Jim, I listen to something from True almost every day. If it's Once Upon a Dream, I find myself dancing... this is the best gift I never expected. Thanks for the great reaction.
This album gave me memories of putting tales from topographic oceans on the turntable in 1974. An absolute gift from Jon to us Yes fans , thank you Jon
Re the Jon & and current Yes relationship. There are warmer trays of ice cubes. Current Yes is a busted flush and ought to call it a day. True is utterly sublime. It is the Yes album the faithful have been waiting for for decades. Geeks are exceptional and Jon at almost 80 is a legend in every sense of the word.
Couldn’t agree with you more. It’s truly sad that Jon can’t be in the band he founded with Chris Squire. But I am really happy that he made this album with the band geeks.
Seriously.. listen to the two different bands play "Starship Trooper" recently First Jon and the Geeks ua-cam.com/video/QXk7stbOZv8/v-deo.html Now, the Steve Howe tribute band. ua-cam.com/video/vznjCiviPyE/v-deo.html Does Downes actually have his keyboards turned on?
The current Yes is OK sounding, instrumental wise ....it's rhe voice. Jon D may be a great guy, most likely is, I just can't. Love Billy!, Solo, CIRCA:, World Trade, but not this Yes. It is a sad state of a band.
You make a fine point at the very end of this review, Jim. If I ever have the honour of seeing Jon perform live here in the UK, as much as I want to hear Close to the Edge, And You And I etc, I wouldn't at all feel cheated if half of this record was part of his live set. That's a great indicator as to how good this LP is. I'm sure you'd agree with that sentiment. Whether this is his last album or not, thank God for Jon Anderson.
As long as they don't cut "Awaken", like they did when Carl Palmer opened on some shows this year. Awaken, Close to the Edge, Starship Trooper are musts. I saw them last year at three shows in St. Louis, and 2 nights in Chicago. The first night in St. Louis when Jon sang Close to the Edge. The three people next to me were in tears. Amazing live performance. This year I saw them in Kansas City, Omaha, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. (Arkansas show got cancelled).
@@JimNewsteadJon has only 3 songs from True in the set list. And they don't include Once Upon A Dream. I see him in concert next weekend. I'm a bit annoyed with just getting 3 new songs, but it might be the last time to see Jon.
This will sound odd, but i saw Jon & Geeks in early '23 in NJ, & he hit some of his highs with such clarity and power that i first felt joyous that he could still do it, but then quickly questioning... How? It clearly wasn't technical assistance. He simply has maintained his voice! Amazing.
@@JimNewsteadwhen they dropped the extra effects and he was just singing probably with just compression and some type of Noise Gate you could hear the age in his voice but just as the name of the album States it was truth, and it was still beautiful. It was his raw truth unfolding and we were truly the recipients of a gift from God. I think much of the album centered around a theme of the second coming that's what I got from it, there was God all over this recording and no matter what religion one might be I think they would be able to find their truth in it. I think it was an absolute masterpiece and I agree with you it did sound like his Swan Song and I won't say sadly because everyone has one and I think his was the most beautiful❤
Jim, I am so glad you reviewed this album. My wife and I saw Jon & The Geeks about a month ago. He said he had projects for the next 5 years. We pray he can fulfill those projects.
When I spoke to Jon a year or so back we were talking about maybe doing a Jon and Vangelis tour....but he said he had many things in the pipeline and I'd heard he had discovered The Band Geeks. Obviously he chose a better route to follow. I heard this album and it frankly made me cry Jim. Its absolutely amazing. Close your eyes and it could be Yes, if it lacks the backing vocals of Chris...the bass could be him. This is the "Yes" album Ive been hoping for for so many years. If it was a Yes album it would be in my top 5 Yes albums.
Great reviews Jim, not just here, but always. I saw The Band Geek videos on UA-cam apparently back before Jon did, when Ann Marie did all the vocals, and was floored by how great they/she sounded. I was so excited when I saw the announcement Jon was touring with them back in '23, I bought tickets that night. I'm so glad she was able to have a place on this outstanding album.
