Jon Anderson, original voice of Yes, celebrates 50 years of ‘Close to the Edge’

The legendary vocalist, joined by members of the Paul Green Rock Academy, will perform the album in its entirety at select shows through August.

Jon Anderson, co-founder and original vocalist of seminal prog titans Yes, is scheduled to hit the road this month for a select number of dates through the beginning of August. Joined by members of the Paul Green Rock Academy, the group will perform Yes’ 1972 album “Close to the Edge” in its entirety, alongside a mix of hits, fan favorites and surprises.

Anderson’s relationship to Paul Green dates back roughly two decades when the School of Rock founder introduced himself and his students to Anderson backstage at a Yes show in Philadelphia, Anderson told The New School Free Press over the phone in June.

“He [Green] asked if I’d be interested in coming to Philadelphia and working with the kids. I told him ‘Not really,’” Anderson recalled, chuckling.

But a month later Anderson received a cassette that included Green’s students performing a version of Yes’ “Heart of the Sunrise” which is, “one hell of a piece of music to play,” according to the legendary vocalist. Anderson was impressed.

“It was quite brilliant, to be honest,” Anderson said. “I called up Paul [Green] and said, ‘Hey these kids can play!’ He said, ‘Yeah, I told you they were good!’”

Anderson developed a relationship with the students, performing with them during the filming of “Rock School,” a 2005 documentary chronicling Paul Green’s School of Rock in Philadelphia. The production of the film coincided with that of the popular movie “School of Rock” starring Jack Black which was based on Green’s school. Anderson also began working with children at the school, teaching the students about stage presence, he said.

“You’re a rock guitarist,” Anderson recalled saying to the students. “It’s showbiz!”

The students have been hard at work learning and rehearsing Yes’ “Close to the Edge” in its entirety. The album, which turned 50 this year, is certainly one of Yes’ most celebrated works among fans and critics, and successfully weaves together complex instrumental compositions and synthesized soundscapes amid shining harmonies and unforgettable melodies. The record’s title track, clocking in at around 18 minutes, is truly an immersive sonic experience.

Anderson recalls “sketching out” ideas with guitarist Steve Howe after the release of the 1971 album  “Fragile,” which included “Roundabout,” one of Yes’ best-known tracks. The singer worked with Howe to expand their pieces further; to lengthen a composition to encompass the entire side of a vinyl record. The pair, alongside bassist and Yes co-founder Chris Squire, drummer Bill Bruford, and Rick Wakeman on keyboards and synthesizers, crafted, rehearsed and recorded the 18-minute-long title track in pieces. Creating the album took roughly 6 weeks, according to Anderson.

50 years later, “Close to the Edge” has certainly stood the test of time and has proven highly influential in the realm of artistic and progressive music.

“Music is eternal,” Anderson said. “It survives.”

Alongside the album, fans can expect to hear Yes classics and fan favorites, as well as some fun surprises, including covers and mashups. 

In addition to working with the students, the legendary vocalist has also been working on an album of solo material.

“Years ago, I made an album called ‘Olias of Sunhillow,’” Anderson said. “I locked myself in the garage for three months and made an album… and went crazy, playing all the instruments and everything. That’s what I’ve been doing for the past two years.” 

Additional information about Jon Anderson’s upcoming dates with the Paul Green Rock Academy, including their performances at The Paramount in Huntington, N.Y. on July 13 and the Wellmont Theater in Montclair, N.J. on July 14, is available at www.jonanderson.com.