Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe (ABWH) self-titled album

Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe (ABWH), the band's only studio album, from 1989.

This is a sort of Yes spin-off, a project that matured in 1987, when Yes, with guitarist Trevor Rabin in the lineup, experienced a stylistic dispute initiated by Anderson, dissatisfied with the band's pop direction.

Anderson then hired three longtime Yes members who had left at various times: guitarist Steve Howe, keyboardist Rick Wakeman, and drummer Bill Bruford. The band remained active from 1988 to 1990. Two live albums followed: An Evening of Yes Music Plus in 1993 and Live at the NEC in 2010.

It's also a celebration of the reunion of key Yes members, who churned out a beautiful album that, musically, is a true gem in the progressive rock scene, thanks to the union of top-notch musicians and excellent songwriting. It's an album that perhaps has no weaknesses.

The styles of the songs are diverse; some, like "Teakbois," have a Latin and Caribbean sound. "Let's Pretend," composed with Vangelis, who knew and collaborated with Anderson, is entirely recognizable in the legendary composer's style.

The band also features the great Tony Levin on bass, Chapman Stick on vocals, and beautiful backing vocals with J.M.C. Singers, Emerald Community Singers, and Oxford Circus Singers:

The beautiful song "Brother of Mine" recalls classic Yes songs, a structured and complex piece with sophisticated melodies and unusual rhythms.

Quartet also features references to classic Yes songs, both in its lyrics and form, but with a different approach from Chris Squire, who this time expresses himself with few vocal harmonies with Anderson and uses different bass lines, while Bruford uses a wide and diverse range of sounds on the electronic drum kit, an instrument he revolutionized with his technique.

Anderson's lyrics address his approach to spirituality and the New Age, with references to Carlos Castaneda and the unity of all religions, environmentalism, and civil rights.

The beautiful artwork was created by Roger Dean, a longtime illustrator of classic Yes albums, from Fragile to Relayer, to name a few.

An excellent example of progressive rock that combines musical quality and excellent songwriting, a must-have for any Yes fan and progressive rock collector.

Tracks

1. Themes (5:58) :
- a) Sound
- b) Second Attention
- c) Soul Warrior
2. Fist Of Fire (3:27)
3. Brother Of Mine (10:18) :
- a) The Big Dream
- b) Nothing Can Come Between Us
- c) Long Lost Brother Of Mine
4. Birthright (6:02)
5. The Meeting (4:21)
6. Quartet (9:22):
- a) I Wanna Learn
- b) She Gives Me Love
- c) Who Was the First
- d) I'm Alive
7. Teakbois "The Life And Times Of Bobby Dread" (7:39)
8. Order Of The Universe (9:02) :
- a) Order Theme
- b) Rock Gives Courage
- c) It's So Hard To Grow
- d) The Universe
9. Let's Pretend (2:56)
Duration 59:05

Line-Up

- Jon Anderson - lead vocals, co-producer
- Steve Howe - guitar
- Rick Wakeman - keyboards
- Bill Bruford - acoustic and electronic drums

Featuring:
- Milton McDonald - rhythm guitar
- Matt Clifford - keyboards, vocals, orchestration, programming
- Tony Levin - bass, Chapman Stick, vocals
- Joe Hammer - percussion programming
- J.M.C. Singers (Jon, Matt, Chris Kimsey) - backing vocals
- Emerald Community Singers (Montserrat) - backing vocals

Oxford Circus Singers:
- Carol Kenyon - backing vocals
- Deborah Anderson - backing vocals
- Frank Dunnery - backing vocals
- Tessa Niles - backing vocals

This album is a true Progressive Rock METEOR. Visit the PROG METEOR section for more information.

Note: All links to the musicians' works are in the TAGS under the article title or on the "Artists" page.