Anderson led line-up vs. Davison led line-up

[enoesque]

You've virtually guaranteed the greatness of this unreleased, unrecorded album on multiple occasions and used all kinds of superlatives without hearing a single solitary new song. All they have to do is put something, ANYTHING out and it will be brilliant. Guaranteed. It seems to me that the "hate" label gets thrown at anyone who dares to voice reservations and say that they wish Jon Anderson were singing with the band.

Huh?? I don't know what posts you're reading, but they are certainly not mine. Please do not put your interpretations out as my sentiments. I have been a fan of this band since 71. Believe it or not, I wish Anderson wasn't kicked out, but I can understand the creative motivation behind it. Of course I want what they do to be good. I am a fan. But that doesn't guarantee that I am going to like it or go out and buy it. Pretty much every album they put out from Talk onward was subpar compared to what that lineup did in the 70s. Open Your Eyes and Magnification are unlistenable. Fly From Here was a better return to form than those albums. I don't want this group to turn into, for example, the Rolling Stones, who put out forgettable albums and then tour just so us old timers can hear Mick belt out Satisfaction just one more time. With Anderson, Yes was starting to go that route. I mean, c'mon--a greatest hits acoustic tour?? An orchestra instead of just a brilliant band?? Four tours without any new material?? I don't think anything they do will be brilliant. I just hope it will be. I am sorry that you don't see that they aren't at all the same thing.

[Frumious B]

Huh?? I don't know what posts you're reading, but they are certainly not mine. Please do not put your interpretations out as my sentiments. I have been a fan of this band since 71. Believe it or not, I wish Anderson wasn't kicked out, but I can understand the creative motivation behind it. Of course I want what they do to be good. I am a fan. But that doesn't guarantee that I am going to like it or go out and buy it. Pretty much every album they put out from Talk onward was subpar compared to what that lineup did in the 70s. Open Your Eyes and Magnification are unlistenable. Fly From Here was a better return to form than those albums. I don't want this group to turn into, for example, the Rolling Stones, who put out forgettable albums and then tour just so us old timers can hear Mick belt out Satisfaction just one more time. With Anderson, Yes was starting to go that route. I mean, c'mon--a greatest hits acoustic tour?? An orchestra instead of just a brilliant band?? Four tours without any new material?? I don't think anything they do will be brilliant. I just hope it will be. I am sorry that you don't see that they aren't at all the same thing.

They kept Magnification music in the set all the way through 2004. I personally find both The Ladder and Magnification, especially, to be more enjoyable than Fly From Here.

Also, I've been revisiting some of the later period Stones albums lately and I'd say Voodoo Lounge and A Bigger Bang are better Stones albums than Fly From Here is a Yes album. They just both suffer a little from being too long. Of course I've also reached the conclusion that Emotional Rescue is criminally underrated. It's not Sticky Fingers, but I am borderline shocked at how much I'm liking that one right now. I think ER just gets a bad rap from the more reactionary rock faction of Stones fans who hear the new wave, funk and disco influences and instantly dismiss it without digging in, but the album has this frenetic, raw, edgy weirdness to it that I find extremely appealing.

[Mr. Holland]

They kept Magnification music in the set all the way through 2004. I personally find both The Ladder and Magnification, especially, to be more enjoyable than Fly From Here.

They should keep FFH material in as well untill the next album is released IMO, all though I do agree with you (hee, finally something we agree on...LOL) that I like both Magnification and the Ladder better then FFH.

What you say about the Stones and their fans on ER, but he Yes has those fans as well, who want every album that comes out to sound like another CTTE or another TYA. I personally belong to the camp that have always liked it that most Yes albums sounded anything but like their predecessors. It ment that Yes never got predictable and each and every album was a true musical surprise and new musical journey, and as it is with travelling, some trip's one likes better then others, but if one like's travelling in general Yes is/was certainly not a bad band to follow. I hope they will at least take me on more trip with them and am anxious to see and hear where the journey will lead me.

[HoweGuitargod]

I like JA voice way more than JD--and would like to see him in the band--at least on a record---but the only way it can happen is if he collaborates with the guys---in a studio---for months---and not take over the project-- but collaborate---I don't know if he can do this---Howe has not liked the way albums with JA have been done and has said it's not done like the old days of staying locked in the studio and jamming ideas out---I'd like him in and I could see Allan and CHris go for it but not sure Howe would. My fear is if Howe leaves---over this-- it leaves the door open for a YesWest reunion which would make some fans happy but not me.

