---------------------------------------------------- JUNE 20, 1998 ----------------------------------------------------- Source: Wal-Mart Catalog     http://www.walmart.com/catalog/  (Abbreviated link text.) Jon Anderson: The Promise Ring Anderson's creative evolution comes full circle on "The Promise Ring," a joyous musical adventure which speaks simultaneously of the glory of Ireland's past, its hope for the new millennium, and the belief in the promise of love and our divine right to be worthy of happiness. It's a grand party, celebration of global harmony and the wonder which lies ahead. Jon Anderson is an artist of irrefutable musical integrity. His name is more readily recognized when associated with his astounding works: pioneering an art-form with the band Yes, pursing collaborations with other gifted artists, and venturing into a solo career that has most recently addressed some of the most profound aspects of our existence. Born in 1944 in Lancashire, England, Jon Anderson gained his first public musical experience with a band called The Warriors in 1964. He soon embarked on a solo career under the name Hans Christian Anderson, but response to his efforts were uninspiring. 1968 was the year that rocketed Anderson into the spotlight, as he and bassist Chris Squire formed a band they called Yes. Combining the power of rock music with polyrhythms and jazz textures, the group's work proved to be some of the most seriously-conceived music of its time. It was Yes, along with Pink Floyd and Genesis, that literally pioneered the style that became known as Progressive Rock. Anderson and Yes released their first album in 1969, and in the early 70s the band's lineup was complemented by the phenomenal talents of Rick Wakeman and Steve Howe. 1972 brought worldwide acclaim, as Anderson and Howe composed the polymetric, complex Yes trademark song, "Roundabout." The next year, after having released Close to the Edge and YesSongs, Anderson and the band toured the world, and began their production of future albums. In 1976 Yes took a well-deserved break, giving Anderson the opportunity to record his debut solo album, Olias of Sunhillow. As a solo artist, Anderson discovered a tremendous musical chemistry with Greek keyboardist, Vangelis. The two worked, collaborated and performed under the name, Jon and Vangelis. Inspired by their progress, Anderson officially left Yes in 1980. His work with Vangelis soon yielded two songs that hit the Top Ten on the British charts, "I Hear You Now" and "I'll Find My Way Home." A few more albums ensued for Jon and Vangelis, and then in 1983 Anderson briefly re-joined Yes. This led to his next project, the formation of Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman and Howe, a collaboration with previous Yes members. In 1994, after five solo albums and literally dozens of albums with other artists, Anderson was bestowed a spiritual gift that redirected his thinking and his life, and led him into the genre of World Music. Central to this awakening was when, one night after an impromptu performance with Vangelis, he was contacted by one of the Ancient Native Americans, from what is now California. From that point, Anderson devoted himself to his quest for ancient wisdom, earth and harmony, traveling widely in his pursuit. His next several albums, beginning with 1994's Deseo (on the Windham Hill label) and 1996's Toltec, were products of his spiritual quest - expressive and deep, with definitive Latin-Tribal-Earth influences. Anderson's most recent releases include The More You Know in 1998, and The Deseo Remixes, profound interpretations of the original effort. Says Anderson on the official Windham Hill website, "We must take care of this planet in order to take care of our souls, our ancient ones, and our future children." Close Window YesInThePress.com For site comments, problems, corrections, or additions, contact YesinthePress@aol.com