As John Lennon once sang – Strange Days Indeed. However, we aim for a little bit of normality here on the YMP.
This week Mark and I caught up with Dave Watkinson and had a great time talking about his debut as record producer. Jon Anderson and The Warriors – The Lost Demos EP is out on 7in vinyl now from Plane Groovy Recors and you can get your copy – if you are quick – at BurningShed.com.
What did Geoff Downes do between Yes and Asia?
Did he finish it?
Were Yes right to cancel their mini tour and their appearance at Cruise to the Edge?
Listen to the episode and let us know what you think!
If you would like to support the Yes Music Podcast financially and also have access to exclusive activity and opportunities, there is a special page you can use to sign up and 2020 is the time to join us:
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
This week, I’m away for work so it’s been impossible to create a full episode. However, there are two important Yes updated we need to cover so I attempted to connect with Mark from my hotel room – which worked, a bit…
So what we have is a very short episode covering the announcement of the US Tour dates for 2020 and the press release from Dave Watkinson which I’ve copied below:
JON
ANDERSON and THE WARRIORS
The Book, Vinyl
EP Record and Accrington Display
March – April –
May 2020
28 – March – Paperback Book
release
30 – March – Jon & The Warriors
Vinyl Demos EP Record release
27 – April – Accrington Library
Display Opening Day and Signing
30 – May – Accrington Library Display
– Warriors member – Signing
JON ANDERSON BOOK
Jon Anderson and The Warriors – the road to Yes
A meticulously researched book about Jon Anderson
and his early band The Warriors (who also featured future King Crimson drummer
Ian Wallace).
Published by Sonicbond Publishing in the UK it has
208 pages. It features 175 black and white photos and 44 in colour, most not
seen for more than 50 years.
Jon Anderson is the enigmatic lead singer and founding
member of Yes. He is also a composer, artist, writer, dreamer, lyricist, poet
and musician, with a career spanning more than fifty years. Many books have
been written about the band Yes, but until now none have covered Jon’s early
years in his first band, The Warriors, in any detail. This group played a key
role in developing Jon’s Anderson’s vocal range, work ethic and determination
to succeed, as well as giving him valuable experience in the music business, which
was of invaluable help as his career blossomed.
David Watkinson takes us on a journey from the
Lancashire beat music scene in the early 1960s to the vibrancy of London later
in the decade. In the short time The Warriors existed – from 1963 to 1967 –
they released a single, appeared on TV and in a movie, and spent a year
following in the Beatles footsteps as a working group in Germany.
As well as providing a complete history of The
Warriors, this book also follows Jon’s subsequent career in London, his
appearances with Gun and his brief solo career as Hans Christian. He finally
met Chris Squire and found a home in Mabel Greer’s Toyshop, as that group
gradually morphed into Yes during the summer of 1968. The book includes new
interviews with Jon and many members of The Warriors, through its various
line-up changes, most for the very first time. It also features a newly
researched family tree, long forgotten photographs, of both the Warriors and
the first line up of Yes, many items of memorabilia and an exclusive look into
the band’s diaries. It closes with a comprehensive discography and a
collectables section.
This unique and meticulously researched book will
delight both Yes and Jon Anderson fans as well as students of the 1960s music
scene. It is essential reading for all lovers of the world’s greatest
progressive rock band, and fans of the genre’s finest vocalist – Jon Anderson.
The Paperback edition signed by the author is
exclusively available through…
The book is also available to pre order from all
bookshops and online stores.
JON ANDERSON and THE WARRIORS
THE LOST DEMOS VINYL EP
In
these early recordings by Jon we don’t get the lyrics, wordplay,
mysticism or complex sounds and meanings which later became his signature. What
we have here is a young man enjoying himself as a band member, trying to
make a few pounds, travel and to emulate the Beatles a little. In these
basic beginnings neither Jon Anderson or Ian Wallace shine much, but
what we do get are little signs and glimpses of their potential.