Thank you Jim. Your review is absolutely profound!! It is amazing that these musicians linked up with Jon at this time. I sort of had the same opinion/feeling that this might be Jon's 'swan song' when I had a first listen. Hopefully, we're both wrong. Jon has stated time and again that he has much more music in him to get out. Always enjoy your reaction while listening and your comments. Keep up the great work!!
I said it to... Feels like a Swan Song.....Once Upon A Dream ,, though.... But Mr. Anderson says he is not finished. Hell yes....keep plugimg along my friend. Been a fan for 35 years.
My brother and I were listening to some Yes just last week and I said to him that I wish the remaining members would re-record some tracks using the technology of today. It's as if my prayers were answered. This album is quite simply superb.
Can you imagine CTTE again with better keyboards....I'm a player. I would love to hear old YES music re-recorded by YES members, Similar to what Billy does with tribute albums....but CTTE....Jon, Steve, Rick, Levin, and Bill. .... Well we kind of got that in 90, at Shore Line....the absolute best I've ever heard. Saw Symphonic live, but it was not better. Cheers
Credits: True Messenger Written-By - J. Dunlap*, J. Anderson*, R. Castellano* Shine On Written-By - J. Anderson*, R. Castellano* Counties And Countries Written-By - J. Anderson* Build Me An Ocean Written-By - J. Haun*, J. Anderson* Still A Friend Written-By - A. Ascolese*, C. Clark*, J. Anderson*, R. Castellano* Make It Right Written-By - J. Anderson*, J. Elias*, R. Castellano* Realization Part Two Written-By - J. Haun*, J. Anderson* Once Upon A Dream Written-By - A. Ascolese*, C. Clark*, J. Anderson*, J. Elias*, R. Castellano* Thank God Written-By - J. Anderson*, R. Crow*
Hi Jim. You will be fed up of me commenting at this rate but I am so pleased you have enjoyed the album. Does my heart good to see the enjoyment in your face
Thank you for getting to this so quickly, Jim. ❤ For me, while I enjoyed everything, Thank God as a closer hits me like To The Runner on Olias. It’s a beautiful tribute to his wife, but I think I would have preferred it’s placement on side four to have been reversed, similar to Wonderous Stories and Awaken on Going For The One. Otherwise, this was a gorgeous listening experience all around. I’m sure Anderson will continue to make music, but if he is going to slow down my hope it is so he can concentrate fully on Zamran, and get it released before it winds up being a posthumous release from him. Which may be why this is a one and done collaboration with The Band Geeks. Que sera, sera. We shall see.
Surprised you had not heard Band Geeks and their fabulous Yes covers with the great vocals of Ann - Marie , love all the early Yes stuff but my fave cover is " The Calling " From an album I own but rarely listen to . Love this album !!!
Lovely review, from Jim and so reflective of my thoughts about each aspect, that he covered, such a genuine guy. I could write a verse and chapter, about some of the things he touched on……how Jon has got so many “plans for the future “ literally! He has got a four hour project called Zamran, a follow up to Sunhillow, which is not yet complete and Jon says it is the final composition , that he had wanted to put out with his true Yes brothers and is another Topergrahic Oceans! I honestly believe he has been holding out for that reunion, which is not going to happen. I think Jon forgets how old he is sometimes and I fear, he won’t have the time on his side to finish his dream album, which leaves me somewhat beguiled, in a spiritual sense…….. Jim put it in perspective, when he said this is worthy of being JAs swan song.
I feel the same as you do about this. So I’m giving you a 10 ⭐️’s on your review and I’m giving this album a perfect score as well. It hits all the right notes on a “YES” sounding album feel. I just spent awhile thinking about this and I’d even put this album tied with GFTO on the YES “works” scale. I am that impressed ! Hats off to @thebandgeeks Jon and them are both lucky to have found each other.
Not generally my type of music (Baroness, Opeth are more my styles) But I loved the first 3 songs on this album and the band are incredible. I felt the 2nd half was a bit weaker, but maybe I need to give it a few more listens!?
When Jon retires from the Band Geeks, Steve should fire his band and join the Band Geeks. He can play the steel guitar and acoustic parts and leave the electric guitar parts to Andy. Chris Clark does a wonderful job playing keyboards, very similar to Rick's playing. The entire Band Geeks band are just phenomenal. I call this collaboration with Jon "Yes 2.0". I simply love it and hope they release a Blu-ray of their live performances.
