[.ca] Promise Ring

I love Jon, but...:
I guess the two main things that bug me about this album are the use of traditional Celtic tunes without any credit (what's up with that??) and the seemingly forced production of a relatively uninspired album. Don't get me wrong, I'm ordinarily a huge fan, but this came out in the middle of that flurry of Jon albums in the mid 1990s, and you can really tell it's rushed. He put this one out shortly after moving to San Luis Obispo, and the "pub" is one I've been to. The accoustics aren't terrific let me tell you, so why he decided to do this album there is beyond me when he has his own studio space within a few miles. It just doesn't work. It seems like he's scrambling for material, and it shows. I own it just to complete my collection, but don't really listen to it.

Hold on a minute...........:
I love Irish music. All music has its place. Jon Anderson is a weird and wonderful human being and we delight at his various musical projects. This however just sounds embarrasing. We know Jon is all 'New Age' now and all that and he always has been but this recording just seems to be too silly. I can't seem to work out whether the live pub thing is suppose to be a genuinely good vibe or what? At the end of the day you've got raw irish music in the background and Jon singing his flowery, esoteric lyrics over the top of it! Maybe I'm missing the point. it just sounds SO SILLY...........sorry. (I do love YES)

Don't be so harsh !:
The fact that it is a live recording is what sells it ! I love it...and would highly give it 2 thumbs up. I think it is a very clear beautiful recording.

Contrary to popular belief, melodies are American:
I would refer any critics to '100 Years of American Dance Music' released in 1975 by the New England Conservatory Country Fiddle Band, directed by Gunther Schuler. There you will find most of the melodies Jon used on this EXCELLENT selection. They are Celtic in flavor, but most decidedly American, AND all of them in the public domain. I believe this, as yet undiscovered by the masses, disc will join '3 Ships' as some of Jon's best and most sought after works. I'm considering buying a few more for the eventual ebay rush.

A festive celtic celebration.:
Let me start by stating the obvious - this isn't YES, it's entirely Jon Anderson. Another truth about J.A. albums is that they are all different. Olias of Sunhillow was his prog-rock masterpiece, Toltec was his delve into the mysteries of native American cultures, Deseo was his tip of the hat to world music, Angels Embrace was his ambient album, and 3 Ships (a very hard-to-find classic) was his Christmas album. Each has it's charm and appeal, and some are more succesful than others. The Promise Ring is his Celtic work, and it is wonderful! From the first moment, you will instantly be transported to an Irish Pub, with all the atmosphere, background banter, laughing, clapping and clinking of glasses you would expect. The production of this CD is unabashedly live and a bit raw in texture. Those who criticize the sound quality must realize that Jon is no stranger to highly produced, perfectly clean recordings, but this approach would have diminished the impact of this work. As it is, this CD captures the fun and good spirits of the audience, along with the utter joy the musicians are experiencing while sharing their music with the crowd. YES fans will recognize the final song, O'ER as it is incorporated into the song SOMEHOW, SOMEDAY from the Open Your Eyes CD. Without exception,the songs are all upbeat and joyful, full of good spirit, love and hope for the future. I cannot listen to this CD without it making me smile and tap my toes. If you've never spent time in an authentic Irish Pub with live music, you've missed out on a great night of fun - but you can partially capture the experience with this terrific CD.

• Born to Dance
• Flowers of the Morning
• Timing of the Known
• True Life Song
• Are You?
• My Sweet Jane
• True Hands of Fate
• Promise Ring
• O'er