Jon
Anderson would go on to be the legendary singer in Yes. A
writer, musician, frontman, leader and the all-round voice of prog
rock music. On the earlier tracks Jon was most definitely
in his backing singer role, you get to hear that voice cutting through. The
last track being a total joy and a rocking surprise with Jon giving it his
all. King Crimson fans will hear just how tight Ian Wallace’s playing was
before hitting the big time too. All the band members shine, which can be heard
on the instrumental track, Rodney and Dave are solid and it is easy
to see why they brought in Brian Chatton on keyboards, his
work being similar to his personality, bright, lively and
rocking. Jon Anderson can be heard growing as a singer, musician and
frontman for the band over the three years difference in the recordings. From a
backing singer with his brother Tony to an out-of-sight, soul
groover and mover. All seemingly a long way from the music
of Yes and Close to The Edge or Olias
of Sunhillow, but it was all influencing Jon, who
was listening, learning and performing. This was Jon in
his apprenticeship years, preparing
himself for the lifelong career that was to
follow.
This
rare and exciting material came from various lofts and trunks around the world.
Hidden away for more than fifty years, the condition of some of the material
was very poor – having jumps, scratches, muffled and even stopping completely.
In my attempt to bring these recording to life again, I made the decision on a
few tracks not to over-produce them, leaving in the crackles and blemishes.
With others however I was surprised at how well and clear they came out. The
band sounds very accomplished; you can hear just how well practised they were.
The Warriors were among the best beat group acts at the time.
Featuring
seven demo tracks from the band at different times in their career, from
Lancashire at the rise of their local stardom, to the ending months in Germany
in 1967. Six of the tracks are with the full band, Jon Anderson backing
and as a lead singer with just one track as an
instrumental.
This limited – edition (500) picture
sleeved, vinyl EP 7” record, is released on Plane Groovy Records in a coloured
vinyl, a 1960s vibrant orange plus in standard black vinyl format. Played at
33RPM, this record tips it’s hat to the days in the 1970’s when Yes would
produce such an EP.
This long-lost material gives the Jon
Anderson and Yes fans a new insight into these beat music years.
Tracks
Side A
1) ‘Too Much’ (2.21)
2) ‘Can’t Live It Down’ (2.44)
3) ‘Summer Girl’ (1.54)
Side AA
1) ‘The Doll
House Is Empty’ (1.59)
2) ‘Run to Me’ (2.21)
3) ‘She’s Gone’ (2.08) Instrumental
4) ‘She’s Gone’ (2.02) with vocals
Researched, mastering, co-ordinated, images and
production by David Watkinson
Pre
orders 30 January, available through burningshed.com
Released
30 March 2020
Prices:
Limited Orange Vinyl £9.99, Black Vinyl £7.99, Test Pressing (10 only) £20.00
Free
download available of the tracks with each purchase
JON ANDERSON and THE WARRIORS – The Road To Yes
DISPLAY IN ACCRINGTON
Accrington, the hometown
of Jon Anderson, will hold a small display in the town’s library from 27 April
– 30 May 2020 in celebration of the new book and vinyl record published on his
early years in the 1960s. The display takes the form of a cabinet of
memorabilia, with one area focusing on The Warriors and the other Jon as a solo
artist and a member of Yes through the years.
David Watkinson,
the curator of the display and author of the newly published book, Jon Anderson
and The Warriors – the road to Yes, will be on hand to sign copies of the paperback
book (Sonicbond) for sale on the 27 April and on the 30 May, the latter date
being the final day where it is hoped a member of the famous local 60s group
The Warriors will attend too.
Books and copies of
the limited – edition vinyl EP will be available to purchase from David who is
happy to discuss both releases and the display.
David Watkinson was
born in Bolton, Lancashire. He has a background in antique furniture, sales and
the automotive world. He is currently working within the field of historic
furniture restoration in London and his interests include the arts, music,
classic cars, antiques and being creative. The author of the best-selling
history of the band Yes: Perpetual Change (Plexus, 2001), he has been a
passionate admirer, collector and historian of the band Yes for over 40 years.
