ALBUM REVIEW | Jon Anderson 'True' +

[@daveschlom4033]

About those harmonies... Richie and the Geeks ALL sing. And the brought in "the nuclear option. Ann Marie Nacchio.

[@ricmatteson225]

Just so glad for the Band Geeks. Totally surreal, Jon Anderson calls them and they tour and then this album. Awesomeness 😊 Been a Yes fan over 50 years, this is The Spirit of Yes.

[@2wayplebney]

It's the best Yes album since ever!

[@Pete90125]

1973 for me 👍

[@nickpatten5263]

Spiritual heart of Yes is Jon, you’re absolutely right Andy. This album which I’ve listened to all day is awesome. Great review Andy.

[@johnmarchington3146]

Roger Dean to the rescue. Seriously, Andy, thanks for the great reviews. I'm going to check both albums out.

[@tonyspada2744]

Jon Anderson is still so creative and vocally strong. We call him the Voice of Heaven.❤ 😊

[@misterpid]

Richie Castellano posted a great video going over the making of this album track by track on his channel.

[@paulramon3353]

great stuff, please do more current album reviews Andy!

[@richard127gm]

You truly are the most intelligent reviewer of this genre. You must do more reviews of new albums.

[@CarwynGravell]

Quite possibly your finest hour Andy, sublime, serious and silly. I listed to the Jon Anderson when it landed and loved it but thought, is it only me, is it that good? So glad you also recognise its joy and exuberance. Will check out Lewis Cole, thank you...

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Louis Cole...check him out

[@markhollands6260]

I think Richie Castelano is singing harmony vocals on the video clip just released

[@michaelbenz8092]

I love the analysis of Jon's album cover.

[@88Binky88]

So sorry that our Jon’s album cover is so awful, so tacky. Enjoyed the “serious/silly” takedown!

[@thomasmoroney1079]

I won’t even listen to any music by “YES?” without Jon. For once I completely agree with you!😂✌️

[@SPY1964-LL]

Drama is good, but that is about it.

[@thomasmoroney1079]

@@SPY1964-LL yeah I guess I kind of liked that album?? But I can honestly say I haven’t looked for it to put on in a long long time.😂✌️

[@tomhenninger4153]

Really great review and looking forward to listening. I saw them live a few months ago, incredible. thx Andy!

[@TRespalto]

Richie Castellano is responsible for much of the vocal blend. His vocal skills are remarkable.

[@88Binky88]

Yes, and all the others sang background vocals. There are also wonderful vocal contributions from Ann Marie Nacchio!

[@SPY1964-LL]

Ritchie kills it with Blue Oyster Cult too. Baby Ice Dog - Baby...that's the breaks!

[@langobard5546]

Richie recorded cover of Bohemian rhapsody all by himself. All instruments, all multi layered vocals.

[@desistindo1]

What a complete and perfect review, I agree with everything you said and showed. I was also shocked by the terrible cover of such an amazing album and I also immediately made a alternate cover.

[@desistindo1]

@@brunop.r6997 Thanks Bruno, I couldn't share it. I think many will like it. This paint of Roger Dean is highly representative and symbolic. Jon is represented by this antelope. Antelopes are symbols of mystical, wise and sacred animals, this gray deer represents our mature Jon Anderson well. He is Close to the Edge, in his advanced age contemplating the other side, the spiritual plane observed in the background, the theme of his lyrics throughout his career. The tree is also old, on the edge of the cliff, with its beauty and all the symbolism that a tree contains, bearing its fruits for the next generation (band geeks). In addition, I respected the colors and tones of the original cover.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

That's actually good!

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

I have made it the thumb! And given you credit in the description. If you want it deleted email me. I hope you like my gesture...

[@desistindo1]

@@AndyEdwardsDrummer Ah! It's an honor to be able to participate in your wonderful channel, even more so in this way, thank you and congratulations once again for your unique work.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Check it out! And a link to your artwork in the description too!

[@drummusicinc4027]

Wow…. Just wow. Fantastic record. 👍

[@benmartin5417]

I’m nearly 56 and I adore Louis Cole. Nice summary of his work for new listeners.

[@kgrant67]

I was watching the video for one of the tracks and thought huh, that looks like the guitar player that's been with Blue oyster cult for the last number of years but I thought, certainly not. Just checked the line up and sure enough, that's Richie Castellano. He has really raised the level of Blue oyster cult since he's been in and I think is one of the reasons their newest album was so fantastic too

[@miykaelp5284]

He mostly plays bass on the Jon Anderson album too and does a great job of channelling Chris Squire at times.

[@kgrant67]

@AndyEdwardsDrummer your ear is amazing. I was just watching the video that Richie castellano did about making the album and they talked about how the drums on counties and countries were recorded in a different place. So you nailed it!

[@Alanb_69]

I liked the last Yes album, but this album is better.

[@charleswagner2984]

I've always said that ABWH is an Anderson solo album with Howe and Wakeman contributing a lot to Jon's songs. None of it is Yes music, but still a good effort. True is the same thing with different musicians, but better than current Yes and better effort than ABWH. But there is something in Yes music that is missing on True. I give everyone credit for trying real hard to sound like Yes. Definitely better than any Yes music without Anderson.

[@jirikrajnak9047]

home improvement and bilbo anderson are defo leading the pack.

[@BayouMaccabee]

Andy, I really appreciate & enjoy your new album reviews. Please continue to do more.

[@davidarchibald3755]

I also, was getting into it from the first track and unlike most recent recordings I listened all the way through and enjoyed All of it. I’m a musician as well. This is a great record.

[@stillill10000]

You're right. I rarely give new music a chance of any kind, but this is very good, not boring. Good job Andy for some reason, I keep coming back to your channel

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Thanks for listening

[@basspartout]

Great review!! I also love 90125, and I know that most of the great musicians I respect and admire, do as well. It's a masterpiece and so is this new album.

[@robertdillon9989]

All the band geeks and extra female vocalist are represented in the vocal harmonies. Yes, John Anderson is tracked multiplayer but then again, so is the bass player on most tracks. I have watched an interview with the band geeks, explaining how the album was produced. As far as, the extra fills in going crazy on the virtuality, Jon asked them to do it. He said that’s the new way forward, they very much played to his standards as he intended them to, completely aware that they were creating perhaps his last few legacies before the end of his career, and they felt honored to do so ! Which comes through in the work they put in, which was immense

[@th5841]

Metropole Orkest is a Netherlands based orchestra with the conductor and arranger Jules Buckley. Snarky Puppy, Cory Wong and many great artists have cooperated with them. I need to listen to this album!

[@markedmonds2072]

The Orchestre have great guests at the North Sea Jazz festival every year.

[@davidbagnall335]

Great Video ! They took a sample of True and threaded it through the Double Album, called " Of The Heart, Of The Soul And Of The Cross: The Utopian Experience".

[@progman777]

Fantastic review Andy! Thank you

[@JeffCooper10538]

Loved the way you drew the two albums together. Very good. The JA sleeve is interesting. I’ve not heard an album cover talked about quite so much in a very very long time. So quiet possibly = job done.

[@aymericleroy8500]

From what I understand, "Counties and Countries" was recorded several months before the rest of the album, just prior to their first tour (spring 2023). The rest of the album was done in late 2023/early 2024. Congratulations for noticing the difference in production.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

I have pretty good ears, but i did think JA did all the bvs which is apparently not the case

[@brentlwhite]

Five songs in, and I’m overjoyed! I liked “1000 Hands.” It brought me a lot of happiness during the difficult year of 2020. But this is another level. Your words about Anderson’s ear for a melody (improved with age?) are spot on. These melodies emerge so readily throughout the album. And instead of being in a hurry to move on to the next thing-perhaps some dazzling display of prog virtuosity-the band takes time to build on them. Love it! And thank you.

[@JeffCooper10538]

Investigating the Louis Cole album on the back of this. You had me at “combining with an orchestra”.

[@747jono]

Great review as always Andy with a twist 😂😂😂😂

[@pascaldeshayes5459]

Thank you so much for these reviews. Great job! I'm so happy that you're pushing Louis Cole in such a positive way. This guy really is a special voice, and my understanding is that he wrote and arranged the whole orchestral arrangements himself (!). Your reference to Squarepusher brought back fond memories of that 90s vivid and fascinating UK scene.

[@colinburroughs9871]

I think it's wild that Yes is subject that has the word "new" attached to it every few years.

[@MarcClaris]

Thanks for the intro to Louis Cole - just scored 2 seats for Amsterdam - brilliant

[@southsidesky]

I know you're repeating what Jon Anderson said about 70's YES lyrics over the years, but you need to watch some documentaries by "Rael's Prog Rock Docs" about the making of Close to the Edge, Topographic, etc....... You'll find out that there was significant meaning to the songs on those albums. The songs made sense to me fifty years ago when i was in my early twenties, although I was wrong on some of the specifics of their meaning. I think these docs are necessary watching for any avid YES fans..................

[@pjono77]

I agree Andy, Jon's is incredible album. Looking for to seeing you soon with Tim B.

