YES Album 55th- Jon Anderson, Steve Howe, Bill Bruford, Tony Kaye 2-9

“Have you heard this record right here called The YES Album?”, the record distribution guy asked me  in 1971, his eyes dancing. “They sound like an electrified Crosby, Stills, and Nash!” His name was Joe Gerzak, and he had at least a hundred new albums from which to choose, stacked horizontally on the floor of his tiny little house in Findlay, OH. Intrigued by his description and enthusiasm, I listened to this quintet from London performing “Yours is No Disgrace”, “Starship Trooper”, “I’ve Seen All Good People”, and “Perpetual Change” and was blown away. The virtuosity of musicianship and production ear candy were simply non-stop.

Now, old Joe the Record Guy should probably refrain from writing music reviews, but clearly experiencing the YES Album fifty-five tears ago was a life-changing moment for me  and, subsequently, millions more around the world. To discuss those days, we have lead singer/lyricist Jon Anderson, guitar great Steve Howe, drummer nonpariel Bill Bruford, original YES keyboardist Tony Kaye, and the late all-important bassist/harmony singer Chris Squire with me In the Studio for the double nickel anniversary of The YES Album February 9. –Redbeard