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What did they do next Part 25a – Rick Wakeman – what, again? PLUS a Two Pence on new music from Yes, Dare to Know – 498

Produced by Wayne Hall, Jeffrey Crecelius and Preston Frazier

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This week Mark and I embark on another ‘what did they do next’ quest. Once again we come to Rick Wakeman and what he did after leaving the band in 2005.

So we discuss the next release from Mr. Wakeman which turns out to be a most unusual release, even for him.

Take a listen below and then join in with our assessment of the package next week.

Also, this week, you can’t have failed to notice that Yes have released a second online single from the new album, The Quest. It’s called Dare to Know and Marka nd discuss our first reactions to it in a special Two Pence. Let us know if you agree!

  • What was Rick Wakeman doing in a cathedral?
  • Can he even play the pipe organ?
  • What is the new Yes song like?

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



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Producers:

  • Jeffrey Crecelius
  • Preston Frazier and
  • Wayne Hall

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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: archive.org

5 replies on “What did they do next Part 25a – Rick Wakeman – what, again? PLUS a Two Pence on new music from Yes, Dare to Know – 498”

Quietly encouraged by this new track and the commitment to some of the older Yes music virtues. My only negative, as has so often been the case on stage in recent years (regardless as to who is drumming), is the snare sound and its place in the mix. I don’t think Yes fans who buy records need the safety rail of a regularly emphasised downbeat. The upside is that it is used relatively sparingly. That old canard aside I think this is great. Lovely counterpoint in the bass, interesting melodies and harmonies, some of Steve Howe’s most glorious Yes style playing on record for as long as I can remember, an orchestral section used with actual creativity rather than just performing the function of a pad that might as well be a keyboard. Also I can’t hear the lyrics at all without really focussing on them which I rather like. Means I can have the vocal and vocal harmonies as just another instrument if I want. All (very) good. Bravo to the Yes Men!

Love the new Yes song. As a fan since 1st hearing them in 1970 (yes, I’m old!), new Yes music is a positive thing & good for the soul & the world. To have new music at this point in their long career is such a positive, especially compared to many other “heritage” or classic bands who only tour. This is Yes in the ’20s. Anyone expecting & comparing the song to this or that from the 70s or 80s is missing the point. Apples & oranges. The past is gone, celebrate the present. B positive.

Thanks for your reactions to “Dare to Know”, Kevin and Mark. I very much agree with the contributions from Ian and Doug, too.

This is a positive contribution from the latest Yes incarnation. It’s good that they are still striking out in different directions (that’s what the ‘The Quest’ is all about, you could say). I agree that “the safety rail of a regularly emphasised downbeat” is an unnecessary encumbrance. For me the higher strings in the orchestral section are also a little too saccharine. But overall there’s a great deal to commend in what we’ve heard from the new album so far. It doesn’t compare readily with ’70s Yes, but for me that’s not a problem. Music has to be approached on its own terms, not continually judged against what has gone before. There are different expressions of quality to be had across the span of the band’s work, as well as some real mountain peak experiences.

What matters right now is that there is continuing, identifiable interest and inventiveness in what the band is doing, and the aural coherence and stylistic variety of the two tracks that have been released so far is a distinct improvement on ‘Heaven & Earth’, which had a number of standout moments, but was weak in too many departments. Steve Howe’s imprint is felt strongly on this new piece, and his playing is well judged and pristine. That is one of its several strengths.

Looking forward to joining you for the discussion about RW and Lincoln Cathedral next week, guys!

I see what people mean about guitar sounds the are like Love Is. But I don’t see why that could be an effective criticism. It’s the same thing all over again: if you want Yours Is No Disgrace, then pull it out and listen to it. It is great. But Yes can’t be great in 2021 by recycling. They need to make honest and committed music. I don’t know if I love this newest song, but it does sound like they mean it, which means a lot to me as well. So the next question is what they will play on tour ….

Just to weigh in on Dare To Know. I think it might be better appreciated as part of the whole album. I will reserve my opinion until then, although I basically agree with Kevin.

I think it was a good idea to pre-release The Ice Bridge to give us an encouraging taste of the new album. I don’t think they should have released Dare to Know. I like to appreciate new Yes music as a whole album. If bands release 2 or 3 singles ahead of the album, by the time the album is released, it is a anti-climactic. Looking forward to Oct 1.

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