Alan White — Ramshackled (Spirit Of Unicorn Music/Cherry Red Records, 2025 remastered reissue)
As Yes paused between progressive rock epics in 1976, each member unveiled a solo vision. Alan White chose the road least expected. Ramshackled, his lone solo album, is a mixed bag of musical styles. White played only drums and percussion, leaving the writing and vocals to trusted comrades Kenny Craddock, Pete Kirtley, and Colin Gibson, session players he knew from Happy Magazine and Griffin. The album features brief cameos from Jon Anderson and Steve Howe.
While Anderson, Squire, Howe, and Moraz delivered progressive rock-related statements, White assembled a stylistically restless record: pop-soul hooks, jazz-rock interplay, funk, a touch of reggae, even chamber colors. The cohesion came from the drum kit. This edition is remastered and features two bonus tracks.
“Ooh Baby (Going To Pieces)” has a Brazilian jazz feel with soul vocals. Meanwhile, “One Way Rag” is a pop tune shaped by rhythm and blues DNA.
“Avakak” is the set’s most persuasive instrumental, a jazz-rock oriented composition. Piano leads the way, while brass and reeds dart in and out.
“Spring—Song Of Innocence” is a mellow dream-folk song graced by Jon Anderson’s presence and Steve Howe’s guitar.
“Giddy” is an unappealing soul song with a tasteful synth break.
The unfortunate “Silly Woman” is one of the lowest points of the album, a reggae-sketched pop cut with some steel drum color.
“March Into A Bottle” features pastoral chamber folk writing with flute, classical guitar, and winds. I don’t hear any percussion so it is possible White didn’t play here. It is followed by “Everybody,” an upbeat rhythm and blues song.
“Darkness” offers a three-part drama featuring soul-leaning vocals, a wink of Zappa-style percussion interplay, and a refined orchestral turn from David Bedford, complete with a poised trumpet solo.
In terms of Yes-related material, this 2025 reissue is for completionists only.
Musicians: Alan White on drums, percussion; Peter Kirtley on electric and acoustic guitars, vocals; Colin Gibson on bass, percussion; Kenny Craddock on piano, organ, synthesizers, vocals; Bud Beadle on solo saxophone, flute; Andy Phillips on steel drum; Steve Gregory on added tenor saxophone, flute;
Henry Lowther on trumpet; Madeline Bell, Vicki Brown, Joanne Williams on backing vocals; he Mountain Fjord Orchestra arranged and conducted by David Bedford; Jon Anderson on vocals on “Spring-Song of Innocence”; and Steve Howe on guitar on “Spring-Song of Innocence.”
Produced by Alan White & Bob Potter. Recorded & engineered by Alan White, Bob Potter & Paul Hardiman.
Reissue release coordination by Mark Powell.
Remastered by Ben Wiseman at Broadlake Studios, Hertfordshire.
CD package design by Meriel Waissman.
Track listing
“Ooh Baby (Goin’ to Pieces)” (Pete Kirtley) 5:33
“One Way Rag” (Colin Gibson, Kenny Craddock) 4:07
“Avakak” (Craddock, Gibson, Kirtley) 6:54
“Spring-Song of Innocence” (lyrics: William Blake, music: Kirtley) 5:02
“Giddy” (Craddock, Gibson) 3:13
“Silly Woman” (Kirtley) 3:15
“Marching Into a Bottle” (Craddock) 2:00
“Everybody” (Craddock, Gibson, Kirtley) 3:14
“Darkness, Pts. 1–3” (Craddock, Gibson) 5:32
Bonus tracks
“Ooh Baby (Goin’ to Pieces)” (single version) 3:04
“One Way Rag (single version)” 2:56