[@JeffCooper10538]

Loved the way you drew the two albums together. Very good. The JA sleeve is interesting. I’ve not heard an album cover talked about quite so much in a very very long time. So this quite possibly = job done.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Thanks for listening Jeff

[@sciwiz57]

Great band- Jon Anderson is amazing! So much better than Howe’s pale tribute band with his Anderson clone. Seeing Jon and the geeks Sept 19 in NY

[@AndyAction]

Killer album and band! I’m looking forward to seeing them in September. Interesting to hear you reference 1980’s Drama record in this context though.

[@francoispitre6292]

God i love Louis Cole , and Clowncore !

[@roberttee9790]

Well done again. RE: that last album cover. The only song appropriate inside would be Jon singing a cover of the Pythons "I'm a lumberjack". Thank you again Andy of Edwards

[@lanfear664]

Never heard of Louis Cole, but listening to Nothing atm.... and loving it. Many thx!

[@747jono]

Best review heard so far articulate as always cheers

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

What do you expect? I have the best viewers!

[@jackr.1609]

The bass player plays on a Rickenbacker, which is well known as Chris Squire's favorite poison

[@rocklanglois8378]

You are so right about the album cover. This is the reason why I did not pre-order that vinyl... Now I'm not sure if I will buy it, even if the music looks to be so good... Thanks for another great video Andy!

[@Nephilim-81]

I absolutely love your Music album reviews, Andy. You dive into the art so well. I’m enthusiastic. I’m gonna give that Lewis Cole album a go! Thank you!

[@WilliamofKent]

Great recommendation on the Jon Anderson release, Andy. Thank you! Also, I never heard of Magenta, and so downloaded "the essential" album and am loving it!

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

The essential album being the one I'm on...'The 27 Club'

[@2wayplebney]

This is such good news on a soggy Sunday morning. I have always felt that Jon is the heart and soul of Yes, and without him they are at best The Buggles. I cannot wait to hear this record.

[@2wayplebney]

I've listened to it twice now. It is indeed excellent.

[@mre8096]

You sold it to me. I love YES , I love MAGENTA.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Rob Reed will be on here soon talking about Mike Oldfield

[@JeffCooper10538]

Really interesting analysis re True. An aid to my repeated listening of the JA album here for sure.

[@davekershaw3695]

The album reminds me of Ladder-era Yes. An album I really enjoy actually. Thanks for the great review Andy 👌

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@wotireckon]

No. 4 is easily the silliest! Many thanks for a great video and for alerting me to both albums. Don't know how I missed Louis's album release 🙄

[@peterdavies5358]

Wow. I heard about this stuff with Geek a few months ago and was very interested but there wasn't anything about. It crossed my mind again when I heard a podcast talking about the Pistols gig where the idea of the old band with a new singer was discussed and this brought to mind this Geeks project. I'd not thought about it since first hearing about it so imagine my surprise when I checked on Saturday that the album had come out the day before. Now that some weird chance. Anyhow, the album, it's bloody great. It's like the Yes Album period band working with virtually the full pallet of Yes's material but really mixing it up well. That 80's stuff that I'm not over familiar with does have a great pop sensibility and it really adds vitality to the mix. It's a bit durative but in a good way, it ticks every box, scratches every itch but it's just so vital. There's non of that half a bpm too slow feeling that I've sometimes felt with later Yes stuff, this is that sharp, young, keen and even sometimes a bit modish hungry and exciting young band. It's joining my Going for the one and before Yes albums. Now to see what you think of it Andy. After hearing your thoughts, Yes, yes and yes. Exactly what I heard. My favourite bands are Yes, Wire and Pere Ubu amongst others but both Wire and Ubu are bands who are still making some of their best stuff while having an absolutely solid early period that could have easily nailed them to past while keeping their credibility as fantastic bands but they didn't, not an easy thing to pull off, The Fall did it too but now Yes have done it, I know it's Jon but in my heart it's a Yes album. Has he done what Robert Fripp did and joined his own tribute band, I don't know or care really, he's just pulled out one of the best bits of work of his career.

[@jagajazzin]

I'm so glad you're so excited about your the newest Louis Cole. I think he's a needed, refreshing breath of air in a world so stale

[@ProgCog]

Saw a version of Yes in 2014 with Howe, Squire and White, but not Jon Anderson. And 2 weeks ago saw Jon Anderson and the Band Geeks, up close. No question Yes requires Jon Anderson to be Yes. Totally blown away by the man and the band.

[@mre8096]

Cheers Andy, nice one!🥸👍

[@genalof]

You got me to grab a copy, already a fan, even city of angels, 3 ships etc.

