JON ANDERSON: Open

This afternoon I am scheduled to talk to legendary singer Jon Anderson, late of Yes, and so in preparation I listened to his new recording. 'Open' is very much a 21st Century record. For the first thing, as far as I can tell, it is only available in that most 21st Century of formats, Digital Download, and it is also only about 20 minutes long which makes it somewhere between an EP and an album in old parlance.

But who cares? It is a tremendous piece of music. It only costs £2.49 from iTunes, so I strongly urge you all to go out and buy a copy. It is a retuirn to the long-form style of composition that Jon has always done so well, and if you can imagine Yes jamming with Aram Khachaturian then you might have some idea about it sounds like. I namecheck Khachaturian because there are as many classical influences here as prog-rock ones, and the classical influences (to my ears at least) all have the exhilirating winds of the steppes whistling through them. The final movement, in particular has some of the most elegantly unfettered string arrangements I have heard in many a year.

However, don't trust my owrd alone. What do I know? I'm only a fat hippy zoologist living in a tumbledown cottage with a peculiar dog. This is what his official website says..

10/25/2011 – Much to the excitement of music fans across the globe, on October 25, 2011 legendary YES vocalist Jon Anderson will release as a digital download an epic musical work entitled "OPEN." A return to the long-form composition that Jon Anderson is best known for, (“Close To The Edge”, “Gates of Delirium”, "Revealing" and “Awaken”), OPEN is a 21-minute exhilarating musical journey; a pioneering effort that weaves intricate melodic and harmonic themes within a classical music framework whilst showcasing Anderson's iconic vocals and timeless melodies throughout. In many ways OPEN is a return to Jon Anderson's musical roots, as YES music continually flows through his veins, making it only natural to revisit now and again. Coupled with wonderful orchestration by his neighbor and good friend Stefan Podell, messages of peace, love, light and freedom are further explored within OPEN, making listening an uplifting and joyous experience! Read on...

Check out the Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman page at Gonzo
Check out the Anderson, Wakeman, Bruford and Howe page at Gonzo