Friday 10 July 2015

Chris Squire - Fish Out Of Water (1975, Atlantic K50203)

In tribute to the late, great Chris Squire. The level of appreciation and sorrow felt at the loss of the Yes bass player by fans and musicians from all music circles has been profound in the extreme.

His first and only solo album was released in November 1975 as part of the bands hiatus between Relayer and Going For The One. Squire's was the second to be released after Steve Howe's which I think was out just a month prior. A superb set of songs with a superb cast of musicians including his old rhythm buddy Bill Bruford, Mel Collins on saxes, the great Jimmy Hastings on flute and then Yes keyboardist Patrick Moraz on organ. This is no indulgent bass fest, as Squire lets the others and the orchestra shine, with the bass taking the lead when necessary.

Great sleeve too, with manager Brian Lanes polaroid adorning the front. Yes were huge at this point and Atlantic records even gave the man his own label design for this release as shown on the back of the sleeve. It is a shame he didn't record another solo album, though he did think about it. Whatever, he did more than enough with Yes and his legacy will live with us forever.

 

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