As longtime Biff Bam Pop readers are aware, I’m a huge Yes fan. Over the years we’ve had reviews of the various recordings from the group, along with multiple interviews with the band’s current keyboardist Geoff Downes and former lead singer Benoit David. This past Friday saw the release of a new album from founding member and one of rock’s most revered vocalists, Jon Anderson. Better Late Than Never is the first collaboration between Anderson and heralded violinist Jean-Luc Ponty, who has worked with Frank Zappa, Return To Forever and Mahavishnu Orchestra. Together, the Anderson Ponty Band have created new music, while also reinterpreting material from both musician’s legendary catalogues.
To talk to the man who laid the foundation of progressive rock beside Yes bassist Chris Squire…well, as you can imagine, it was a very exciting opportunity for yours truly.
You’ll be able to hear the entire conversation between myself and Jon Anderson in November with the second instalment of the Biff Bam Podcast; in the meantime, here are a few choice selections from our chat. Enjoy!
The voice:
The formation of the Anderson Ponty Band:
The legacy of Owner of a Lonely Heart:
On Chris Squire:
Find out more about the Anderson Ponty Band here. The band is on the road this fall. For your tour date information, visit Jon Anderson’s website.
Thanks to Jon Anderson for taking the time to talk to Biff Bam Pop, and to Billy James at Glass Onyon PR for helping make it happen.
