RIO

In a press release about his new album 'Rio' Rabin stated: "I wanted to get into many different areas. Of course there are 'prog things', but overall there are a lot of styles going on." So he's softening the blow to those expecting 40 solid minutes of 'Yes 2.0' minus Jon Anderson and crew.

I can easily classify as one of those Yes nerds with unrealistic expectations, so let's do this review from that perspective: It sucks! No! I'm just kidding! It's actually very good! Perhaps not on the first listen as much due to the album's diversity, but like any good album, repeat listens have been required to catch it all for what it is- a bunch of Trevor's songs.

After the first couple of tracks that have all the satisfying flavours of Big Generator/Talk and Union era Yes (and get revisited throughout the album) we move into the 'other styles' Trevor was talking about. Most surprisingly perhaps are the fierce chicken plucking tracks and even one track that is downright country western- but not to worry, Trevor screws around with them so much - in a good way- as to satisfy most prog fans.

There are plenty of jazzy moments as well...and bluesy moments. Trevor totally owns all of these moments. His vocals are satisfying to listen to - he can still really belt it out and serve it all up with his own winsome style. His ceaselessly good....no, great guitar work dominates the album- and it's downright awe inspiring. This album reminded me of how much I miss Trevor's guitar work. There's steel string acoustics in some songs too.

Overall it's a pleasantly surprising energetic and radiant album. It feels a bit disparate or project-like as solo albums often tend to be. He's not the next Sting or Phil Collins- two examples of singers who broke free of famous bands and styled their own stand-alone brand. Mostly Rabin comes across as a hard-working remarkably great guitarist and creative songwriter/producer who sings well and he does it all in good fun.

Trevor obviously enjoyed creating this album. That gets communicated well in the final product. You can also feel the ghost of Chris Squire hanging over this album, and Alan White in parts too. Open minded Yes fans should enjoy what Trevor offers- cool, twisty, catchy songs sprinkled with proggy pop delights and sensibilities.