Yes Jon Anderson,Steve Howe,Jonathan Elias/Holding On Session 1990

“Krystal” was the only work by the 8-member YES, and was filled with many twists and turns. A treasured demo that takes a peek behind the scenes of its production has been decided to be released. “Crystal”’s definitive soundboard album “DEFINITIVE UNION DEMOS 1990-1991” will appear, but this work is completely different from that. It was the highest version of the demo that has been known for a long time, but this is an extremely valuable demo sound source that will appear for the first time. This sound source was discovered by the same overseas core enthusiasts who released “DEFINITIVE UNION DEMOS 1990-1991” and ABWH’s “SECOND LP DEMOS 1990″. This is a demo at the composition stage, which is much earlier in production than the two works mentioned above. The contents are 4 takes of “Holding On” and 2 takes of “Silent Talking”. There are not eight people in the studio, but three: Jon Anderson, Steve Howe, and Jonathan Elias, the producer of Crystal. With Howe’s guitar arpeggios and Elias’s synth playing, John sings as if searching for a tentative melody… This is a piece that allows you to witness such a space. Also, the sound is perfect for a private feel. All takes recorded in “DEFINITIVE UNION DEMOS 1990-1991” were soundboards, but this work is a personal recording by Howe. It’s probably the cassette tape he was spinning like a memo on the Walkman he brought into the studio (the clicking sound is also very realistic!). Only Howe’s guitar has a particularly large balance. However, that is why you can feel the positional relationship in the studio and feel like you are sitting with John and Howe. Even more vivid are the conversations that take place in such session spaces. A voice can be heard consulting between performances, and instructions (for chords?) are given while playing. In later years, John and Steve talked about how grim they were during recording, but although this work is not that murderous, you can definitely feel the serious mood that is a little different from peaceful. “Crystal” was produced under the most complicated circumstances in the history of YES, but you can fully breathe in the atmosphere that flows through such a studio. Unlike “DEFINITIVE UNION DEMOS 1990-1991,” which is musically well-organized and has a wonderful sound, this work is at a slightly maniacal composition stage. Although it is aimed at enthusiasts, it is a gem that you do not want to miss. The site where his unique work “Crystal” was born and grew. (31:14) 1. Studio Talk 2. Holding On #1 3. Holding On #2 4. Holding On #3 5. Holding On #4 6. Silent Talking #1 7. Silent Talking #2