The Gonzo Daily: LINK: Steve Howe Discusses This Summer's Cross Styles Music Retreat

Sunday, 7 April 2013

LINK: Steve Howe Discusses This Summer's Cross Styles Music Retreat

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Steve Howe is not predisposed to retreat, particularly not in the morning.

One of rock music’s most respected and prolific guitar heroes — and a cornerstone of two enduringly iconic classic-rock bands — Howe has eased up just a bit on his overtime, with an eye on getting back to his solo career.

“I’ve got a bit more time on my hands since I left Asia,” said Howe during a recent phone interview from Chicago, where he was on tour with Yes, which is presenting The Yes Album, Close to the Edge and Going for the One in their entirety.

The tour continues through the end of May, after which Howe has some solo dates planned for June.

Whatever free time he may have left comes from his formal retirement in January from Asia, which he has toured extensively with since 2006 and alternated with Yes tours since 2008.

Some of that free time has been committed to a guitar retreat — the Cross Styles Music Retreat — August 19 to 23 at Full Moon Resort in Big Indian, New York. Guitar players of all skill level and experience are welcome to sign up, as are non-musicians. All-inclusive packages run from $1,195 to $2,495.

“I’ve done a lot of these over the years,” Howe said. “But I haven’t done one here. We did one on a cruise ship once … four days.” With legions of passionate fans, he is used to indulging the star-struck, and interaction with the attendees is definitely part of the experience.

“But you hope at some point the focus is on the music, and guitars, and learning,” he said.

Just not too early in the day.

“You’ll see the day begins with breakfast,” he said with a laugh. “And you’ll see I’m scheduled for the afternoon. I need some time to wake up.”

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