The Little Things (Chris Squire)

[Q]

What are the subtle contributions of the not-so-subtle Chris Squire that you really love? Not the obvious things, but the little touches that make him different from every other player/performer, the seemingly insignificant things that help make Yes music unique?

In live performance, I really love the things he did in "Changes" on the 9012Live tour (see the video) ... the whirling finger as he slides up the neck of his bass ("one word from you ...") ... the shaking finger on "get what's coming" ...

In the studio - here's an odd one: in the chorus of "New State of Mind," he does these angular walk-ups on V-IV, and hits a chord at the top of each one. I always thought that sounded incredible, in a chorus that was already innovative (the answering choral lines, like something out of a Greek play) ... I'd love to have seen it played live ...

Any others?

Q

[Genevive]

His ability to sing the amount of backing lyrics that he does while maintaining his unique bass lines always impressed me. Tony Levin expressed his admiration for this as well when he was trying to learn Chris' parts!

[Squireaholic]

For me, it's the staggeringly singular and unique approach to his instrument. IMHO, Chris was really the first electric bassist to truly approach his instrument as a bass guitar, rather than a sideways bass fiddle. Especially if you watch some of his early video exposure (up to the Fish on Yessongs), he incorporates a lot of guitaristic technique: double picking, reverse banjo-style sweeps, etc. squire= innovation!

[Jackaranda]

I agree with Q. on Changes.

But the best bass I've ever heard is Chris on Starship Trooper (Yessongs version).

[upbgirl]

there is nothing 'little' about mr squire-i am sure he lives his life just like he plays-in a big way!! my favorite is seeing such a big dude be so graceful.. it is just WEIRD to see him lightly stepping around and dancing-wiggling his finger up in the sky..teasing..man! anyone who ever mentions 'i play bass', i just get the vids and dvd out, and say, "OH! REALLY?" they are ALL speechless after seeing chris..gotta be his stage presence..

[Robert Shupe]

Chris certainly is the showman of the gropup and his love and energy are so easily conveyed and shared with the audience.

I also love his long standing committment to the band. He has stuck through every incarnation of Yes and done it with a smile. He seems open to trying new adventures and directions. Cheer to the man.

You got to love the fact that he is an Entwistle fan.

Robert Shupe

[yes_angel]

I love the way Chris has alot of fun on stage.Any mistakes at all you can be sure he will save the day. LOL gotta luv him

[Silent_wings]

Chris is great to watch on stage he is always in motion.
He really makes a live show special and fun to watch.
He’s always full of life with a wonder infectious grin.:D

AND HE'S DARN CUTE TOO!!!! :valintine

[talkaboutsending..]

Trying to make Alan White laugh during And You and I on the Yes Symphonic DVD by picking his nose -

His phrasing when singing eg. Si - lent - leee Fa - ll - eeeeng

Dress sense

and one note on the first beat of a bar going into the second verse (or it might be the verse after the middle section) of Machine Messiah that jumps out of the speaker - no compression on that one!

Chris Squire, my absolute favourite thing about YES.

[R'tanys]

I think what appeals to me most about Chris is that not only is he a virtuoso, but he also seems like a guy who'd hang with you for a couple brews and watch a football game with you. That's not an easy distinction to make, since there are so many things about the guy that you just gotta love.

[Martin Riley]

You know that bit at the start of live versions of HEART OF THE SUNRISE when he just leaves the note hanging in the air with a grin as wide Jon’s heart and you just know he’s loving doing this for you as much as you are loving him doing it.

[Cugal_2112]

Chris's ability to create unique vocal harmonies. Just listening to Fish Out Of Water puts a big smile on my face.

[Cris Hart]

I had great time watching Chris at the Universal Amiptheatre 12/5. I traded seats 2nd set and was about 15 feet to the right of the stage.... so close I could here Chris' shoes on stage -- and they were a bit slippery! His moves from stage right to stage left were so well planned--during Wurm he went thru a sequence of steps that brought him evenly across the stage timed to x# of bars ...so perfectly that when he landed in his last position, played the requisite notes, and spun around and "high-5" handslapped Rick about a quarternote before Ricks same hand descended to the keyboard to play his solo. Now that's timing!

Can't wait to hear "Conspiricy II"! -CH

[ANTIOCH]

So many wonderful things said about 'fishy' that I need not repeat them. I will add where once his stage presence was described as a 'wounded butterfly', he now slides and steps as a modern day Fred Astaire - so-o-o smooth; and of all the solo releases back in the 70's, his "Fish Out of Water" was the most YES sounding of the bunch. Chris Squire 'the keeper of the flame' is as much YES as is Jon's signature vocal.

[Lucky 7]

Gosh where do I start? I admire the man who has help keep the YES dream alive. I’m overwhelm of his hard work, dedication, passion and love for this group. Through bad times and good he has managed to keep his eyes open to all the possibilities that lie ahead. You really have to thank all the various members throughout the years of YES for being a part of the dream. Each one had a purpose for that particular moment. 2 Thumbs up for the current line-up!!!!!! As I have seen them multiple times this last year, I have to say that the brotherly love and chemistry that is shown on stage is very powerful. In this world of hate, it’s so gratifying to know that love really does surround us.

Chris has really showed me how the bass IS a lead instrument! His technique is so unique and he is the perfect balance to Steve. The sounds that emit from his bass are full of emotion, color and sometimes erotic. How on earth does he do it? I’m amazed how he can become one with his bass and just let the music flow. He really is the “Master of the Bass”!

As I am a strong believer that everything happens for a reason, it was meant to be that Chris would meet Jon. His perfect harmonic voice combined with Jon’s is angelic. They really are soul brothers. I cannot begin to count the numerous times that I have cried because of their voices. Incredible!

I must also add that he is VERY easy on the eyes. From being a young teen to the man he is today, he is the most attractive and intriguing man on the planet. What girl doesn’t love a man with style, class and a sensational smile.

[1yesfan]

MOVING to the Chris Squire forum!

[TNyesfan]

What is very cool is the fact that Chris seems to have equal numbers of male and female fans. That makes me think there is something very honest about the way he plays and presents himself.

I love the way he makes doing what he does look so easy!

Did you ever notice that when he is preparing for his live solo spot, everyone in the first 10 rows or so gets very, very still?

[brismike]

Originally posted by R'tanys
I think what appeals to me most about Chris is that not only is he a virtuoso, but he also seems like a guy who'd hang with you for a couple brews and watch a football game with you. That's not an easy distinction to make, since there are so many things about the guy that you just gotta love.

You are so right R'tanys .. check the photo I have attached to this post. Chris enjoying a post concert drink and a laugh with me. This was from the Ladder tour in Toledo in November 1999.

I have two teenage daughters who are at that stage in their life where they bring young boys home occasionaly. A lot of these kids think they are really hip and into the current music scene etc. Some of them have claimed to play the guitar or bass etc.

Anyway what I like to do is sit them down, drag out the Symphonic DVD and go straight to Ritual. Usualy 28 minutes later they just sit there Gobsmacked by what they have just seen done by the maestro of the Bass.

Talk about Shock and Awe lol ..!!!!

Mike

[TNyesfan]

Mike, you are soooo lucky! And I'm sure Chris would be right proud.