedown period,no plumbers!!!hee,hee....sounds great on the windows media!!!rockin' marrickville!!!

[MrZuLu]

thanks MrZ...looking forward to this,the vocals esp,but also the setlist of the tour+obviously live dvd...kevin has a future and alan loves to play all the time so this is a great local outlet...maybe they can do a concept album based on the local seattle area indiginous indians mythology???!!!!?? (snow falling on sacred cedars)
That would be kewl...

hmmm gives me an idea...

[James Bond]

Hey just found this on Allgoodpeople.net -- it's quite an odd review but very infectious and extremely positive. Apparently this person ordered the cd, received it and there was no disc inside so today he got his replacement and typed this real time while listening. Enjoy:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello to all- I promised I'd report in on this when I got a replacement for my mysterious missing copy. It's blaring on the stereo at this moment. I did my usual thing of listening to about the first fifteen seconds of each song for the initial run-through and liked what I heard. Now I'm listening to the album in it's entirety and yes, this is the first time through for me. I'm currently on GIVE UP GIVING UP and the first thing that I have to say (pardon my putting this crudely) is that this album has b###s. This cut has a bluesy feel. In fact, what I've heard so far seems reminiscent of many other "prog" albums I've heard over the years only with a rock kind of feel. Because of Alan's drumming I'm sure. I must say that WHITE seems to have transfigured the forms though because although it's reminiscent it's carving it's own way. The album sounds fresh and non-derivative to me although there are familiar forms in the pieces I've heard. FATE just started and has a very ethereal feel and sound to it. I forgot to mention that the second cut BEYOND THE SEA OF LIES blew me away. I think I identify with a lot of the sentiments in it. Now FATE is getting off the ground and more rocky. There are nice hooks from what I'm hearing too. Another thing I like about this album is that Geoff Downes is tastefully in the background. I think he should be sticking like glue to WHITE and running away from Asia. If I had anything I would question on what I've heard so far are the vocals. Currie does a good job, but his is the kind of voice I'll have to get used to. There's a dreaminess here too. Geoff playing with quicker fingers than I've heard from him for quite a while, but one of my major complaints about Asia was always that it never lived up to it's potential. DREAM AWAY beings with a drum intro that Yes fans will find familiar from KTA; sort of Be The One but then once again we start getting heavier. This album is definitely heavier and darker fare than we're used to from Yes or Asia or various other offshoots. It's like the ivory tower has bent over and decided to touch the ground. Weird analogy, I know. Nice guitar work on this, bluesy rock with some slide going. I know I've left out NEW DAY so far, but trust me, I think you're going to like it. Well, that's the thing, some of you might not like this but I do because I'm really a hard core rocker at heart which is why even though I'm an old Yes fanatic I like a lot of the Rabin years and I really like Drama and Relayer. Oddly enough GFTO was not one of my favorite albums although I thought I'd died and gone to heaven the first time I heard parallels. DREAM AWAY sounds very radio friendly but I don't thing they were trying to necessarily write it for that market. It just sounds like a really good mellow song. Introspective lyrics about loss. Man, I just think I really like this album A LOT.
There's really a sense of nostalgia in this album but it seems to be expressed in a modern sense that negates the sense of wallowing in nostalgia and just leaves an impression of some sort of self awareness and reality of things being as they are. ONCE AND FOR ALL is beginning right now and in a weird way has a Floydish thing going a little bit. Nice walking bass line and now back into the rock thing sliding back into bluesy walking bass with some nice stuff by Geoff Downes. These songs are nice because they paint sonic pictures which is what a lot of the newer stuff doesn't do so much any more. There doesn't seem to be any set formula. This is a throwback to a bygone day when bands were really bands that cared about what they were putting out and trying to make every cut excellent. It's not formulaic in any sense of the word. If I haven't mentioned to this point I have to think the song writing is very good. It's like a group of singer/songwriters got together and decided to make a "metal" album. Just enough proggish stuff going on this song (O&FA) to make it interesting. A loot cool grooving going on here.
MIGHTY LOVE it da Rasta mon. Man, I could sit around and just get wasted listening to these guys. I would love to see them live. This album is really good and I'm pleasantly surprised with just how good it is. Alan didn't turn this into a Yes copycat, it doesn't sound like most of the stuff out there. One doesn't get the feeling the band is trying to impress anyone with the fastest fingers in the universe either. It's just a bunch of grooving, rocking guys who sound like they were really having a good time making this music. MIGHT LOVE has a great hook and is a kind of sly anthem song. One doesn't think about it that way when it starts, but halfway in one realizes what's going on with it. I don't even like rasta but I like this. Lyrics are great for my psyche. You'll all know what I'm talking about when you hear it for yourselves. LOYAL has some traditional power chords to start and then goes vaguely eastern sounding with sort of a tabla type percussion going on in the background. Well, Currie's voice is starting to grow on me. There are some spots he's almost like Peter Gabriel, other places he gets sort of bar room raspy, then he's clear. He's really a lot better singer than I originally thought. I stand corrected. This piece is interesting because it has all sorts of influences going on but nothing dominates which is another good way to describe the WHITE album in general. No single approach dominates any song but they all have major references they revert to. I know that's an odd way to say it but that's the way I see it. WATERHOLE is the last cut and intros like some sort of folk music on speed. Nice acoustic guitar with instrumental undertones happening with it. Man, this is nice. Alan is VERY tasteful in his performance on this album and is being much more than a time keeper on this album. Now the piece has segwayed into a slower sort of song keeping the chord structure and Currie is back to the scratchy voice presentation. This is an odd song. Frenetic keyboard echoing the opening segment playing over the top of the slower structure. Sorry, I wish I could describe this better.

