14.01.2008.
Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman & Howe - Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman & Howe (1989) (@256)
(Review from wikipedia, progarchives.com)
Jon Anderson grew tired of the musical direction of the "new" Yes line-up. He wanted the band to return to its classic sound. Following the 1988 tour, Anderson began working with former Yes members Rick Wakeman, Steve Howe, and Bill Bruford. Some in the group (particularly Bill Bruford) wanted to distance themselves from the "Yes" name. As it turned out, Anderson and the former Yes members were contractually unable to use the name, as Squire, White, Kaye, Rabin and Anderson jointly held those rights, dating back to the 90125 contract. Jon Anderson suggested they call themselves "The Affirmative" but the other band members felt that was disingenuous. The name "No" was also suggested, but in the end, they decided to simply name themselves -- "Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman & Howe" or simply ABWH. The project included session bassist Tony Levin, brought in by Bruford, after the two had worked together in King Crimson.
The end of the 80s was progressive's darkest period so it's easy to see why 'ABWH' was welcomed as a classic then, and it doubtless sounded very fresh upon its release, utilising contemporary production techniques and instruments combined with the old wave Yes sound.
The album opens with "Themes", a multi part track that has some great keyboards from Wakeman and a fun walking stick line from Levin. From the get go, you'll notice that Anderson's lyrics aren't as cryptic and dense as his past progressive efforts with Yes. Fist of Fire is a more atmopsheric piece with some dated keyboards from Wakeman (which represent trumpets) and some precision drumming from Bruford. "Brother of Mine" has some sincere vocals from Anderson, some great guitar work from Howe, and many complex vocal sections that really bring back memories of the old Yes. The final minutes of the track is arguably the best part of the album. Birthright has some interesting acoustic work from Howe and some underlying atmopsheric synthesizers from Wakeman, and it evolves into a bombastic and grandiose composition with great riffing from Howe throughout the entire thing as well as some overly played keyboards from Wakeman.
"The Meeting" is a piano/vocal duet between Wakeman and Anderson. It's one of Wakeman's more emotional and melodic performances on the album and it overall comes out very well. Quartet suffers from dated and somewhat contrived keyboards, and yet has some smooth guitar and some wicked soloing from Howe. "Teakbois" is a latin influenced song with marimba sounds. "Order of the Universe" has some solid bass from Levin as well as some great guitar fills from Howe and some solid harmony vocals and lead vocals. The album ends with Let's Pretend, a somber and acoustic ballad with some interesting chord progressions and some nice keyboard work, as well as some stellar acoustic guitar work from Howe. It ends the album on a lighter note and really suits the atmosphere.
The material is generally quite strong, even if Chris Squire's bass is sorely missed.
Line-up :
- Jon Anderson / vocals
- Bill Bruford / drums
- Rick Wakeman / keyboards
- Steve Howe / guitar
with
- Tony Levin / bass, vocals and stick bass
- Milton McDonald / rhythm guitar
- Matt Clifford / keyboards, programming, orchestration, vocals
Track List :
01. Themes (5:58)
02. Fist of Fire (3:27)
03. Brother of Mine (10:18)
04. Birthright (6:02)
05. The meeting (4:21)
06. Quartet (9:22)
07. Teakbois (7:39)
08. Order of the Universe (9:02)
09. Let's pretend (2:56)
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Original Post Date : 20 Oct 2007 | 3:11 AM
