Episode 67 – The Yes Alphabet – ‘G’

Hey Kevin,

Nice show today, and thanks for the shout out on the videos! Wasn’t expecting that. I wanted to add what I know (and think) about “Give and Take.” I don’t think it’s Rabin and Howe playing together, as it is my understanding that the only crossover talents for the Yes West/ABWH sesssions on “Union” are Chris and Jon. Much of the guitar might very well be Jimmy Haun, whom Elias used to replace many of Steve’s parts throughout the “Union” sessions. You can hear Steve’s solo vocals at the very end of the song–that’s him singing the phrase “give and take.” I do think you are right about the Rabinesque quality of the song. I know that Clive Davis was pushing Jon and Elias to have more acessible, hit single like songs on the new ABWH album. Evidently, he wasn’t satisfied with the fact that ABWH was “only” a gold album. It was Davis’s suggestion to Jon to bring in Trevor Rabin to guest and write a song or two to enhance the hit single likelihood for ABWH II. And it was that suggestion that ultimately led to the Union album and project. Ironically, “Union” sold essentially the same number of copies as ABWH, but cost twice as much to produce! Good plan, that. So, in short, I don’t think it’s Steve and Trevor on “Give and Take.” There are several reasons, though, why it may sound that way.