First off, this might be my album of the year. As far as your swan song theory, I think it could be his swan song creating Yes music. Jon has wanted to do Yes music for a while. He wanted back in the band, but Steve wanted nothing to do with it. He wanted to do an album with Rabin and Wakeman. That didn't work out for what I speculate the usual "Yes" reasons. He found the perfect fit in the Band Geeks. They know Yes music inside out and brought a hunger and energy that is no longer there in current band and hasn't been there for a while. As far as Jon making music, I suspect he will continue to make it as long as he can. He says he has at least 10 projects in the works. Here are a few that I know about: 1000 Hands Chapter 2 which is probably the closest to being finished, a second Anderson/Stolt album, Zamran which is a sequel to Olias of Sunhillow (apparently this is 4 hours long now), a Chinese album, and a couple of musicals. I'm sure there are other projects in various states of completion. He sent Richie at least 30 demos when they were making True. So he doesn't have a shortage of songs. My feeling is this is Jon's swan song for Yes music. I hope I'm wrong and I love this album. The Band Geeks are perfect for him. I hope he finds the time and energy to do more with them, but I don't think it will happen. I'm so thankful we got True though. I didn't realize how much I needed a Jon Anderson Yes album again. This is a perfect swan song for Yes music for him.
Jon is NOT going anywhere. Remember when he nearly drowned and she was there for him. Thank GOD means many things. Who would have thought he could make such an album at this stage.❤ ❤❤
It's quite a remarkable album and joyous, full of all the things you like throughout all the albums. The music needs further discussion and analysis I would say from Yes fans and musician’s who get what they have produced here. We are all ...well, maybe not everyone DL, but for the fan like myself for 50 years it's hard to find fault. Just think about that achievement. Fans get it and we love it as we do Jon. We have Yes still playing, Jon, Rick, Patrick, Trevor Horn, even Bill is back playing soon. Let's appreciate how lucky as a fan we are. It's amazing we have this much to see and hear still...Thank GOD. 😊❤
and Jim .... I think that you are right. I feel that this is Jon's last compositions in album form to music. I think he know it's his last....and made as if it were his last. I also feel that he is passing on his art energy or the torch to the Band Geek who will be writing, performing, and creating new music in a YES style in the future. Though not crazy about the cover or artwork of the album, the album is a Masterpiece!!!!
I can’t promise to do this every time Jeff, I spend my time making videos and caring for my little boy. But when I can, I do. Thanks for being here Jeff. Although I don’t always say it, I appreciate you man. 👍🏼😎😁
Jon has a few projects that are nearing completion, though nearing is a relatively fluid term in Jon's world. Jon has done many songs for Jane, the obvious example being 'If Only You Knew' on The Ladder. so much as True would be a good way to end I doubt Jon has that in mind.
The ONLY thing missing on this album is Squire's background vocals/harmonies. No one can mimic it and it's sorely missed on this, and the new 'Yes' albums... the one thing that is undernoticed that makes a yes song sound like them.
No way is this a Swansong. Jon has a myriad of ideas for projects he wants to finish and other's he wants to start. His days are filled with ideas and how to make them a reality. This album is just the latest in a very long line of material and collaborations. There will be more - maybe not with TBG, but he won't stop.
@@JimNewstead sorry my comment looks a bit combative and wasn't meant to be! I just can't see the God of Prog (or whatever title he was given) quitting.
LOL I think you are totally wrong about Jon disappearing after this unless something unfortunate happens. Don't get all sobby, Jon writes songs about his wife ALL THE TIME! LOL! plus his imagination, drive and voice are still too strong. I do agree that this is the album he's wanted to make for decades or since MAGNIFICATION especially since realizing that YES were not an option anymore. Steve Howe must be eating his heart out! But like magic The Band Geeks came to save the day. These guys are phenomenal and after several listens I am more and more impressed with the complex, creative and imaginatively structured arrangements. Counties & Dream are especially worthy of being considered "True' YES Epic masterpieces. But I was worried that their last Tour might be the last time I get to be blessed so I saw them last month near Los Angeles and it was incredible and bittersweet when the last note was played. I got a chill that after 53 years and numerous life changing concerts that this time may have been my last.
