Chris Squire — Fish out of Water(cd & Dvd)

Fish out of Water is a welcome reissue of one of the more effective Yes Solo albums from the mid seventies, this from the groups bass player and longest standing member. Here it’s given a deluxe expanded edition spread across two disks with the first disk featuring the orignal album and the secound disks a dvd.

Sadly this would be his only solo album which is a pity as he managers to expand much of the album beyond the Yes signature sound and give it something quite distinctive. Understandingly the Yes influence pops up here and there, but only the first track Hold out your hand really sounds in Yes country and could well have appeared on one of the 1970's Yes albums. The rest of the album has not Surprisingly has quite a bass led feel bringing to mind a more prog take on the Police, with classical, funk, jazz and pop influences weaved in. With Squire's voice sounding a little Sting like, as well as Crosby, Stills and Nash harmony pop momments and of course Yes singer Jon Anderson, but never a carbon copy of any of them.

Joining Squire for the album are Yes drummer Bill Bruford and keyboard player Patrick Moraz, Along with Andrew Pryce Jackman on  acoustic and electric pianos, orchestrations, Barry Rose on pipe organ, Mel Collins on  saxophone & Jimmy Hastings on Flute. The album is prog yet approachable aptly mixing together rock, funk, jazz,  dramatic and cinematic  string work and pop, really taking you on a musically adventure in the finest tradition of 1970’s albums. Though there are only five tracks in all  the album it never gets too indulgent, Squire often letting others shine brightly, at there base these really well written songs expanded off in different and exiting musically tangents. String work appears a lot through out, but it never over comes the base rock instrumental power &  It’s all arranged immaculately if of course a little flamboyant in places.

The second DVD disk is a real bonus and not just an add on with  commentary on the whole album by Chris Squire lasting near on an hour, intercut with live footage from the time ect- which is a very enjoyable incite into the recording process. As well as a 40 minute interview with himself talking about the album, the time and of course yes, Also there’s two enjoyable promos from Hold out your hand and you by my side.

All in all a great and rewarding reissue with over two hours of extra’s giving this 1975 classic solo album a devesered airing once more. Of course of interest to Yes and 70’s prog fans, as well as 70’s soundtrack fans too.