Chris Squire – Fish Out Of Water (Esoteric, 2018)
The original Fish Out Of Water album by Yes’ bassist Chris Squire was released in 1975. This is the 2018 remastered edition available as a 2-CD set and also as a limited boxed set.
Musically, the album has a strong Yes feel. It features Patrick Moraz, who was Yes’ keyboardist at the time, and the versatile Yes drummer Bill Bruford. It’s a master class in progressive rock bass playing. Chris Squire was one of the finest progressive rock bassists and he delivers outstanding bass lines throughout the album.
In addition to prog rock musicians, Fish Out of Water also features a symphonic orchestra that enriches the album considerably. Chris Squire provided the lead and backing vocals. The backing vocals will sound very familiar to Yes fans. Squire’s lead vocals, on the other side, were more pop-oriented than Jon Anderson’s so there is an interesting clash of influences.
Patrick Moraz delivered an outstanding set of performances on electric organ and synths. The album also features other progressive rock heavy weights: Caravan’s Jimmy Hastings on flute and King Crimson’s Mel Collins on saxophone. Pianist Andrew Pryce Jackman conducted the orchestra. And Barry Rose added a masterful performance on pipe organ.
The instrumental sections, which are numerous, are outstanding. The two CD set includes the original recording a superb new mix by Jakko Jakszyk that brings forward the remarkable bass work.
The deluxe boxed set includes 2CDs, 2DVDs, 1LP and 2×7-inch singles.
Fish Out Of Water showcases the talent of an influential progressive rock musician at his best, focusing on the bass a lead instrument.