Yes: From A Page

As we discussed yesterday, the perpetual change machine that is Yes moved forward in 2008 with vocalist Benoit David when Jon Anderson was too ill to tour. After a pretty monumental outing, captured on In The Present, the band - Benoit David, Chris Squire, Steve Howe, Oliver Wakeman, and Alan White began work on its next album. Several tracks were laid down but the band soon found itself at a loss, at which point Squire called up Trevor Horn and set in motion a series of events that would ultimately result in 2011's Fly From Here, as well as Oliver Wakeman's ousting from the band. 

Unbeknownst to all but the band, there was a fair amount of material that had been brought in by Wakeman, which had been recorded for the album. With him out of the picture, those recordings were shelved and never spoken of again, until last year when this wonderful EP saw the light of day. Initially released as a bonus disc on a reissue of In The Present, this set got a standalone vinyl release, complete with stunning Roger Dean artwork, and Oliver Wakeman with the sole production credit.

Now, usually when "lost" sessions come out, they are mere curiosities, afterthoughts, or barrel scrapings. Occasionally, however, something like this will come out and completely change the game, throwing revelations right and left, and pushing the Great What-If to the extreme. From A Page is an absolutely stunning collection of songs, spearheaded by the only official Yes member to never appear on a studio release. This set offers a glimpse into what this lineup was capable of, and it offers a pretty clear sample of Yes, from the perspective of Oliver Wakeman. Musically, it is very much Yes, but still sounds very different from anything else Yes has ever done. The band sounds inspired here, and it is wonderful to have Chris Squire still alive and kicking, at least for these four songs. He sounds amazing here, as he always did. Benoit is in great voice, and both Steve Howe and Alan White are playing at the top of their game. 

Side one kicks off with "To The Moment", which was to be the single, and is a fantastic song. The single edit, which closes side two, reveals a killer little tune, while the full length version stands among the finest in the band's catalogue. That main riff is sick, and the chorus is late-period Yes at its finest. The only down side is the lyric, which is very simple compared to what Jon Anderson would have written. Sometimes that is a distraction, but sometimes it works to the song's advantage, as you can dig deep without having to guess too much. The harmonies are tight as ever. This would have been a key track and should not be overlooked.

Next up is "Words On A Page" which is a quieter, more meditative song that features a delicate side of the band that is not often on display. It kind of reminds me of "Turn Of The Century", in its feel, and is another one with an absolutely beautiful chorus. The subtle restraint in the band's playing is every bit as impressive as their most wound-up arrangements. Benoit does a fantastic job here, giving one of his very best vocal performances, and Steve's playing in the middle is some of his most emotional. Honestly, this is one of the best "lost tracks" I have ever heard, by any band. That this sat on the shelf is criminal, and its release is a blessing.

Closing out side one is "From The Turn Of A Card", which is more or less a solo Oliver piece which takes Benoit's vocal (which is in a completely different register than usual and is a bit confusing) and pairs it with a newly recorded piano track. It is a lovely song, and I would have liked to have heard it fleshed out by the band, from the original sessions, but we'll take what we can get. 

The bulk of side two is taken up by "The Gift Of Love", which is very long and very mellow. And verrrrrrry slow. While this is nowhere near as complicated as a 9:52 Yes song should be, this is still a fantastic number, featuring some pretty uplifting passages, and another beautiful vocal performance from Benoit David and Chris Squire, who takes the chorus. Steve's playing is adventurous, moving from electric to acoustic, 12 string, and even some dobro, and laying down some mighty tasty solos.

Of course the star here is Oliver Wakeman. These are his songs, expertly performed by the band who is more famously associated with his father, and his playing and production is perfectly on point. It's true that he labored over this for a while before this was finally released, but these recordings are faithful to the Yes legacy and their catalogue is all the better for its inclusion.

It is also important to note that, just when we thought we would never hear Chris Squire on a new Yes album again, we get four outstanding performances, and some beautiful vocals. This collection is a gift that gives, many times over.