The last time I saw Jon Anderson
It was a pleasure and a privilege to meet Jon in Tunbridge Wells last week. He is a very modest and unassuming guy and it was great that he could spare some time to chat with me.
Jon Anderson (placeholder)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_Anderson
Jon Anderson (born October 25, 1944) is a British musician, best known as the lead singer of the progressive rock band Yes. He is also an accomplished solo artist, and collaborated for a number of years with the Greek musician Vangelis, creating the duo “Jon & Vangelis”.
Anderson’s voice is often described as angelic. He considers himself an alto tenor vocalist, capable of hitting very high notes without relying on falsetto while maintaining the softness that is consistently associated with his voice. Even during live performances, such as those recorded and included in the Yessongs album, Anderson never wavers into falsetto, as many other singers frequently do in live performances to conserve their vocal strength.
Anderson is also responsible for most of the mystically-themed lyrics and concepts which are part of many Yes releases. These elements are crucial components of the classic Yes sound, but have occasionally alienated some members of the band (most notably Bruford and Rick Wakeman), causing them to leave the group. The lyrics are frequently inspired by various books Anderson has enjoyed, from Tolstoy’s “War And Peace” to footnotes of the Shastic Scriptures.
Before live performances he often meditates in a tent with crystals and dreamcatchers, a practice he started in the 1980s. Anderson is also a vegetarian, as were most members of Yes during the mid-seventies.
Jon Anderson’s children include daughter Deborah Anderson (who has done work singing for the French Electronica band, Telepopmusik on the album “Angel Milk” released in summer 2005), Jade Anderson (who has released a solo album in Japan) and Damion Anderson (another musician).
Recent stories by and about Jon Anderson
A question I have about Jon Anderson
What’s a Khatru?
Seriously, though- I saw a solo concert in the 80s in Orlando, Florida, and it was one of the best musical nights of my life. He had a gold vest on… I drove a couple of hours (actually someone drove me, I was too young to drive!)- and it was truly wonderful. Magical. Mystical. Unimitable!
A story about Jon Anderson
Jon Anderson is a world treasure, and if youever get a chance to see him, or Yes, go out of your way to do so. I have seen them a number of times, and each time was a spiritual and mystical experience. I personally think he is an avatar or angel of some sort. I’m not the only one. He also sings like a bell.
(“Farewell the temple master’s bell…”)
I finally got to shake his hand and say a few kind words after a “solo” concert at the Metro in Boston, back in the 80s. It was during this concert that it was cemented in my mind that Jon WAS and IS Yes…because, even with completely different musicians, they still sounded just like Yes, even on songs like “Close to the Edge”.
The band without Jon is a different band. Live with it.
The most mystical experiences, though, were centered around the song, “Gates of Delirium” which is about the battle of good and evil; Armageddon; that sort of thing. And has a middle section that sounds like battle.
When Yes played an outdoor venue in Charlotte, I arrived late, in large part because he thunderstorm that was raging had knocked out the streetlights. But I arrived just as the center battle section was winding down…AND the storm was winding down. Lightning flashed in the sky.
The final movement is one of peace. And with it came peace after the storm.
My review on YesNet
http://yesworld.com/reviews/Dmw2000/0728r2.html
Another incident was when they played in Manhattan shortly before 9-11 sent America into chaos, delirium.
The twin towers were the gates…of delirium.
My review on YesNet
http://yesworld.com/reviews/Dsy2001/098r7.html
The “waves of baraka” I mention in the review were, I believe, a way for Jon to strengthen the hearts of people in preparation for the delirium to come.
It certainly helped me get through it. I was only there visiting, but wound up stuck there for a couple of more weeks, until the planes were cleared for travel.
Thanks Jon and all…for everything.
Keep doing it!
