Chris Squire's name may not have been of the household persuasion, but to those who knew his work as a master and vanguard on the bass guitar, it was legendary.
Best known as a founding member of the progressive rock band, Yes, (as well as the only player to grace every single album and tour since 1968), Squire challenged the role of the bass in rock music, treating it not only as a foundational member of the rhythm section, but as a lead instrument. His sound was instantly unmistakable, his trademark Rickenbacker's trebly rotosound strings riding squarely in the forefront, weaving complex and mathematical lead and counterpoint lines in and out of the mix.
His vocals were every bit as crucial to the Yes sound, playing the Yin to fellow founder Jon Anderson's yang, their tight harmonies combining to form a sound uniquely Yes'.
Best known as a founding member of the progressive rock band, Yes, (as well as the only player to grace every single album and tour since 1968), Squire challenged the role of the bass in rock music, treating it not only as a foundational member of the rhythm section, but as a lead instrument. His sound was instantly unmistakable, his trademark Rickenbacker's trebly rotosound strings riding squarely in the forefront, weaving complex and mathematical lead and counterpoint lines in and out of the mix.
His vocals were every bit as crucial to the Yes sound, playing the Yin to fellow founder Jon Anderson's yang, their tight harmonies combining to form a sound uniquely Yes'.
He passed away in June at the age of 67, after announcing the previous month he'd be stepping out of the current Yes lineup's tour to undergo treatment for Leukemia.
I was fortunate enough to see him live with Yes many times, and despite playing many of the same songs for more than 40 years, it was clear in every performance that he was just having a ball. Right to the end.
This live performance of "Hold Out Your Hand" from his acclaimed 1975 solo album, Fish Out of Water, shows off his next-level bass and vocal chops (simultaneously), as well as his unique songwriting.
I was fortunate enough to see him live with Yes many times, and despite playing many of the same songs for more than 40 years, it was clear in every performance that he was just having a ball. Right to the end.
This live performance of "Hold Out Your Hand" from his acclaimed 1975 solo album, Fish Out of Water, shows off his next-level bass and vocal chops (simultaneously), as well as his unique songwriting.
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