----------------------------------------------------- JULY 1976 ----------------------------------------------------- Source: RAM Jon Anderson - Olias of Sunhillow (Atlantic) By Bob Edmunds There's no suggestion of a rich man's self-indulgence about this project. The music makes it impossible to doubt Jon's total commitment to his art. He not only wrote the words and melodies, but also learned how to play a range of strange string and wind instruments and record them to best advantage. Happily, the album is as impressive as anything Yes have produced collectively. He's come up with a piece of fiction somewhere between the fairy tales and science fiction -- a story of three musicians who rescue beings from a doomed planet. The point though, is the music. Musicians with greater skills (e.g. Mike Oldfield) have created instrumental works on this scale but have always been denied access to the wonderful instrument of Jon Anderson's voice. Endless tours have done nothing to detract from one of the richest, purest voices in rock. Outstanding sections of the piece include the atmospheric opening sequence, "Ocean Song," the gorgeous "Sound Out the Galleon," and the exquisite "Chords." But to select particular fragments of the album for praise is misleading. "Olias" has a continuity of intensity rarely found on any album, let alone one this ambitious. It won't go down too well with those who reject anything except full-tilt rock'n'roll. But there's no way you can deny the sheer GRANDEUR of Jon Anderson's music, no matter what opinions you hold about rock. Close Window YesInThePress.com For site comments, problems, corrections, or additions, contact YesinthePress@aol.com