The "formula" of Yes spirit

[rg59]

Dear yes fans, after going through many years of yes and the latest events, I came to the definition of what is Yes music, or better: when can we talk about Yes music and when is it something else?

My definition of Yes music is:

all music that belongs to albums where the line-up consists of Jon Anderson plus at least three among the following:

Chris Squire, Steve Howe, Bill Bruford, Rick Wakeman, Alan White.

This excludes the first two albums, the "Rabin" era, but includes for instance parts of Union, Open Your Eyes, The Ladder, Magnification and also the ABWH albums.

I am convinced that all other incarnations of Yes (with or without Jon) are not real Yes: the Yes spirit is not there.

But having said that: all the best to the band for the forthcoming tour and hopefully we'll get some new YES music as soon as Jon recovers.


Peace to all


Roberto

[shortexchanges]

What is real or not is your perception. Yes has had like 35 guys in it (quote from spinal tap). The Yes formula is how the music makes you feel that the higher level of existence is possible.

You list the core 5 but the music transcends these fine musicians.

[Yes.2]

Yes, is much bigger than mearly the sum of it's current or past members...

[rg59]

Yes, in fact that's exactly the point I am trying to make: it does not matter how many musicians have been part of it (for short or for long, more or less gifted), what I call the "spirit" of Yes music is in my opinion there only when those guys I mentioned are there.

What is the spirit of Yes it would be long to say: just refer to the wonderful Bill Martin's book to have a proper explaination what I mean.

Do not get me wrong: some people who worked with Yes are really good ones, but their music just does not seem to fit or to contribute to develop that spirit, hopefully there may be positive news in the future: however I would really like to hear some new compositions by the "core" guys.


Ciao

Roberto

[Bo Locks]

s+[v*(g+k)²/b/d]=y

[gitsy]

We should ask Malcolm his the maths guy around here.

[rg59]

CH₃-CH₂-OH

[bjlevine]

I couldn't disagree more. The first two albums are as important to Yes Music as Meet the Beatles is to Beatles music. And just because you don't like a particular lineup or album, its still them (not every song can be Close To The Edge). I personally love hearing early Yes (especially live tracks) as well as albums like Drama and a lot of songs from the Rabin era. Its all part of what makes the bands history. Here's hoping there is more in the future (Jon included).

[edarnold]

I couldn't disagree more. The first two albums are as important to Yes Music as Meet the Beatles is to Beatles music. And just because you don't like a particular lineup or album, its still them (not every song can be Close To The Edge). I personally love hearing early Yes (especially live tracks) as well as albums like Drama and a lot of songs from the Rabin era. Its all part of what makes the bands history. Here's hoping there is more in the future (Jon included).

I have to disagree as well. I felt the spirit of Yes when Jon Anderson opened up for King Crimson at the Mann Center in 1982 during his Animation tour. To be fair, There was no working band called Yes at the time.

[rg59]

Well it is obviously not easy to discuss this subject in two lines here, but I just want to make a point clear. It is not a matter of personal taste for one or more songs, it is looking for that special kind of music that makes YES YES.

I don't think and don't feel it is there (yet) in the first two albums nor in those recorded in line-ups other than those I mentioned implicitly in my first post, while i find it in the 13 studio albums resulting from my approach (I am not counting live and anthologies).

I think this view may be shared more by older fans, but maybe not: however it raises questions and reactions and this is positive.

Long live YES spirit!


Ciao
Roberto

[fovman]

Yes music is a fusion of creativity and styles of all who are chosen to participate.

[SouthSideGuy]

Yes music is a fusion of creativity and styles of all who are chosen to participate.

There are other heads too....Two in fact.:beerchugr:

[brianos]

I have a simpler "formula": any lineup with Chris Squire!