Listening to the first minute and a half of "Counties and Countries" instrumental opening. I expected to hear Anne Halsam start singing. VERY RENISSANCEISH.
The reason Jon did the Geeks tour and record is simple. When YES toured, they seldom PLAYED JUST LIKE THE RECORD. Whereas, Geeks learned Close to the Edge NOTE FOR NOTE. So when Jon heard them, he heard YES just like the record in 1972!!! YES rarely sounded THAT good live. Geeks didn't know any OTHER way to sound.
I would sincerely hope that everything I say, do or think are the polar opposite of Darren Lock. I don’t know the guy, but I find his videos really toxic and deliberately triggering.
@@JimNewsteadThank you for that Darron comment, Jim. Last night I stopped on his “review “, and after a minute or so, I left the review. He seems very negative towards this album and recently Anderson released albums, to the point where he seems downright insulting to Jon. But your review was Excellent and I am overjoyed that you liked the album! Thank you good sir 👍❤😊
I was a little disappointed when I saw Jon and Band Geeks live and they played NONE of the songs from this album, just old standards... which they did amazing at... Then intermission, and when they came back, they played a few, including Thank God... I was thrilled.
Howe is not a founding member.. Peter Banks was... He took control of YES and didn't cared about Anderson being ill.. Jon.. You are YES Let's Call the new band Afirmative
Hi Jim. It wasn't clear from your comments whether you were familiar with the various covers of Yes music that The Band Geeks had done on UA-cam over the years. Please do seek them out if not. They prove just how familiar they are with the style/ambience and it's no surprise that they can replicate that style on completely new music. Meanwhile, this is a very good album with the longer tracks standing out in particular but I fear that Jon sometimes crosses the line of ubertweeness that he often treads. (He was a millimetre the right side of the line on Olias but a good foot the wrong side on Thank God - and Wonderous Stories if it comes to that) (All opinions author's own and not necessarily widespread.) I did say 'not album of the year' in my comment on side 1 but on hearing it again, I'll allow it in the top 10!
I just bought it a few days ago. I've listened to one song before and it blew me away. So I'm not going to listen here until it arrives. in a few days. (Btw, the artwork stinks, don't like it at all.)
Jim, I listen to something from True almost every day. If it's Once Upon a Dream, I find myself dancing... this is the best gift I never expected.
Thanks for the great reaction.
This album gave me memories of putting tales from topographic oceans on the turntable in 1974. An absolute gift from Jon to us Yes fans , thank you Jon
Re the Jon & and current Yes relationship. There are warmer trays of ice cubes. Current Yes is a busted flush and ought to call it a day. True is utterly sublime. It is the Yes album the faithful have been waiting for for decades. Geeks are exceptional and Jon at almost 80 is a legend in every sense of the word.
Couldn’t agree with you more. It’s truly sad that Jon can’t be in the band he founded with Chris Squire. But I am really happy that he made this album with the band geeks.
Seriously.. listen to the two different bands play "Starship Trooper" recently
First Jon and the Geeks
ua-cam.com/video/QXk7stbOZv8/v-deo.html
Now, the Steve Howe tribute band.
ua-cam.com/video/vznjCiviPyE/v-deo.html
Does Downes actually have his keyboards turned on?
Agree 100%.
The current Yes is OK sounding, instrumental wise
....it's rhe voice. Jon D may be a great guy, most likely is, I just can't.
Love Billy!, Solo, CIRCA:, World Trade, but not this Yes.
It is a sad state of a band.
You make a fine point at the very end of this review, Jim. If I ever have the honour of seeing Jon perform live here in the UK, as much as I want to hear Close to the Edge, And You And I etc, I wouldn't at all feel cheated if half of this record was part of his live set. That's a great indicator as to how good this LP is. I'm sure you'd agree with that sentiment.
Whether this is his last album or not, thank God for Jon Anderson.
Yup, defo! I’d love to hear all this live.
