Now just one year shy of his 80th birthday, Jon Anderson's legendary status as the original talismanic voice of Yes is set in stone. His previous 15 solo albums, which started with the other worldly Olias Of Sunhillow in 1976, have seen him embrace myriad styles and influences ever since. But for album number 16, that he should return to the sound which originally defined him is nothing short of inspired. Even more amazing is the miracle of his voice that still retains its unique, ethereal power. It also helps that his current supporting musicians, the Band Geeks are totally simpatico with his musical legacy, some of True's songs co-written by them. This album just shimmers with positive energy and joy, starting with True Messenger, which has echoes of 80s Yes, Richie Castellona's ascending bassline and Chris Clark's choppy keyboards adding vibrance and vitality. Andy Graziano's lustrous solos manage to capture the essence of both Steve Howe and Trevor Rabin. The catchy and highly infectious Shine On, which was the first track released from the album, continues that incredible vibe with the bass line and keyboards bringing Heart Of The Sunrise to mind. It's full of subtle changes including a trademark Anderson quieter passage. Acoustic guitar begins the outstanding Counties And Countries, a longer, symphonic based song whose ringing guitars again hark back to 70s Yes, along with the strong, mesmeric melody line, cascading piano and Rob Kipp's chunky Hammond organ. Build Me An Ocean is a gentler ballad, Clark's piano underpinning Anderson's heart-felt voice, enriched with some sweet acoustic guitar and close vocal harmonies. Still A Friend ups the pace again, its lovely swinging rhythm courtesy of drummer Andy Ascolese. It breezes along in its own time and space, some Yes-like guitar and bass motifs coming it before it floats off. A Spanish acoustic guitar starts Make It Right, a pretty, quieter track which initially sounds like Somehow Someday from Yes's maligned Open Your Eyes album. However, a resonant guitar solo takes it to another plane as does a soulful choir towards the end. It goes straight into the acoustically led Realization Part 2, the delightful vocal line ringing out with lovely accompanying harmonies. It really sounds as though they were all having fun recording it. Once Upon A Dream is the pivotal track, Anderson's spoken intro hinting at The Revealing Science Of God from Tales From Topographic Oceans. Throughout, it ventures into familiar musical historic territory with the complex time signature and Anderson's urgent, strident vocals. He's not afraid to pour on the influences of ABWH's Brother Of Mine, with shades of Homeworld from The Ladder together with lyrical references to "the heart of the sunrise". There are cascading keys, a slide guitar and a rumbling bass line, moments of drama, flashes of Rick Wakeman kind of keyboards followed by a dream-like sequence which dances around Awaken territory. A church organ then conjures up a fleeting musical image of Parallels from Going For The One. Thank God is the perfect conclusion - a heart-felt tribute to his beloved wife, Jane. Beautiful and beguiling, True sees Anderson at the height of his brilliance, still shining bright in his true light. ***** Alison Reijman Where to buy? |
