Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
From Bill Bruford
Really saddened to hear of the death of my old Yes band-mate, Chris Squire. I shall remember him fondly; one of the twin rocks upon which Yes was founded and, I believe, the only member to have been present and correct, Rickenbacker at the ready, on every tour. He and I had a working relationship built around our differences. Despite, or perhaps because of, the old chestnut about creative tension, it seemed, strangely, to work.
He had an approach that contrasted sharply with the somewhat monotonic, immobile bass parts of today. His lines were important; counter-melodic structural components that you were as likely to go away humming as the top line melody; little stand-alone works of art in themselves. Whenever I think of him, which is not infrequently, I think of the over-driven fuzz of the sinewy staccato hits in Close to the Edge (6’04” and on) or a couple of minutes later where he sounds like a tuba (8’.00" ). While he may have taken a while to arrive at the finished article, it was always worth waiting for. And then he would sing a different part on top.
An individualist in an age when it was possible to establish individuality, Chris fearlessly staked out a whole protectorate of bass playing in which he was lord and master. I suspect he knew not only that he gave millions of people pleasure with his music, but also that he was fortunate to be able to do so. I offer sincere condolences to his family.
Adios, partner. Bill.
The photo is 1971, somewhere in Italy. L-R Steve Howe, Jon Anderson, Bill, Chris.
Often imitated.
NEVER duplicated.
R.I.P., Chris.
Yes sure was different. But, once in a blue moon, I will pop in Close to the Edge (that song from the album as well as And You and I).
What Squire and Bruford did was spiritual, and to me redefined the rhythm section in rock music. Bringing the bottom end that was so prevalent in american jazz to their progressive sound was, well, progressive.
Listen to Close To The Edge and Fragile and there is so much to enjoy with the way Squire approached the songs on those LPs.
Chris was diagnosed just 6 weeks ago, and now he is gone.
Really a tough loss. Chris Squire was one of my all-time favorite bass players. Doesn't really matter which album or song (for instance, listening now to We Have Heaven and South Side of the Sky, wow, what playing, unparalleled), the guy always brought something new and inspirational. Highest level artistry. He is missed, indeed.
Shocking, really, the quality of his work as a musician.
Listened to Going for the One & Relayer after posting this. Damn he was good. Going to hit Tormato in my studio tomorrow. I think back to how many versions of these recordings I have owned. Fragile was my first, then The Yes Album. Got the whole shebang. Yessongs, Close, Tales, Relayer, all the rest, and their successors over the years. Recall Tormato as a cutout, first, then cassette, CD, then iTunes, etc. Same for all the rest, except started with Fragile as an 8 Track. Click... How could anyone have thought that would be a good idea? 8 Tracks....
Missing this artist. Indeed.
Shocking, really, the quality of his work as a musician.
Listened to Going for the One & Relayer after posting this. Damn he was good. Going to hit Tormato in my studio tomorrow. I think back to how many versions of these recordings I have owned. Fragile was my first, then The Yes Album. Got the whole shebang. Yessongs, Close, Tales, Relayer, all the rest, and their successors over the years. Recall Tormato as a cutout, first, then cassette, CD, then iTunes, etc. Same for all the rest, except started with Fragile as an 8 Track. Click... How could anyone have thought that would be a good idea? 8 Tracks....
Missing this artist. Indeed.