As long as they don't cut "Awaken", like they did when Carl Palmer opened on some shows this year.
Awaken, Close to the Edge, Starship Trooper are musts.
I saw them last year at three shows in St. Louis, and 2 nights in Chicago. The first night in St. Louis when Jon sang Close to the Edge. The three people next to me were in tears. Amazing live performance. This year I saw them in Kansas City, Omaha, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. (Arkansas show got cancelled).
@@JimNewsteadJon has only 3 songs from True in the set list. And they don't include Once Upon A Dream. I see him in concert next weekend. I'm a bit annoyed with just getting 3 new songs, but it might be the last time to see Jon.
Honestly the best music I've heard in years❤
I completely agree with you. This is modern Yes, more Yes than the Steve Howe band, that's for sure.
This will sound odd, but i saw Jon & Geeks in early '23 in NJ, & he hit some of his highs with such clarity and power that i first felt joyous that he could still do it, but then quickly questioning... How? It clearly wasn't technical assistance. He simply has maintained his voice! Amazing.
Not odd at all!
@@JimNewsteadwhen they dropped the extra effects and he was just singing probably with just compression and some type of Noise Gate you could hear the age in his voice but just as the name of the album States it was truth, and it was still beautiful. It was his raw truth unfolding and we were truly the recipients of a gift from God. I think much of the album centered around a theme of the second coming that's what I got from it, there was God all over this recording and no matter what religion one might be I think they would be able to find their truth in it. I think it was an absolute masterpiece and I agree with you it did sound like his Swan Song and I won't say sadly because everyone has one and I think his was the most beautiful❤
Jim, I am so glad you reviewed this album. My wife and I saw Jon & The Geeks about a month ago. He said he had projects for the next 5 years. We pray he can fulfill those projects.
When I spoke to Jon a year or so back we were talking about maybe doing a Jon and Vangelis tour....but he said he had many things in the pipeline and I'd heard he had discovered The Band Geeks. Obviously he chose a better route to follow. I heard this album and it frankly made me cry Jim. Its absolutely amazing. Close your eyes and it could be Yes, if it lacks the backing vocals of Chris...the bass could be him. This is the "Yes" album Ive been hoping for for so many years. If it was a Yes album it would be in my top 5 Yes albums.
Great reviews Jim, not just here, but always. I saw The Band Geek videos on UA-cam apparently back before Jon did, when Ann Marie did all the vocals, and was floored by how great they/she sounded. I was so excited when I saw the announcement Jon was touring with them back in '23, I bought tickets that night. I'm so glad she was able to have a place on this outstanding album.
Thank you Jim. Your review is absolutely profound!! It is amazing that these musicians linked up with Jon at this time. I sort of had the same opinion/feeling that this might be Jon's 'swan song' when I had a first listen. Hopefully, we're both wrong. Jon has stated time and again that he has much more music in him to get out. Always enjoy your reaction while listening and your comments. Keep up the great work!!
Wonderful review hope Jon keeps making great Yes music with these guys♥️
Hey Jim! I knew you would love TRUE. It's a phenomenal album!!! 👍⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️😎
You are right there Jeff. 10/10 seems a disservice
@@TheAlbumReviewchannelDave I couldn't agree more!!!👍😎
So good!
@@JimNewstead 👍👍👍😎
I said it to...
Feels like a Swan Song.....Once Upon A Dream ,, though....
But Mr. Anderson says he is not finished.
Hell yes....keep plugimg along my friend.
Been a fan for 35 years.
My brother and I were listening to some Yes just last week and I said to him that I wish the remaining members would re-record some tracks using the technology of today. It's as if my prayers were answered. This album is quite simply superb.
Can you imagine CTTE again with better keyboards....I'm a player.
I would love to hear old YES music re-recorded by YES members, Similar to what Billy does with tribute albums....but CTTE....Jon, Steve, Rick, Levin, and Bill. ....
Well we kind of got that in 90, at Shore Line....the absolute best I've ever heard. Saw Symphonic live, but it was not better.
