Fish Out of Water

"The amazing bassist from Yes, Chris Squire, has only ever put out one solo album - and this is it! 'Fish Out of Water' was originally released in 1975, and it seems Chris has been too busy with his Yescapades to get time for another solo effort. However, he did have a side-project with Billy Sherwood called Conspiracy - they issued two recordings, 'The Unknown' and the self-titled debut.

'Fish Out of Water' showcases Squire's exceptional talents on bass, vocals and guitar, featuring five superb Yes-like compositions that segue beautifully into one another. Chris' old friend, the late Andrew Pryce-Jackman, provides orchestral arrangements on the album. Ex-Yes members Bill Bruford and Patrick Moraz also contribute wonderfully to the sound, but the spotlight is well and truly on Chris. Naturally, there is a very a strong bass presence throughout, but his brilliant vocal harmonies are all encompassing, confirming how integral he is to the sound of Yes.

"Hold Out Your Hand" sets the precedent for the record, heavily laden with bass runs and grandiose production. "Lucky Seven" is another definite highlight, with a catchy yet dark sounding organ and drum groove as the bass, sax, vocals and string section alternate ornamental melodies.

But it is the two extended pieces, "Silently Falling" and "Safe (Canon)" which are the real gems. Both are epics that start simply enough and gradually build in intensity, enveloping the listener in a captivating array of sounds. Before you can say "Rotosound strings on a Rickenbacker", the fifteen-minute "Safe (Canon)", is closing the proceedings with it's coda of chiming, ringing bass notes.

'Fish Out of Water' is essential music for Yes fans and anyone with an interest in good symphonic progressive rock."
-GEOFF (27th December, 2003)

Musicians:-
- Chris Squire: vocals, bass, and 12-string electric guitar
- Andrew Pryce-Jackman: acoustic and electric pianos, orchestrations
- Bill Bruford: drums
- Patrick Moraz: organ, bass, synthesizer
- Barry Rose: pipe organ
- Mel Collins: saxophone
- Jimmy Hastings: flute