Jon Anderson – 1000 Hands (Blue Élan Records, 2020)
Acclaimed Yes singer and progressive rock innovator Jon Anderson is back with another masterwork. The album 1000 Hands was conceived about 30 years ago in partnership with Yes drummer Alan White and bassist Chris Squire. Anderson’s busy schedule delayed the completion of the project until now.
Anderson incorporates epic progressive rock, world music, jazz, funk and other influences in 1000 Hands. As he did in previous albums, Anderson includes a wide range of vocals sections. He recorded outstanding creative backing vocals that accompany his lead vocals.
The album includes a spectacular cast of top rock and jazz fusion musicians, a dream team that includes Steve Howe, Ian Anderson, Jean-Luc Ponty, Billy Cobham, Chick Corea, Steve Morse, Rick Derringer, Jonathan Cain, and the Tower of Power Horns.
Despite the large number of top instrumentalists, 1000 Hands is essentially a vocal album although not in the traditional sense. As he did in Olias of Sunhillow and some of Yes’ best albums, Jon Anderson creates a magic world of vocal wonders.
The album features beautiful artwork and is available on CD, digital and a gorgeous deluxe 180-gram double vinyl album.
The title 1000 Hands comes from all of the “brilliant musicians who played a part in making the record,” Anderson says.
Buy 1000 Hands