Cheers
Credits:
True Messenger Written-By - J. Dunlap*, J. Anderson*, R. Castellano*
Shine On Written-By - J. Anderson*, R. Castellano*
Counties And Countries Written-By - J. Anderson*
Build Me An Ocean Written-By - J. Haun*, J. Anderson*
Still A Friend Written-By - A. Ascolese*, C. Clark*, J. Anderson*, R. Castellano*
Make It Right Written-By - J. Anderson*, J. Elias*, R. Castellano*
Realization Part Two Written-By - J. Haun*, J. Anderson*
Once Upon A Dream Written-By - A. Ascolese*, C. Clark*, J. Anderson*, J. Elias*, R. Castellano*
Thank God Written-By - J. Anderson*, R. Crow*
Love your review Jim, I couldn’t agree with you more. It’s just an amazing album. 👍
Hi Jim. You will be fed up of me commenting at this rate but I am so pleased you have enjoyed the album. Does my heart good to see the enjoyment in your face
Dave I love seeing your comments!👍😎
Haha! Fed up? Never! Thanks for finding time to watch and comment.
@@JimNewsteadWatching your face through all this was literally more fun than when I heard the albums MYSELF a couple weeks back.
You're right
Just, "Thank god", behind "Once upon a dream", it's bit hard to me. I would have preferred ending with "Once upon a dream"
I enjoyed every piece of music on this album, and I love how they ended it, with 'Thank God'. Just a beautiful song.
Yes!
Thank you for getting to this so quickly, Jim. ❤
For me, while I enjoyed everything, Thank God as a closer hits me like To The Runner on Olias. It’s a beautiful tribute to his wife, but I think I would have preferred it’s placement on side four to have been reversed, similar to Wonderous Stories and Awaken on Going For The One. Otherwise, this was a gorgeous listening experience all around.
I’m sure Anderson will continue to make music, but if he is going to slow down my hope it is so he can concentrate fully on Zamran, and get it released before it winds up being a posthumous release from him. Which may be why this is a one and done collaboration with The Band Geeks.
Que sera, sera. We shall see.
I kept seeing the old members of YES in my mind's eye as I listened to it.🤩
Surprised you had not heard Band Geeks and their fabulous Yes covers with the great vocals of Ann - Marie , love all the early Yes stuff but my fave cover is " The Calling " From an album I own but rarely listen to . Love this album !!!
Lovely review, from Jim and so reflective of my thoughts about each aspect, that he covered, such a genuine guy.
I could write a verse and chapter, about some of the things he touched on……how Jon has got so many “plans for the future “ literally!
He has got a four hour project called Zamran, a follow up to Sunhillow, which is not yet complete and Jon says it is the final composition , that he had wanted to put out with his true Yes brothers and is another Topergrahic Oceans! I honestly believe he has been holding out for that reunion, which is not going to happen.
I think Jon forgets how old he is sometimes and I fear, he won’t have the time on his side to finish his dream album, which leaves me somewhat beguiled, in a spiritual sense……..
Jim put it in perspective, when he said this is worthy of being JAs swan song.
Love the back drop, Love the introduction (like the start of a movie) !!!!
In interviews, Jon A said he will not retire and intends to keep writing/performing music for years to come. But I get what you are saying.
But he did say his run with The Band Geeks is over. Nothing more to prove.👍😎
@@jeffschielka7845 where did you hear him saying that Jeff?
@@Atom-56 It was an interview he did a few weeks ago. I didn't save it.👍😎
@@jeffschielka7845 Thanks Jeff 👍
Wonderful album !! from start to finish !! not bad for a near Octogenarian 🙏
Yup, amazing.
I feel the same as you do about this. So I’m giving you a 10 ⭐️’s on your review and I’m giving this album a perfect score as well. It hits all the right notes on a “YES” sounding album feel. I just spent awhile thinking about this and I’d even put this album tied with GFTO on the YES “works” scale. I am that impressed ! Hats off to @thebandgeeks Jon and them are both lucky to have found each other.
Not generally my type of music (Baroness, Opeth are more my styles) But I loved the first 3 songs on this album and the band are incredible. I felt the 2nd half was a bit weaker, but maybe I need to give it a few more listens!?
If this is the last I would be OK with it. He has given so much. I don’t think it will be though .YES was amazing. I saw them at least 30 times.
