One of the most memorable shows I've ever been to. 3rd row, Boston Garden 1984 or so. We were 20 feet in front of CS's stacks and virtually every note he hammered out on his green bass literally shook my organs and muscles. Not for everyone's tastes, but they had a unique sound and made some pretty amazing music.
The Steve Howe renditions here are interesting - clearly some excellent musicianship. One of the posted videos led to a recording from the Bach "Wachet Auf" and that rendition was very well done. On the other hand, the posted Villa Lobos "Aria" was sadly lacking due to his liberties - or negligence - regarding important rhythmic features and some alteration of the composer's melodic lines.
And, the Vivaldi piece was rhythmically disjointed to the point where the driving force of the original music is lost. That is a very difficult piece to translate to performance by solo guitar and I would give him an "A" for effort, courage and general technique. However, good musical judgment sometimes means not doing a certain piece if it will not receive musical justice in its proper style.
"Camping places fix themselves in your mind as if you had spent long periods of your life in them. You will remember a curve of your wagon track in the grass of the plain like the features of a friend." Isak Dinesen
The Steve Howe renditions here are interesting - clearly some excellent musicianship. One of the posted videos led to a recording from the Bach "Wachet Auf" and that rendition was very well done. On the other hand, the posted Villa Lobos "Aria" was sadly lacking due to his liberties - or negligence - regarding important rhythmic features and some alteration of the composer's melodic lines.
And, the Vivaldi piece was rhythmically disjointed to the point where the driving force of the original music is lost. That is a very difficult piece to translate to performance by solo guitar and I would give him an "A" for effort, courage and general technique. However, good musical judgment sometimes means not doing a certain piece if it will not receive musical justice in its proper style.
I always enjoy your insightful, well-thought out and thoughtful words, Dr. P. You're no stranger to the humanities. I dig that.
I really like YES, but thought that CS's bass work was often busy and muddy on the '60s albumns. While it was unique, I never could decide whether is was great or just overdone. Sorry to see him go.
"The Democrat Party looks like Titanic survivors. Partying and celebrating one moment, and huddled in lifeboats freezing the next". Hatari 2017
"Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid." Han Solo
Growing up YES meant more to me than any other band. I have been playing drums for the better part of 45 yrs. Listening to Bill Bruford was the start and Chris Squire was not far behind. His bass sounds and style did it for me!
Great classic rock band and a unique brand of music that is now etched in the history of Rock and Roll. A gift for the ages, and like so many, are now coming to the end of their run. RIP.
Bob Enjoy life now -- it has an expiration date. ~Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla~