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Produced by Wayne Hall, Jeffrey Crecelius and Preston Frazier
Well, here we are. Friday 23rd July 2021 and we have brand new Yes music to enjoy. The Ice Bridge is available for all to listen to on Yes’ YouTube channel and Mark and I share our initial reactions to it. Sneak preview – we love it.
We also speak to the wonderful Claire Hamill in an interview I’m sure you will enjoy as much as we did. There are some amazing and hilarious recollections about Alan White and others to enjoy.
- What was the London music scene like in the early 1970s?
- What was Alan White like?
- How was recording with Yes tribute band, Fragile?
Listen to the episode and let us know what you think!
Claire’ website – https://clairehamill.co.uk/home
Claire on the Old Grey Whistle Test in 1973:
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Show notes and links:
Join us in August to record episode 500 here:
Sadly, this trip has had to be cancelled due to travel restrictions. We hope to be able to reinstate the event next year.
YMP Patrons:
Producers:
- Jeffrey Crecelius
- Preston Frazier and
- Wayne Hall
Patrons:
| Aaron Steelman | Dave Owen |
| Mark James Lang | Paul Tomei |
| Joost Maglev | David Heyden |
| Martin Kjellberg | Paul Wilson |
| Bob Martilotta | Lind |
| Michael O’Connor | William Hayes |
| Brian Sullivan | David Pannell |
| Miguel Falcão | Lobate Scarp |
| Chris Bandini | David Watkinson |
| Neal Kaforey | Rachel Hadaway |
| Craig Estenes | Dem |
| Paul Hailes | Mark ‘Zarkol’ Baggs |
| Doug Curran | Robert Nasir |
| Fergus Cubbage | Scott Colombo |
| Fred Barringer | Scott Smith |
| Geoff Bailie | Simon Barrow |
| Geoffrey Mason | Stephen Lambe |
| Guy R DeRome | Steve Dill |
| Henrik Antonsson | Steve Perry |
| Hogne Bø Pettersen | Steve Rode |
| IanNB | Steve Scott |
| Jamie McQuinn | Steven Roehr |
| Ken Fuller | Terence Sadler |
| Michael Handerhan | Tim Stannard |
| Jim | Todd Dudley |
| John Cowan | Tony Handley |
| John Holden | Joseph Cottrell |
| John Parry | Keith Hoisington |
| John Thomson | Barry Gorsky |
| Alan Begg |
Robert and David
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Theme music
The music I use is the last movement of Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite. This has been used as introduction music at many Yes concerts. My theme music is not take from a live concert – I put it together from the following two creative commons sources: thanvannispen and archive.org
5 replies on “An interview with the well-connected Claire Hamill PLUS The Ice Bridge, the new Yes single! 492”
The interview with Claire Hamill has shot straight to the top 5 of my all time favourite YMP podcasts. What a fantastic lady. I love hearing firt had from those who were in among it all happening in those most creative days of popular music, but Claire’s recounts the days so vividly and, refreshingly, has no ego to massage or point to prove. She was there, she appreciates she was privileged to be there and she shares the experience honestly and with humour. What a lady! Thanks Claire (and Kevin & Mark for letting her reminisce without interruption)
And as for The Ice Bridge … I really want to like this – and when I try to pick it apart I discover I do! I wanted to critcise the playout – the trading licks between Steve and Geoff – it’s just over a repeated 3 chord sequence (VII, V7, I in C Aeolian, I think)- but then again – Wurm! Actually, the playout is unusual in that the solos are not traded as such, but Geoff and Steve take turns to solo either side of a few bars of a theme played by what sounds like both of them to me.
Also, of interest (to me, anyway) there are definite suggestions of Steve using a (misnamed) termelo arm (whammy bar) to swoop up to a note (5:38, 6:21). Common among the likes of Vai and Satriani, but I don’t think I’ve heard this in Howe’s playing before – care to comment, Mark?
This has so much of what I’d hoped for – but sadly, for me, the vocal melodies are what is lacking. Much as I like Jon Davison’s voice, I can’t help feeling the melodies have been written simply as a bunch of notes to fit with the underlying chord progressions. For me there simply isn’t the soul or emotion that is present in, for example, “To Ascend” (Yes, I like a lot of “Heaven and Earth”, even if it doesn’t necessarily fit within the “prog” oevre. Shoot me now, if you must)
But there is so much that is positive to take from this. I think we finally have a decent mix of old school 70’s prog (ish) sounds mixed with modern synth and sequenced sounds. The orchestra here blends wonderfully – it sounds real, but if it’s sequenced then kudos to Geoff/Dave Kerzner. I’m very excited about the “The Quest” – the music’s there – give me a bit more in the vocal melody department and I’ll be a very happy bunny.
… not only a misnamed arm but a mistyped tremelo arm! Apologies.
What a wonderful interview with Claire Hamill, quite a surprise which made it all the more special. Will be keeping an eye out for her if shes ever gigging in Scotland. I think you guys enjoyed interviewing her too. Lovely stuff
That’s whats so good about YMP btw. Hadnt listened for a few episodes and downloaded this beauty.
I love the new song! It’s really, really good! I played it at the office at the Moldjeazz festival’s newsroom, and all of my fellow reporters and photographers liked it too. Really looking forward to the album now. I have of course ordered the deluxe package and will live on scraps, air and sunshine for a while…