[@lpj55]

I vote for cover 1 as the starting point for an excellent cover, but changing TRUE to the light blue colour and making it a little smaller and parallel with the bottom edge. Nice work Andy.

[@francis-808]

I had never heard of Louis Cole prior to this video-it’s interesting stuff. Thanks, Andy. If you haven’t heard of Mike Kneally already, I think you would enjoy his work immensely.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

I have played on albums with Mike...I wish he would come on here

[@stevensheffield2059]

Thanks Andy..keep up the reviews

[@paulcollins5586]

Great review and discussion. Cheers.

[@ulfskjol]

That last cover suggestion! 😆😆

[@aminahmed2220]

What a fantastic video have a wonderful day Andy ❤😊

[@rickwills4281]

Just broke away from this vid to watch the Louis Cole concert......fascinating stuff!!

[@markperry9427]

I understand completely what you are saying, and I have this argument with a couple of friends frequently, progressive rock became shortened to prog rock and then it became a genre with parameters, totally flying in the face of "progressive", so many bands like Flower Kings, Spock's Beard and Big Big Train are simply prog, they've stuck at a point and can't go beyond it, they do not understand what it means to be progressive and prog was all about originally and they all bore me, Marillion have become exactly the same same and don't even start me on Transatlantic. Steven Wilson continues to be progressive, his album last year The Harmony Codex is progressive. Bands like Pineapple Thief are making their own sound, progressive, if we embrace change and progression we will always move forward. I agree about that album cover, compare that with the album The Invention of Knowledge which Jon Anderson did with Roine Stolt which has one of the best modern prog album covers ever.

[@adriancowley488]

Great video Andy hope you and your family have a great bank holiday Adrian 🎉

[@apchsiri1156]

At first glance I thought that was a picture of Anderson on sax.

[@seanarthurjoyce7366]

Thanks for the review. To me, Prog is the greatest of all musical genres. As you say, it incorporates literally everything in music (well, except maybe country) and has no limits to its possibilities.

[@richardallankellogg]

There are many voices used, not just Jon’s. In the youtube video, ‘’The Band Geeks made an album with Jon Anderson ”, by Richie Castellano, youtube id 03Og3bX70x0?si=H_mulRHfjI_WRzfy they tell the story of each song. And they suggest they were not trying to play just like they thought Yes would play it. And I agree, Steve Howe has turned Yes into: Steve Howe, and his Yes tribute band. They are not very good, and Howe is pretty moody these days. I worshiped him in the mid 70s.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

I got it wrong about the vocals

[@Mm1twiggy]

Thanks for this Andy

[@frankarnold4889]

Jon was more than just a musician with Yes. He had a creative vision that made them something special. I somehow get the impression he is a lot happier now doing things his way, rather than going back to his old band and competing against 4 other egos.

[@dano1962]

Loved the last album cover! The fact that the type is not exactly straight and he is says it is true is even more telling!

[@jeffreytaylor6257]

Nothing. Stunning. Wow. Thanks for the introduction.. JT

[@Qyngali]

Actually pretty much the whole band sings on the album, including a female singer (Richie Castellano's ex).

[@TheEleatic]

Sounds nice. Lacks an edge. Great art is the product of a cultural milieu and an intersection of unique personalities. These lyrics sound trivial. Classic Yes was a risky musical exploration and adventure. Hired guns don’t talk back. However, making music of such a high quality at his age is damn heroic!!!

[@wonekawa]

Fantastic review Andy! You are a man after my own heart when it comes to Yes music. I love your Frost* drumming too. New music is old music is new music. Thank God. Great message!🙏😎🤘🏻much better cover…

[@lesimprosdulezardvert1342]

Yes, you pointed out the right thing, progressive rock is becoming a genre, and it's not what it was about. I must quote Bill Bruford saying about ABWH "there is regressive music, and there is music. What we do is regressive music". Talking about the fact that they were playing with nostalgia, and something that was already done.

[@ericarmstrong6540]

I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment that Jon Anderson was and still is the spiritual heart of Yes. All one has to do is listen to "Olias of Sunhillow" to confirm this assertion. The extent of Jon Anderson's influence on Yes cannot be underestimated and on any group he inhabits. This is confirmed by Bill Bruford who once said that the two most influential musicians on him that he has ever played with are Robert Fripp and Jon Anderson. The Band Geeks are better than the current version of "Yes" being run by Steve Howe.

[@keriford54]

Bruford is very insightful, he said Jon was the iron hand in the velvet glove, he directed everybody and pushed them to the success they had, he said Jon would bully promotors to get them gigs, he was also the driver in getting them to practice.

