ANDERSON / WAKEMAN: THE LIVING TREE

After I heard that Jon Anderson quit Yes -at least for now- The living tree was a pleasant surprise. It's basically a two men mission, made of songs with acoustic piano, new age keyboard layers and subtle string arrangements. The songs are in the vein of Madrigal (Going for the one), The meeting (ABWH), Time and a word (Keys to ascension version) and Soft as a dove (Magnification), to name a few. So if you like the softer side of Yes, you'll find plenty of things to enjoy in this quiet album. Highlights: Morning star, House of freedom, Living tree part 2, Anyway and Always, Garden. A solid 4 stars.