by Geoff Bailie
It’s almost 20 years to the month when Jon Anderson played his last show as a member of Yes. Perhaps it’s that “release” from a formal band structure that has led to the wide ranging solo path he has taken since then. His discography shows two “full” solo albums (2011’s Survival and Other Stories – consisting of songs finished up from ideas submitted from a variety of people – and 1000 Hands: Chapter One – the completion of an album started 30 years earlier) since then. There have also been a large number of one off releases, ranging from the 20 minute epic Open to an atypical political rant called “Go Screw Yourself”! Of course there were also collaborations with some unknown as well as better known artists (Anderson/ Wakeman, Anderson Ponty Band, Anderson Rabin Wakeman, Yes featuring ARW etc) but I think it’s fair to say that none of those added a substantial, great album to his discography.
The Band Geeks, led by Richie Castellano was initially a podcast lineup, and they became an online band producing a series of cover versions, sometimes supplemented by special guests. A full cover version of the Close To The Edge album, as well as 1990s Rabin era favorite The Calling, demonstrated they had the Yes-chops to tour as Anderson’s backing band playing the most complex YesMusic. Now, as the 2024 JA / BG tour comes to a close, we, perhaps surprisingly, get a brand-new studio album. I say “perhaps surprisingly” because interviews with Jon would suggest many projects begin but few end (Chagall … Zamran … 1000 Hands Part 2 etc). He also hinted in previous interviews that while solo albums of the past have deliberately avoided potential Yes territory, in this case he placed no such restrictions on the creative process. So now we have a full album ready to roll and, as a YesGeek, I’m excited to hear what this ‘True’ holds…
“True Messenger” starts the album with picked 12-string guitar and some strong multitracked vocals. As instruments join, it’s a classic Rickenbacker/ Squire and some vintage Hammond organ along with stacked multitracked vocals. What’s clear is that this music is energetic, intricate and … well, it sounds like YesMusic. I’ll explain what I mean by that: this sounds like a band working together to contribute to the vision of music that Jon has. That’s different from say, “Survival…” which was Jon adding his aspects to other people’s music. The closing sections of “True Messenger” manage to capture elements of classic prog / modern prog and … well even past Yes glories and blend it into something new. It’s an exciting track to kick things off with, with lots of shifts and complexity to let the listener know what they can expect ahead.
In that context, it made total sense to have “Shine On” as the album’s first single. The choral vocal intro breaks into a section which could be out of any 1990s/2000s Anderson Yes album, with a nice addition some excellent percussion. I keep finding my mind moving to The Ladder – to me that album has always been a great combination of taking the elements of YesMusic Past, adding some fresh aspects, but not pushing it too far out of the comfort zone. That’s probably the closest sonic comparison for True.
“Counties and Countries” starts with an epic and triumphant instrumental intro. There seems to be a real synergy between Anderson and the Band Geeks members. I should say that Jon Anderson is sounding strong on this album. The ARW live recording shows how as the years progressed so his vocals have retained their range, if sounding understandably a bit softer and gentler than the past. The production and mixing here are such that his voice is the centerpiece of the album, in, say, the ending of this track: “You’ve got a beautiful day today”. The frantic Moog solo and the ending of this almost 10-minute epic are just superb!
The next track, “Build Me An Ocean,” takes a twist into the territory of a piano-led balance. A beautiful song, with nylon and steel string guitars (including a fantastic solo), the Band Geeks add amazing choral harmonies and counterpoints. It’s a breather before we jump to the energetic “Still A Friend.” These two songs have very positive affirming lyrics, and while they are still in Anderson-style, it’s accessible! “Make It Right” continues the journey, and is a massive vocal showcase. I feel parallels to Turn of the Century in places, such as the slow build-up, how the guitar enters (and even its tone). I understand that Realization is Part Two of the preceding track and is a fun acoustic song with lots of percussion. Jon really sounds like he’s enjoying himself on this one!
The penultimate track is the 17-minute epic “Once Upon A Dream” – and it’s here we go full-on prog! All the stops are out and it’s a great one! Drawing comparisons to the Yes catalogue I’d once again mention the sound and energy of The Ladder, with the light and shade of the very best of the Keys To Ascension studio tracks. Lyrically we’re in mystical Jon territory with even some sly nods to past Yes song titles, as well as some musical linkages in various guitar and keys tones, and even some finger cymbals in the mid-section that are very Awaken-like.
At this point I should give a shout out to the individual musicians involved in this album. I suppose there is a danger that in the presence of a prog legend like Jon, the musicians end up being anonymous. If that was the case it would be a gross disservice because, compared to the previously mentioned Survival and 100 Hands, the Band Geeks sound like a fully integrated and operational actual band. Richie Castellano stands out as a versatile musician, excelling on both bass and guitar, with a style that effortlessly blends technical skill and creative flair – oh, and he also plays keyboards and sings on top of co-writing a lot of the material. In him, Anderson has found a foil who can harness exactly what Jon is aiming for… and more – his contributions are integral, adding depth and complexity to the band’s sound. Andy Ascolese, the band’s drummer, provides a powerful rhythmic foundation, his dynamic drumming propelling the music with precision and energy. Meanwhile, Andy Graziano takes many of the lead guitar passages – his style is original but yet more than just a copy of. Robert Kipp, on the Hammond organ, brings a classic Yes Album, soulful element to the mix, which compliments Christopher Clark who adds layers of keyboard textures – together they enhance the band’s sound with a modern yet timeless atmosphere. When you mix all of this together, you get a cohesive and vibrant sonic experience that bridges the past and the future. Does it sound like the band we know and love? Yes!
Back to “Once Upon A Dream” – it’s got a spectacular ending with all of the players getting their chance to shine. In my opinion this song has a very strong possibility of ending up in my 2024 Top 10 prog tracks and I believe it would work incredibly well in a live context!
It’s understandable that a close of album gear-shift is what’s needed after that extravaganza, and what we get is a beautiful ballad / tribute from Jon to his wife Janee! The song “Thank God” is a simple thank you to his partner. We know that Jon has had various medical issues already mentioned and his tribute is: “Thank God I’m here, thank God I’m home, thank God you’re in my life”! The Band Geeks pitch the backing perfectly – orchestral and subtle is just what’s needed, yet playing is powerful.
When this album was announced, I have to admit to being a bit nervous. Sure The Band Geeks credentials were unquestionable and they shown they could play great Yes covers… but that didn’t necessarily guarantee a great album! However, the combination exceeded my expectations by quite some way. I know fans of Olias will immediately flame me, but I’m going to say this is quite simply the best (and my favorite) Jon Anderson solo album! Maybe that comparison is poor because it is a band album. Either way, who cares – the album places everything we love about Jon into a musical collaboration with musicians who are in sympathy and understand just what is needed. To me, the whole “is it / is it not Yes?” question is totally spurious when you are handed an album like this from a legend like Anderson. ‘True” is a brilliant album from one of the most important voices in Prog history and only further cements his legendary status as one of Prog’s ‘True’ pioneers.
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Released on August 23rd, 2024
Tracks Listing
1. True Messenger
2. Shine On
3. Counties and Countries
4. Build Me an Ocean
5. Still a Friend
6. Make it Right
7. Realization Part Two
8. Once Upon a Dream
9. Thank God
Line-up / Musicians
Jon Anderson / vocals
Richie Castellano / bass, guitar
Andy Graziano / guitar, bass
Rob Kipp / guitar, keyboards
Andy Ascolese / drums
Chris Clark / keyboards
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