Jon Anderson’s voice has been a beacon of light for more than 40 years. As the mystical singer of Yes, Jon helped define progressive rock in 1970s, creating some of the most ambitious and timeless musical works of his generation. In the 1980s, Anderson paired up with the Greek keyboard wizard Vangelis, a collaboration that resulted in hauntingly beautiful extended works like The Friends of Mr. Cairo and Horizons. And in the 1990s, Jon teamed up with the New-Age composer Kitaro to create the exquisite and inspiring music found on the album Dreams.
In the new millennium Anderson continued to work with Yes until life-threatening health issues led to his involuntary departure from the group he put his heart and soul into. The circumstances surrounding Jon’s rift with the band are unfortunate. However, true to form Jon has responded to the challenges life thrust upon him with personal and musical dignity. I saw Jon Anderson in concert in Ridgefield CT in 2010 and can personally attest that his unique musical gifts (and sense of humor) are well intact. Jon is still in very good voice and his music and stage presence are as enchanting as ever.
Jon is best experienced in small venues, which allow for an intimate setting and a real rapport with the audience. Recording technology is amazing, but no CD or recording can truly capture the magic of hearing Jon live. Nevertheless, his new album, Survival and Other Stories does what good music should do; namely, it creates a bond with its listeners.
Jon’s music on Survival and Other Stories is both highly personal and deeply felt. Unbroken Spirit touches on Jon’s health crisis and his struggle to maintain his spirit in the face of bodily decline. This is not the kind of fare you’d expect from a rock singer, but this gentle, almost whimsical song is suffused with a melodic grace that is touching and inspiring.
Jon is in remarkably good voice throughout this record, which is a wonder considering his health issues. Nevertheless, one can’t help but notice a certain frailty and vulnerability in his sound. If anything, I think this works to the music’s advantage because I believe age has extended the emotional range in Jon’s voice. Paradoxically, Jon may sound more emotionally exposed, but he is also more inspiring than ever.
There is a wealth of great melodies on this album. Love and Understanding, for example, is as uplifting and melodically exuberant as anything Jon Anderson has ever done. The music here is just full of an irrepressible soul-nourishing joy. Just One Man, on the other hand, is an achingly beautiful song that expresses Jon’s belief that hope can triumph over mankind’s tragic condition.
If I were to use just one word to describe the music on the album it would be “organic.” The songs here are wholesome, refreshing, and soul-nourishing. Jon’s spirit is shining as brightly as ever on his new album. This is music that will warm your heart and touch your soul.
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