Categories
Episodes YMP Classic Feed

Jon Anderson and The Warriors – The Lost Demos EP with Dave Watkinson 425

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:

Become a Patron!

Become a Patron!

Show notes and links:

YMP Patrons:

Producers:

  • Jeffrey Crecelius
  • Preston Frazier
  • Bill Govier 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
Peter Hearnden
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
William Hayes
Barry Gorsky

Robert and David

Please subscribe!

If you are still listening to the podcast on the website, please consider subscribing so you don’t risk missing anything:

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
Subscribe on Google Podcasts

Subscribe on Android
Listen on Stitcher

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

Categories
Episodes YMP Classic Feed

Yes in the US 2020 PLUS Dave Watkinson’s news! 416

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:

EP cover

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…

https://burningshed.com/david-watkinson_jon-anderson-and-the-warriors_pb-book?filter_name=jon%20&filter_sub_category=true

Price: £20, 234 x 156 mm (Royale), ISBN: 9781789520354

https://www.sonicbondpublishing.co.uk/

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 

Chris Topham – Plane Groovy Records.

https://burningshed.com/store/planegroovy?fbclid=IwAR0F_3gCMeG2e57sw7auP330TE22utqtUJ_lQXXyY5DzJ6uZ0dW2hJoabVk

Cat No: OLIAS90127

Barcode: 7426822210602

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.

Accrington Library, St James’ Street, Accrington, Lancashire, BB5 1NQ. Opening times: Mon/Tues/ 9-5/Wednesday 9-7/Thurs 9-5/Friday 9-5/Saturday 9-5/Sunday Closed

Tel: 0300 123 6703 Email: accrington.library@lancashire.gov.uk

https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/libraries-and-archives/libraries/find-a-library/accrington-library/

The Author – Producer – Curator

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.

Categories
Episodes YMP Classic Feed

Dave Watkinson’s new book – Jon Anderson and The Warriors – the road to Yes – 407

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:

Become a Patron!

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.

Support Lobate Scarp’s Kickstarter!

Read the full Press Release

http://kck.st/32F205d
Kickstarter for Lobate Scarp’s 2nd Studio Album !

Show notes and links:

YMP Patrons:

Producers:

  • Jeffrey Crecelius
  • Preston Frazier
  • Bill Govier 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
Peter Hearnden
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
Jeremy North
Tim Stannard
Jim
Todd Dudley
John Cowan
Tony Handley
John Holden
Joseph Cottrell
John Parry
Keith Hoisington
John Thomson
William Hayes
Barry GorskyMichael Handerhan

Robert and David

Please subscribe!

If you are still listening to the podcast on the website, please consider subscribing so you don’t risk missing anything:

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
Subscribe on Google Podcasts

Subscribe with RSSSubscribe on Android
Listen on Stitcher

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

Categories
Episodes YMP Classic Feed

Yes singles part 2 – Time And A Word – 315

Time And A Word
Time And A Word

Produced by Jeffrey Crecelius, Michel Arsenault, Wayne Hall, Preston Frazier and Bill Govier.

We’ve reached Time And A Word in our survey of Yes’ singles so let us know what you think of Time And A Word b/w The Prophet and Sweet Dreams b/w Dear Father.

Also, I announce the winner of the Downes Braide Association album, Skyscraper Souls and in the Two Pence segment we tackle orchestras and Yes music.

Listen to the episode then let us know what you think!

Become a YMP Patron!

If you would like to support the Yes Music Podcast, there is a Patreon page where you can sign up.

The iOS and Android YMP apps are no longer available unless you have an old version still on your device. I’m looking at ways to resurrect the mobile apps options and news will be forthcoming…


The new YMP YouTube Channel featuring Mark’s vinyl exploration