[berkeley1970s]

Have to go with Anderson.

I like Davison. I really do. I've heard him live and I've been impressed. He has younger vocal chords than does JA and that's a plus. But JA is a legend. He penned or helped pen some of my favorite songs of all time. To this point, JD just does a good job singing those great songs.

JA still has skills as do Chris, Steve and Alan. That said, time spares no one and the glory days of the 1970s are long gone now. I do believe that JA could perfom to the level of the current band if given the opportunity--but am looking forward to a JD-led show in Anaheim in July nonetheless.

[1yesfan]

"Anderson is flat out the better singer. and Anderson is flat out better on his own material. Anderson has so far done better material outside of Yes than Davison has done outside of Yes. And even at 70ish, Anderson has more bass and depth to his voice and it doesn't sound shrill while still being able to hit the high notes."

I have to say just on VOICE quality alone JA does not have it on JD. JA is pushing 70, he has a major illness, his voice has changed, it is not what it was and I think any touring with a band is done. I love the dude, I saw him solo, his engery is there, his unmistakable spirit can't be matched but but note he no longer sings full versions of the EPICS, to do a tour of 30 shows or so over 45 days I don't think he can do with a full band. He has not done it with anyone else yet!

[paul vaughan]

"Anderson is flat out the better singer. and Anderson is flat out better on his own material. Anderson has so far done better material outside of Yes than Davison has done outside of Yes. And even at 70ish, Anderson has more bass and depth to his voice and it doesn't sound shrill while still being able to hit the high notes."

I have to say just on VOICE quality alone JA does not have it on JD. JA is pushing 70, he has a major illness, his voice has changed, it is not what it was and I think any touring with a band is done. I love the dude, I saw him solo, his engery is there, his unmistakable spirit can't be matched but but note he no longer sings full versions of the EPICS, to do a tour of 30 shows or so over 45 days I don't think he can do with a full band. He has not done it with anyone else yet!

there is far less singing involved in most of the epic songs than jon does with his solo shows where he is constantly singing and talking the whole show.the only reason jon does not sing full versions is that he does not have a band to sing them with.

[Mr. Holland]

I like JA voice way more than JD--and would like to see him in the band--at least on a record---but the only way it can happen is if he collaborates with the guys---in a studio---for months---and not take over the project-- but collaborate---I don't know if he can do this---Howe has not liked the way albums with JA have been done and has said it's not done like the old days of staying locked in the studio and jamming ideas out---I'd like him in and I could see Allan and CHris go for it but not sure Howe would. My fear is if Howe leaves---over this-- it leaves the door open for a YesWest reunion which would make some fans happy but not me.

I think your worries are unjustified. If Rabin has proven one thing in his entire carreer, is that he has absolutely zero interest in looking back. He want to keep moving forward, which he does and a return to the Yes fold isn't part of that.

[Mr. Holland]

there is far less singing involved in most of the epic songs than jon does with his solo shows where he is constantly singing and talking the whole show.the only reason jon does not sing full versions is that he does not have a band to sing them with.

I have both done acoustic shows as well as full on electric band shows as a singer in a band and I can tell you from experience that an acoustic show is far less stress on the voice than a full on electric band show, even though there are many more instrumental passage in a full on band show. The more initimate setting, the pase, not having to 'belt out' stuff etc. of an acoustic show all contribute to being it far less stressfull on the voice.

[paul vaughan]

I have both done acoustic shows as well as full on electric band shows as a singer in a band and I can tell you from experience that an acoustic show is far less stress on the voice than a full on electric band show, even though there are many more instrumental passage in a full on band show. The more initimate setting, the pase, not having to 'belt out' stuff etc. of an acoustic show all contribute to being it far less stressfull on the voice.

even in his acoustic shows jon generates plenty of power with ease,the fact he does not sing with a band at the moment does not mean he can not,or will not.jon knows what he is capable of,if he says he can,
thats good enough.my opposition to jons heavy touring with any band is the pace of travelling this causes,its not the shows that wear performers out its the stress inbetween,imo

[Mr. Holland]

even in his acoustic shows jon generates plenty of power with ease,the fact he does not sing with a band at the moment does not mean he can not,or will not.jon knows what he is capable of,if he says he can,
thats good enough.my opposition to jons heavy touring with any band is the pace of travelling this causes,its not the shows that wear performers out its the stress inbetween,imo

I agree very much on that last point, which is why I think it would not be healthy for either Jon, Chris or Steve if Jon were to rejoin Yes.