He lives in West Sussex, England.
Produced by Jeffrey Crecelius, Wayne Hall, Preston Frazier and Bill Govier
This week we speak to YMP stalwart and accomplished author David Watkinson about his new book which is finally available to pre-order on Burning Shed’s website. Jon Anderson and The Warriors – the road to Yes is a remarkable achievement and sheds light on a period of music which was critical to the establishment of Yes and to the creation of the force of music Jon Anderson. Mark and I were delighted to be given the chance to read the book first in the world so do stay tuned for our reactions to it and plenty of detail from Dave himself.
What picture of that early period is painted by Dave?
Is this book just a bunch of text?
What’s here for the true Warriors/Jon Anderson/Yes geek?
Listen to the episode and let us know what you think!
If you would like to support the Yes Music Podcast financially and also have access to exclusive activity and opportunities, there is a special page you can use to sign up and 2019 is the time to join us:
Jon Anderson and The Warriors The road to Yes David Watkinson
A new biography of Jon Anderson, which covers his early life and his time in The Warriors, up to the formation of Yes and the release of the band’s first album in 1969
To be published on December 13th via Summer’s End Festival Promoter Stephen Lambe’s Sonicbond Publishing Company and will be made available exclusively via Burning Shed.
Author David Watkinson takes us on a journey from the Lancashire beat music scene in the early 1960s to the vibrancy of London later in the decade. In the short time that The Warriors existed ‐ from 1963 to 1967 ‐ they released a single, appeared on TV and in a movie and spent a year following in the Beatles’ footsteps as a working group in Germany.
As well as providing a complete history of The Warriors, this book also follows Jon’s subsequent career in London, via appearances with Gun and his brief solo career as Hans Christian. He finally met Chris Squire and found a home in Mabel Greer’s Toyshop, as that group gradually morphed into Yes during the summer of 1968. The book includes new interviews with Jon and many members of The Warriors, who were in the band through its various line‐up changes, most for the very first time. It also features a newly‐researched family tree, never before seen photographs, both of the Warriors and the first line up of Yes, plus many items of memorabilia and an exclusive look into the band’s diaries. It closes with a comprehensive discography and a collectables section.
Initially, the book will only be available only in a limited hardback edition of 250, priced £25. All copies will be numbered and signed by the author, David Watkinson, and will be made exclusively available via Burning Shed. The book is 224 pages and features over 200 photographs, most unseen for over 50 years. A paperback edition will be published in Europe on March 27th 2020, and June 26th in the USA. This later edition will be available via all normal bookselling channels.
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
Produced by Jeffrey Crecelius, Wayne Hall, Preston Frazier and Bill Govier
I report back from the amazing YES 50 Plaque unveiling ceremony in London where I met Bill Bruford, members of Chris Squire’s family, Chris Welch and many other Yes fans.
Mark and I chat about the significance of he event and there’s a 2 pence about the Patrick Moraz Relayer rumours and how Yes could perform and record as a collective in the future.
How did the plaque unveiling go?
Who turned up?
Should we expand the idea of what Yes is?
Listen to the episode then let us know what you think!
Produced by Robert Nasir, Jeffrey Crecelius, Wayne Hall, Preston Frazier and Bill Govier
This week I feed back from the amazing YES50 Fan Convention organised by Brian Neeson and Dave Watkinson. It was a fantastic day and I’ve tried to capture some of it to give you an idea of how it all went if you were unable to go.
Who turned up?
Who played?
What was the atmosphere like?
Listen to the episode then let us know what you think!
A 'progressive' weekend was enjoyed by over 60 YES fans who came to enjoy the 50th Anniversary show, fan convention, Roger Dean exhibition and London tour complete with 'Wonderous Stories! pic.twitter.com/Mt5jPi3pCz