Very impressed with this album! Listened to it through a few spins! Pretty cool!🤟🏻
Yes? There are more original Yes members in this band than in the other one... So why not?
When Jon retires from the Band Geeks, Steve should fire his band and join the Band Geeks. He can play the steel guitar and acoustic parts and leave the electric guitar parts to Andy. Chris Clark does a wonderful job playing keyboards, very similar to Rick's playing. The entire Band Geeks band are just phenomenal. I call this collaboration with Jon "Yes 2.0". I simply love it and hope they release a Blu-ray of their live performances.
Fantastic!!!
Thanks Scot!
First off, this might be my album of the year. As far as your swan song theory, I think it could be his swan song creating Yes music. Jon has wanted to do Yes music for a while. He wanted back in the band, but Steve wanted nothing to do with it. He wanted to do an album with Rabin and Wakeman. That didn't work out for what I speculate the usual "Yes" reasons. He found the perfect fit in the Band Geeks. They know Yes music inside out and brought a hunger and energy that is no longer there in current band and hasn't been there for a while. As far as Jon making music, I suspect he will continue to make it as long as he can. He says he has at least 10 projects in the works. Here are a few that I know about: 1000 Hands Chapter 2 which is probably the closest to being finished, a second Anderson/Stolt album, Zamran which is a sequel to Olias of Sunhillow (apparently this is 4 hours long now), a Chinese album, and a couple of musicals. I'm sure there are other projects in various states of completion. He sent Richie at least 30 demos when they were making True. So he doesn't have a shortage of songs. My feeling is this is Jon's swan song for Yes music. I hope I'm wrong and I love this album. The Band Geeks are perfect for him. I hope he finds the time and energy to do more with them, but I don't think it will happen. I'm so thankful we got True though. I didn't realize how much I needed a Jon Anderson Yes album again. This is a perfect swan song for Yes music for him.
Love the T shirt Jim!
Oh yes! I’ve just burned some wonderful DVDs to my hard drive. I’m just getting into Plex so now I can play on the TV indoors 👍🏼
Thank you Jim. It's perfect. I had the feeling that might be a swansong, but if it is, it's one heck of a high to go out on!
Great reaction,Jim--you nailed it mate! Cheers, T
Jon is NOT going anywhere. Remember when he nearly drowned and she was there for him. Thank GOD means many things.
Who would have thought he could make such an album at this stage.❤ ❤❤
Isn’t music wonderful?
It's quite a remarkable album and joyous, full of all the things you like throughout all the albums. The music needs further discussion and analysis I would say from Yes fans and musician’s who get what they have produced here.
We are all ...well, maybe not everyone DL, but for the fan like myself for 50 years it's hard to find fault. Just think about that achievement. Fans get it and we love it as we do Jon.
We have Yes still playing, Jon, Rick, Patrick, Trevor Horn, even Bill is back playing soon. Let's appreciate how lucky as a fan we are. It's amazing we have this much to see and hear still...Thank GOD. 😊❤
and Jim .... I think that you are right. I feel that this is Jon's last compositions in album form to music. I think he know it's his last....and made as if it were his last. I also feel that he is passing on his art energy or the torch to the Band Geek who will be writing, performing, and creating new music in a YES style in the future. Though not crazy about the cover or artwork of the album, the album is a Masterpiece!!!!
Hey Jim! Just wanted to thank you for catching up on the comments. A lot to reply to with 5 vids. Thanks again!👍😎
I can’t promise to do this every time Jeff, I spend my time making videos and caring for my little boy. But when I can, I do. Thanks for being here Jeff. Although I don’t always say it, I appreciate you man. 👍🏼😎😁
@@JimNewstead As I appreciate you Jim and your awesome channel!!!👍😎
Jon has a few projects that are nearing completion, though nearing is a relatively fluid term in Jon's world. Jon has done many songs for Jane, the obvious example being 'If Only You Knew' on The Ladder. so much as True would be a good way to end I doubt Jon has that in mind.
The Yes album after Tormato which never was
The ONLY thing missing on this album is Squire's background vocals/harmonies. No one can mimic it and it's sorely missed on this, and the new 'Yes' albums... the one thing that is undernoticed that makes a yes song sound like them.