[paul vaughan]

as for belting out the vocals having just watched most of the lima show on yt,davison sings very carefully,very safe.

[Bobby Dread]

Voted for Jon Davison.

Sad that it came to this, but I processed it and moved on about 4 years ago.

I think if you asked who we wanted as Yes frontman health business and interpersonal issues aside it would be unanimously Anderson - even Jon D. would say so, but it ain't like that and Jon D's the man who will hopefully be the saving of Yes.

[downbyariver]

as for belting out the vocals having just watched most of the lima show on yt,davison sings very carefully,very safe.

I personally appreciate that Jon Davison seems to be a bit more restrained in the range he sings in these days versus his early performances as a member of Yes. When he first joined the band, I felt like he was oversinging and trying to reach pitches that were higher than the original sound, and I kind of infamously categorized it as hitting kind of shrill notes or cracking every so often in a way that would occasionally give me tension headaches (I was not the most popular guy on the forum at the time as a result of those comments. ). However, all of the clips of Davison that have surfaced of the three album tour are pitch perfect to my ear, and are much smoother and more relaxing. I think he's settled in and made adjustments. Whether he was nervous on that first tour and became more comfortable, or whether he was forced out there relatively under-rehearsed initially and then made deliberate adjustments as time went by and he had a chance to analyze what he was doing on stage, I think he sounds much better.

I can now picture him putting out a great album and being a great lead singer of Yes for many years to come. He sounds good now. I've also enjoyed the interviews with him, were he comes off as being being a very humble friendly man with a spirituality and an outlook that is a great fit for the spirit of the band, plus an appreciation for both of the important eras of phrases of the band, and I think that could potentially all help translate into him being able to make very strong lyrical contributions to future albums (Though time will tell, of course). I also like that he seems, at least from what little we can gather from press interviews and the like, to be an advocate of making those albums and is readily diving in and participating in that songwriting process and helping Chris Squire push forward that process, and, at least speculatively (and my hope), is (that) he is also someone who isn't content just to be a tribute singer and will actively help extend Yes' legacy with new music.

Having said that, Jon Anderson is, of course, the man who wrote, or had others contribute to writing with his specific voice in mind, the vast majority of the material the band plays on stage. I don't think anyone can quite match Jon Anderson singing Jon Anderson's songs, irrespective of their merits as a singer in other respects. And he's a legend. If you ask me a straight forward question like "Do you want Jon Anderson as the lead singer of Yes versus [Any other singer in this blank spot]?", I am always going to answer Anderson. But that's not a knock on Davison or what he brings to the table. And, to Davison's great credit, he's been very forthright and generous in acknowledging Anderson's contributions to the band in full and speaking very positively and admiringly of Anderson. This is not a situation where a later lead singer pits himself against the first one, as occasionally happens in bands- Davison is a fan of Anderson's and not trying to turn it into a competition.

The time you might not get me to say "I'll take Anderson singing lead in Yes" is if Anderson was going to actively get in the way of making new music. But his somewhat prolific solo efforts seem to send the message that he's willing to create also.

But that doesn't mean Davison can't do great work.

Obviously it's all out of our control and I enjoy listening to both men's work, and hope we'll continue to hear them both inside and outside of Yes, regardless of who is the lead singer in a year's time, or both inside of Yes together (As Anderson said he's open to, surprisingly).

[Frumious B]

There are plenty of very competent and reasonably talented singers out there. I'm sure there is someone out there waiting tables right now who is perfectly capable of singing this song catalog. The thing that draws me to a particular singer and makes me want to hear more isn't technical faculty or competence. James LaBrie is a better technical singer than Robert Smith of The Cure and I would much rather listen to Smith. What gets my attention is an individual sound that shows some vision and pulls me into the singer 's world. That is an area in which Jon Anderson has excelled and one in which he continues to excel. I don't especially get that sort of sizzle from Davison, but I do think he is sufficiently competent and professional to not get in the way of the songs. The songs are where the magic lies though.

[Bobby Dread]

Obviously it's all out of our control and I enjoy listening to both men's work, and hope we'll continue to hear them both inside and outside of Yes, regardless of who is the lead singer in a year's time, or both inside of Yes together (As Anderson said he's open to, surprisingly).

