Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman, & Howe — Self Titled

Here’s a reissue of one of the off-shoots from long running British prog band Yes. This self title debut appeared in 1989, and really it was a Yes album in all but name, as it featured 90% of the bands classic line-up, but due to issues with the name at the time, the band had to go for one of the most lengthy( and ego fed) names of all time. But don’t let that put you off as this stands as some of the best work recorded by(members of) Yes in the 80’s & 90’s.

This 2014 reissue on Esoteric Recordings comes in the form of a double CD set, and as you'd expect with this label you get worthy bonus material (a whole discs worth!).  And a short but highly informative inlay booklet, which takes in a recent three page write-up about the album, artwork of single cover, live pictures, full lyrics & full album credits. As well as a new a great new remastering- which makes the album sound even more layered & detailed, with out  highlighting any of the  more bland/life-less side of 1980’s album production.

Sound wise the albums nine tracks are dramatic & memorable slices of 1980’s prog, that are edged with multi genre touches & creative AOR pop craft.  And as mentioned early the album features the 90% of the classic Yes line-up(which recorded classic early 70’s albums such as Fragile &  Close To The Edge)- so the line up takes in Jon Anderson on vocals, Steve Howe on guitar, Rick Wakeman on keyboards, and Bill Bruford on drums- the only person missing here is bass player Chris Squire, and his role is taken on by highly respected American bassist Tony Levin- who over the years has worked with the likes of King Crimson, Peter Gabriel, and Liquid Tension Experiment.

The album kicks off with the track "Themes", and this opens with a bright & urgent almost Steve Reich like interlocking piano & keyboard motif. With-in a few minutes the 80’s drums, darting bass line, subduded strutting guitar, and Jon Anderson soaring vocals enter, and pretty soon we get great yet never over indulgent layered keyboard soloing & guitar runs appearing. The track mangers to masterfully flit between soaring & dramatic instrumental runs, yet never losing it’s memorable & tuneful base- and really that’s the best way to describe the whole album- as it balances perfectly virtuoso & intelligent musician-ship, with tuneful & dramatic song craft. Sure in places it does sound of it’s time, but these moments can be mostly brushed off, and really I do have a soft spot for 80’s pomp; as long as it doesn’t go too over indulgent or cheesy- and it never really does here.

The second disc takes in five tracks- and these are all single & 12inch versions of album tracks, and yes these are not the most spectacular or special of extras- but it’s nice to have them along side the main album, as a full sonic statement of studio work of this great, but short running side project of Yes. The project only created this single studio album( though there was talk of more studio work, but it never appeared) and two live albums 1993’s A Evening Of Yes Music & 2012’s Live At The NEC.

All in all this is another very worthy reissue from Esoteric Recordings, and if you’re a fan of Yes, or 1980’s prog in general this really is a no-brainer.