Jon Anderson and his latest collaboration prove that they can go beyond firing off Yes classics.

Release Date: 23rd August 2024

Label: Frontiers

Format: CD / Digital

While Steve Howe’s version of Yes continues to draw on the Yes legacy while turning out new music that might pale in comparison, the erstwhile voice of Yes, Jon Anderson suddenly shifts into top gear. Ignore the cheesy cover. Try to get past the ‘Band Geeks’ name and focus…

When you see clips on Youtube of Anderson and his latest backers, the ‘Band Geeks’ ripping through The Gates Of Delerium and then listen to their work on True, it’s arguably the best thing Jon has done since the Todmobile version of Awaken in 2013.

Nine original songs show how the collaboration works beyond playing the Yes classics. All the ingredients are there – great harmonies, inspired playing and with hints of Yes through the ages, be it in some of the more commercial and mainstream 80s and 90s to the ambition of the 70s with all manner of instrumental charges and challenging time signatures balanced with some delightful JA acoustic moments. Richie Castellano puts in a shift as bandleader, producer and bass player, pumping out the sort of runs at the bottom end of the neck that you’d typically label Squire-esque. It might be lazy journalism but it actually is that good.

pace and electricity

The band is on fire and really inspires and pushes Jon into the sort of performance that belies his age. There’s a real pace and electricity about Shine On after True Messenger gives fair warning with a shot across the boughs that’s an immediate demonstration of the synergy between the players. Flying guitar and bass linesand reedy Hammond enough to whet the appetite. Any thoughts that we might never hear this sort of music from a Yes-person again can be parked. As the man himself sings, never underestimate the power of the universe!

Build Me An Ocean goes in a more subtle direction allowing the voice to shine through. At a time when his peers in Prog Rock circles might be struggling to hit their marks, no such concerns lie here. Make It Right might even have some Yesfans declaring it as the successor to Turn Of The Century with its nylon guitar and spacious atmosphere – even to the extent of the ‘creation of art’ theme (in this case a tapestry rather than sculpture).

epics

A couple of showcase tracks fall into the box marked ‘epic’ – the 16 and a half minute Once Upon A Dream and the nearly 10 minute Counties And Countries. Room for the music to develop and extend into more challenging instrumental areas. The opening part of the former might invoke thoughts of The Revealing Science Of God before it evolves into an intense piece that twists and turns in majestic forms. A celestial mid section prepares for an inspirational finale. A fine example of the best of connections between the man and his collaborators who’ve channelled one another another into a piece of work which should excite fans of classic progressive music, and admire the creative visions are undimmed.

The promise shown on the Anderson collaboration with Roine Stolt is fulfilled but arrives much more focussed and driven. The high vibration goes on. Soaring on golden wings.

Here’s Counties And Countries:

Jon Anderson online: Website / Facebook / X-Twitter / Instagram

Band Geeks online: Website

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