Love that. ^^^

[TwinArchers]

Anderson, Bruford, Rabin, Wakeman, Levin

[Bobby Dread]

Anderson, Bruford, Rabin, Wakeman, Levin

I'll take that bet as never happening for 100,000 USD.

[Mr. Holland]

I personally appreciate that Jon Davison seems to be a bit more restrained in the range he sings in these days versus his early performances as a member of Yes. When he first joined the band, I felt like he was oversinging and trying to reach pitches that were higher than the original sound, and I kind of infamously categorized it as hitting kind of shrill notes or cracking every so often in a way that would occasionally give me tension headaches (I was not the most popular guy on the forum at the time as a result of those comments. ). However, all of the clips of Davison that have surfaced of the three album tour are pitch perfect to my ear, and are much smoother and more relaxing. I think he's settled in and made adjustments. Whether he was nervous on that first tour and became more comfortable, or whether he was forced out there relatively under-rehearsed initially and then made deliberate adjustments as time went by and he had a chance to analyze what he was doing on stage, I think he sounds much better.

I can now picture him putting out a great album and being a great lead singer of Yes for many years to come. He sounds good now. I've also enjoyed the interviews with him, were he comes off as being being a very humble friendly man with a spirituality and an outlook that is a great fit for the spirit of the band, plus an appreciation for both of the important eras of phrases of the band, and I think that could potentially all help translate into him being able to make very strong lyrical contributions to future albums (Though time will tell, of course). I also like that he seems, at least from what little we can gather from press interviews and the like, to be an advocate of making those albums and is readily diving in and participating in that songwriting process and helping Chris Squire push forward that process, and, at least speculatively (and my hope), is (that) he is also someone who isn't content just to be a tribute singer and will actively help extend Yes' legacy with new music.

Having said that, Jon Anderson is, of course, the man who wrote, or had others contribute to writing with his specific voice in mind, the vast majority of the material the band plays on stage. I don't think anyone can quite match Jon Anderson singing Jon Anderson's songs, irrespective of their merits as a singer in other respects. And he's a legend. If you ask me a straight forward question like "Do you want Jon Anderson as the lead singer of Yes versus [Any other singer in this blank spot]?", I am always going to answer Anderson. But that's not a knock on Davison or what he brings to the table. And, to Davison's great credit, he's been very forthright and generous in acknowledging Anderson's contributions to the band in full and speaking very positively and admiringly of Anderson. This is not a situation where a later lead singer pits himself against the first one, as occasionally happens in bands- Davison is a fan of Anderson's and not trying to turn it into a competition.

The time you might not get me to say "I'll take Anderson singing lead in Yes" is if Anderson was going to actively get in the way of making new music. But his somewhat prolific solo efforts seem to send the message that he's willing to create also.

But that doesn't mean Davison can't do great work.

Obviously it's all out of our control and I enjoy listening to both men's work, and hope we'll continue to hear them both inside and outside of Yes, regardless of who is the lead singer in a year's time, or both inside of Yes together (As Anderson said he's open to, surprisingly).

Even though these days with Yes, I personally take Davison over Anderson, I think this is a great post.

[Punj Lizard]

There are plenty of very competent and reasonably talented singers out there. I'm sure there is someone out there waiting tables right now who is perfectly capable of singing this song catalog. The thing that draws me to a particular singer and makes me want to hear more isn't technical faculty or competence. James LaBrie is a better technical singer than Robert Smith of The Cure and I would much rather listen to Smith. What gets my attention is an individual sound that shows some vision and pulls me into the singer 's world. That is an area in which Jon Anderson has excelled and one in which he continues to excel. I don't especially get that sort of sizzle from Davison, but I do think he is sufficiently competent and professional to not get in the way of the songs. The songs are where the magic lies though.

I absolutely agree with you, Frum. And I will add that I feel the same way about Steve Howe's guitar-playing and Chris Squire's bass-playing. If all three could work together again in a physically, mentally and spiritually healthy relationship, I'd be very happy indeed. But I don't think that's likely to happen and hence any time they do get together will involve some kind of compromise which would have to be weighed up against the compromises made in having 1) a Yes that doesn't have Jon Anderson and 2) a Jon Anderson that doesn't have a Yes.

Weighing those up for myself, at present I feel more comfortable with the way things are. I have now seen Yes with Davison and I was extremely happy with what I saw and heard. I saw Anderson last year with a small band and folk orchestra and it was excellent and I'm looking forward to seeing him solo in August.