Nice one Jim👍
What a week to get great albums by Jon Anderson, Nick Cave, and David Gilmour.
No way is this a Swansong. Jon has a myriad of ideas for projects he wants to finish and other's he wants to start. His days are filled with ideas and how to make them a reality. This album is just the latest in a very long line of material and collaborations. There will be more - maybe not with TBG, but he won't stop.
Ok, cool.
@@JimNewstead sorry my comment looks a bit combative and wasn't meant to be! I just can't see the God of Prog (or whatever title he was given) quitting.
BTW, this will be it for Jon and The Band Geeks. Jon said in an interview that it's time to move on after the current tour. One and done! 👍😎
You’re the man in the know!
@@JimNewstead Thanks Jim!👍😎
LOL I think you are totally wrong about Jon disappearing after this unless something unfortunate happens. Don't get all sobby, Jon writes songs about his wife ALL THE TIME! LOL! plus his imagination, drive and voice are still too strong. I do agree that this is the album he's wanted to make for decades or since MAGNIFICATION especially since realizing that YES were not an option anymore. Steve Howe must be eating his heart out! But like magic The Band Geeks came to save the day. These guys are phenomenal and after several listens I am more and more impressed with the complex, creative and imaginatively structured arrangements. Counties & Dream are especially worthy of being considered "True' YES Epic masterpieces. But I was worried that their last Tour might be the last time I get to be blessed so I saw them last month near Los Angeles and it was incredible and bittersweet when the last note was played. I got a chill that after 53 years and numerous life changing concerts that this time may have been my last.
This is what the Yes album "Union" SHOULD have sounded like!
Yep, not a duff track in sight. Joy upon joy. And, yes, it would be fantastic live.
Listening to the first minute and a half of "Counties and Countries" instrumental opening. I expected to hear Anne Halsam start singing.
VERY RENISSANCEISH.
The reason Jon did the Geeks tour and record is simple. When YES toured, they seldom PLAYED JUST LIKE THE RECORD. Whereas, Geeks learned Close to the Edge NOTE FOR NOTE. So when Jon heard them, he heard YES just like the record in 1972!!! YES rarely sounded THAT good live. Geeks didn't know any OTHER way to sound.
Opposite review of Darren Lock at prog review. Interesting
I would sincerely hope that everything I say, do or think are the polar opposite of Darren Lock. I don’t know the guy, but I find his videos really toxic and deliberately triggering.
@@JimNewsteadThank you for that Darron comment, Jim. Last night I stopped on his “review “, and after a minute or so, I left the review. He seems very negative towards this album and recently Anderson released albums, to the point where he seems downright insulting to Jon. But your review was Excellent and I am overjoyed that you liked the album! Thank you good sir 👍❤😊
I was a little disappointed when I saw Jon and Band Geeks live and they played NONE of the songs from this album, just old standards... which they did amazing at... Then intermission, and when they came back, they played a few, including Thank God... I was thrilled.
Howe is not a founding member.. Peter Banks was... He took control of YES and didn't cared about Anderson being ill..
Jon.. You are YES
Let's Call the new band
Afirmative
Hi Jim. It wasn't clear from your comments whether you were familiar with the various covers of Yes music that The Band Geeks had done on UA-cam over the years. Please do seek them out if not. They prove just how familiar they are with the style/ambience and it's no surprise that they can replicate that style on completely new music. Meanwhile, this is a very good album with the longer tracks standing out in particular but I fear that Jon sometimes crosses the line of ubertweeness that he often treads. (He was a millimetre the right side of the line on Olias but a good foot the wrong side on Thank God - and Wonderous Stories if it comes to that) (All opinions author's own and not necessarily widespread.) I did say 'not album of the year' in my comment on side 1 but on hearing it again, I'll allow it in the top 10!
I think I’ve seen something back during lockdown but not for a few years.
I just bought it a few days ago. I've listened to one song before and it blew me away. So I'm not going to listen here until it arrives. in a few days. (Btw, the artwork stinks, don't like it at all.)
Haha! Yup!
Honestly the best music I've heard in years❤❤❤