The Musical Contributions of Billy Sherwood to Yes

[Q]

Wow - I have to admit this is a tough one. I was one who was surprised and pleased to see his name on OYE, and warmly welcomed his appearance on the Fall 1997 tour. In my mind Billy was "living the dream" of those of us who love Yes and are also musicians. He is a fine player, perfectly competent, and has a fine voice.

But I have been unable to find anything in his recorded work that marks him as a progressive player or composer. He writes capable pop/rock and can play anything he's asked to play - but I haven't come across anything in his recorded Yes work, or seen anything on stage, that makes him distinctive.

I apologize! Perhaps I have missed something, particularly in The Ladder. There may well be some really innovative parts in some of those songs that I have not correctly attributed to Billy.

As a composer I would say his best contribution to Yes was "The More We Live," though I also enjoy "New State of Mind" and "Open Your Eyes" - it is not clear to what degree he was the writer on those tracks. NSM in particular has some mild "Yes-isms" in it, it would be nice to think Billy contributed them.

Billy's biggest contributions, in my view, were not musical. He was the new Eddie Offord, recording/mixing/producing on the Keys albums and OYE, and this was no small contribution. And he filled out their live sound wonderfully during his membership. But I have trouble finding much more.

Would someone please jump in? Billy should get his due and there is probably a good deal I have missed!

Q

[Dantalion Rides Again]

Welp. The lapse between our posts might be a clue.

[jimmygtr]

To my hear it is almost impossible to hear Billy's contributions as a musician. I agree Q, very capable voice and solid musician, but when I listen to the Ladder and House of Blues it's difficult to discern what he is contributing

Given Billy and I are close in age he most certainly lived my dream of playing in Yes!!!

[pianozach]

Originally Posted by Q

Wow - I have to admit this is a tough one. . . . .

. . . . . He is a fine player, perfectly competent, and has a fine voice. . . . .

. . . . He was the new Eddie Offord, recording/mixing/producing on the Keys albums and OYE, and this was no small contribution. And he filled out their live sound wonderfully during his membership. But I have trouble finding much more.

Would someone please jump in? Billy should get his due and there is probably a good deal I have missed!

Q

Yep. Billy.

One of those wonderful musicians that is usually never noticed because he's so good at what he does best. He's a "Creator." And a "Utility Player." In a way he reminds me of Steve Miller . . . understated yet well crafted.

He wasn't comfortable being the keyboardist for OYE tour, hence the inclusion of Igor. His guitar chops were wa-a-a-a-ay overshadowed by Howe. His vocals are, well, undistinctive yet right on.

Yet his skills in complementing the others in the band while not trying to hog the limelight or diminish the others' contributions in the mix was exemplary. He "backgrounded" extrordinarily well.

To really experience his tastefulness, try a listen to "Conspiracy." He balances with Chris well. Probably no mean feat.

Billy . . . may I play in your studio now?

[Buglunch]

Billy co-wrote 'The More We live, Let Go' from Yes' Union.