Sorry for any typos and confusion. I've been typing this in real time while I've been listening to the album for the first time. I think it's really good and my faith in Alan putting out something excellent hasn't been misplaced. Of all the Yes side projects this may just be the best as a whole and total album. I like it way better than Howe's Remedy. I highly recommend buying this album.
I hope I haven't bored you all to death.
__________________
Hear me when I say to you it's really down to your heart . . .

[Hill St.]

"Waterhole" is flat out my favorite song.I thoroughly enjoy this album.Good job, Alan!Not much of a review but,I'm a man of few words.

[Dances w/PURPLE]

bump

[pedro skychaser]

no news since may-rotation on belgium radio...will we never hear machine Messiah downunder? no tour in US summer? very quiet...

[marklovesyes]

There are some things in the works, so hopefully we'll know something soon about some live dates.

[YesHut]

Yesterday, while the Yesfans site was down, I listened to samples of White, from Alan White's web site. Mr. Zulu's review is right on target. The energy of the songs transend thru my lil comp speakers- not an easy thing to do from any entertainer- Up and driving- reccomended grab- very cool-

[Albedo]

I've got the album and I think the instrumental music is very good and it rocks nicely. The lyrics are uneven for my taste, but overall this album is worth having.

[Captain Squib]

This is a FANTASTIC album! Not a weak track on it! Well done!

Sounds like 90125 in places, and Asia's Aqua album in others. Kevin's voice really sounds like Peter Gabriel/Fish! The guitar work is OUTSTANDING!!! Geoff's keys are not dominant as in Asia, but he does enough to carry the music brilliantly.

I prefer Steve Nardellias a singer, but White as a band.

[MrZuLu]

anybody going to see White in Seattle on 17th?

[MrZuLu]

Bump
With Yes on hiatus, Alan White, to keep his chops up, plays the Seattle area regularly. He has formed friendships with many of the local musicians and does drum clinics at the Drum Workshop to teach young people percussion. He has worked with Paul Allen at the EMP as well. During this time he formed a new band called White. Here is my review.

White ~ Released April 18, 2006:

New Day ~ This song has commercial hit potential. It has a strong, hard driving rhythm section. Alan White on drums and Steve Boyce on bass are definitely in the pocket! Vocals are strong and the band is fantastically tight; yet, there is a raw quality uncommon in studio recordings.
Beyond the Sea Of Lies ~ Another very radio friendly tune. As with New Day this song would be perfect to dance to and driving down the freeway as well. Geoff Downes' keyboards stand out in this one. Again that raw sound stands out. Three part vocal harmonies are good. Will be interesting to see this one performed live.
Give Up Giving Up ~ Old School Hard Rock! Kevin Currie's voice and Geoff Downes with his classic Hammond B3 sound open this one with Karl Haug's haunting guitar sustaining in the background. Steve's bassline is truly the foundation with Alan supporting it with Iron Rebar!
Crazy Believer ~ While not written by Downes, his influence is clearly represented in this tune. Again Haug's playing is haunting... Steve and Alan are more laid back and Geoff is clearly having a 'Buggles' moment playing with his synthesizers. The song builds to a peak then drops into the release with tuned precision. Great song!
Fate ~ This is a scary song. Dark... Fate is scary in life and this song reflects that feeling. Haug's bottleneck guitar makes this piece shine. Not many guitarists play bottleneck these days. I hear Leo Kottke and Jeff Beck influence. The counterpoint two part vox in the chorus substantiates the darkness of Fate.
Dream Away ~ This song reminds me of High School dances. Geoff's understanding of Orchestral arrangements is the highlight of this tune. This one would fit on a soft rock or hard rock radio station. Kevin Currie has a vocal tone that sounds like a very young Peter Gabriel.
Once And For All ~ It will be a huge error in promoting White if this song does not get pushed to radio stations. The chorus hook is like a dandilion seed. Once it starts growing the entire yard will be yellow in a matter of days! I am already singing it to myself! This settles it ONCE AND FOR ALL!
Mighty Love ~ This is the only song that sounds like someone else wrote it. It sounds like YES!
There I said it ~ it is so close to "Saving My Heart " it is nearly a ripoff. I love the song and it's reggae influence notwithstanding!
Loyal ~ I can't help but feel that this tune is a tribute to the early Genesis format. Kevin definitely has a tonal quality found only in early Genesis and early Marillion. But there the simularity to either band stops. Polished and raw at the sametime. Steve, Alan, Geoff and Karl give Kevin musical support that obviously allows Kevin to sing effortlessly. A very strong piece.
Waterhole ~ This tune represents Karl Haug's influence with class! Perfect Jam Band piece. The structure is such that where vocals are present it is rigid and clearly defined; however, the solo sections are are just loose enough to warrant breaking the chain and running with all strength to "The Waterhole". Excellent piece to end the album and would make a wonderful show stopper!
Overall an outstanding new release. Best new material I have heard in years.

Michael Frampton AKA MrZuLu

[Scottie]

I'm ashamed of myself. I still don't own a copy. :frown:
Maybe my little way of hoping he comes east, so I’ll have a little added incentive.