Album : Yes – The Yes Album

CB’s musical tastes were taking him down all sorts of paths at this time and it was inevitable that he would stumble onto this album.  I forget exactly how it came about but I had a few friends who were great sources and I’m sure they steered me here.  There were similar bands I was listening to so that was the in.

The opening song on this record starts with a western movie soundtrack feel.  Loved the big sound.  The organ, drums , bass.  The organ stays on a note then the vocals come in.  Some guitar riffs add to the mix.  Steve Howe does some real great work.  Liked his sound.  Lots going on with this music and CB was digging it.  Changes of styles, tempo.  ‘Yours is no disgrace’ was a good start and whet the appetite.  Steve Howe does a solo on the second cut.  Sounded good to CB.  ‘Starship Trooper’ is a return to the whole band and to the big sound.  Like the way these guys meshed the music together.  Again it was a group effort with everyone kicking in with some great playing.  Love Chris Squire’s bass and Bill Bruford’s drums on this one.  Again lots of changes musically .  Some of it had that Jazzy fusion sound CB was listening to at the time.  Howe and Squire get into some cool playing near the end with Bruford joining in.  Kaye then fills it up with his thing.  Great jam.  Then Howe takes it out with some nice licks.  It reminded CB of Zappa’s playing.  Really dug the first side.

Group vocals opens side two with ‘I’ve seen all good people’.  Then Howe comes in with some nice acoustic guitar followed by thumping bass and drum sound.  Jon Anderson adds his vocals.  This tune started to hook CB on Anderson’s talent.  The voice fits this band.  He shines here.  CB liked the lyrics.  The recorder is a nice touch. Really solidifying their sound. Great tune.  Same as the previous tunes, the music changes and goes into some different styles.  They rock out in this one plus the jam thing again.  Howe goes to town and Squire and Bruford lay it down.  These guys could play.  Change of pace with  ‘A Venture’, the boys lay down some nice playing behind Anderson’s song, especially Kaye’s piano.  ‘Perpetual Change’ is back to that big sound again with the organ setting it up and the others joining in.  Tony Kaye’s organ playing appealed to CB and added big time to this record.  Anderson comes in with the vocals and things slow down then they pick it up again.  Really like the sound of this one.  Few more tempo changes then build to a heavier, louder sound.  Jazzy/Rock.

Liked everything about this record and band.  Throwing their individual ideas into the pot and coming up with the Yes sound and style.  These guys could play.  The Yes Album was another musical trip for CB.  Great intro to a really good band that made great music together.  He wasn’t going to stop at this record he was going to search out more.

(Note: At this time CB was discovering the connections with a lot of the bands he was listening to.  Bill Bruford on this one.  CB first heard Bill on King Crimson’s ‘Larks Tongues in Aspic’.  These connections would lead him to different and new bands.  It was amazing how many of these players would intermingle.  Like minds I guess)