You might not want to begin with the most obvious observation, but I’m afraid sometimes you have to.
You can’t listen to “True Messenger” and not think, “Yes! It’s Yes!” if you will. That voice with which Jon Anderson has been blessed is so distinctive.
This debut record is awash with great material as well. The harmonies of “Shine On” are infused with so much skill, the piano of “Build Me An Ocean” is so warm, and the keys of “Friend Of Mine” are so interesting that it all draws you in.
The fact that this prog from the top drawer means it goes where it damn well pleases, from the Spanish guitar of “Make It Right” with its gorgeous poetry to the closing track, “Thank God,” which seems as though it comes straight from the heart and isn’t particularly “prog” at all—albeit it’s tender as you like.
That said, there are two massive epics here. “Counties And Countries,” created by Anderson and Richie Castellano, speaks of being “called home,” and it is a journey as if they are all happy to be fully immersed in prog.
But if that’s a journey, then “Once Upon A Dream” is a trip—all 16 minutes of it. The way it builds, the twists and turns before its conclusion only happen if you’re gifted.
Make no mistake about it, Jon Anderson is precisely that—and with the Band Geeks to match, this glorious work is an album you’ve hoped for since he said no to Yes in 2008. And it’s all “True”.
Rating: 8.5/10
JON ANDERSON & THE BAND GEEKS – TRUE (2024)
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