[@TractorCountdown]

it's Jules Buckley with the Metropole Orkest on the Louis Cole album. Buckley did an album with Snarky Puppy (Sylva) and did the Classic House thing with Pete Tong. I'm going to have get both Louis Cole and Jon Anderson albums now.

[@chrissudall6308]

Great video, thanks. I listened to the Anderson album yesterday for the first time and also loved it, BUT and it's a HUGE but, I was absolutely nauseated by the cover from the moment I saw it in Prog Magazine. Coming to your bit on the cover has made me feel vindicated in my position! For crap's sake Jon, take one of Andy's designs here and I'll buy the album on vinyl, ideally the third Hobbit one, because I am NEVER going to have something looking like an Australian retirement village's George Michael tribute act album in my collection. Subscribed for future Prog goodness!

[@bf99ls]

@AndyEdwardsDrummer You might find this interesting. It’s an explanation by Richie Castellano (centre), drummer Andy Ascelose (centre), and keyboard player Chris Clarke (right) - who played keys for several years on Brand X tours. Chris was chosen by Richie for the Jon tours, but played on the Bad Geek Close To The Edge video, which will blow your socks off! Also, drummer Andy is primarily and keyboard player. All the Band Geeks are multi instrumentalists, all sing, as this video demonstrates. Just for your research really, if you have the time and inclination. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmSymGaYjZxjrpIsi=WqwkL0V1NxoxMPFF

[@umbertoyltp]

Magenta is fantastic, the female vocals are something else. I discovered them on Labgate Radio a few years ago. Seven is a great album (2004)

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

I play drums on The 27 club and also on Tina's second solo album. I also had a band with Rob Reed called Kiama. Our videos are on YT

[@nickmastro6870]

I’ve seen both Yes and the Band Geeks recently. Both good live bands- but Band Geeks were better, imo. For both technical wizardry and emotional impact. Close to the Edge, Awaken, Gates of Delirium performances by the Band Geeks caused many old men to cry

[@Prog-t9d]

Jon sounds great. A must have for all prog fans.

[@davidstafford9921]

Dammit. I was sipping my coffee when you revealed Jon Anderson holding a level. An involuntary spray of hot coffee covered my monitor screen.

[@WONDERSR]

Nice one Andy. True's on order, the other album I'm not sure about till I've heard something from it. Not sure I'm tha bothered about the cover, tis the music that counts the most for me. Weren't you in IQ for a while too? Where are you from in the Middlelands btw?

[@jazzpunk]

Wow! A little over a minute into the opening track...I'M IN!!! Onto Track #2: The bassist has Squire's vibe DOWN. Sad thing, I didn't know this album existed until Andy's review (today).

[@jazzpunk]

...oh, yeah. Feels like I'm back in the early '70s listening to these opening tracks. Love that feeling!

[@MisterWondrous]

Continuity and Change. I recall a similar lecture at Harvard where the prof was talking about the history of the school, and how continuity and change were essential elements in its growth and evolution; preserving what is good and mining future good. My issue with the cover art is why they grafted Robin Williams' hands onto Mr. Anderson. Kinda fun, yeah, but most won't see the porpoise hiding in the waters out back.

[@firebirdexplorervsg8672]

Can‘t wait to get my pre-ordered vinyl spinning. Seems like Anderson and the Geeks are a perfect match.

[@johngreen3587]

Some good stuff on this record

[@Atom-56]

Not just, Jon Anderson singing on True, Richie Castellano and two other Geeks are doing harmonies throughout. And what a fantastic job they did too.

[@lesimprosdulezardvert1342]

This new album cover is cool !!!

[@direnova6284]

Couldn't agree more about Jon being the heart of Yes. Through my personal favourite era of Yes Jon was the director of the bands ambition. You can tell when you hear Olias of Sunhillow that although it doesn't sound like Yes it delivers on what otherwise only Yes can give you, a sort of surreal dreamscape with a hippy mysticism, magical stuff.

[@davidwhiteford4936]

Outstanding, I vote for the spirit level cover. Maybe the album comes with a protractor tucked in the sleeve so Jon can help all of us find what's true!

[@SphericalHang]

I listened to the Band Geeks play Yes before they got together with Jon Anderson. Great band! Hope Jon brings them to the UK to tour.

[@MACTRUQUE]

IF ONLY it had this kind of art

[@mancuniancandidatem]

I think it is mentioned in one of Louis Cole's recent videos that lead vocals on the album are re recorded in the studio. He is open about cleaning things up in post after the fact, as has always been the case with most live albums.