And You And I (eve)

The song "And You And I" performed by Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe on their live album An Evening Of Yes Music Plus, is a beloved classic originally by the progressive rock band Yes, from their 1972 album Close To The Edge. This particular live rendition, captured during a 1989 concert at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California, showcases the virtuosity of Jon Anderson, Bill Bruford, Rick Wakeman, and Steve Howe, who were temporarily unable to use the Yes name due to legal disputes with bassist Chris Squire. An interesting piece of trivia about this performance is the unique stage presence: Jon Anderson is noted for walking through the crowd, engaging directly with fans while singing, a move that set an intimate tone for the concert. This was a departure from typical rock performances of the era, reflecting the band’s progressive ethos and desire to connect with their audience, the "Zoo Freaks" in this context, who would appreciate such a gesture from their hippie DJ hosts at THE ZOO radio station.

Another fascinating aspect of this live version of "And You And I" is its context within the setlist, which blended Yes classics with new material from the Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe self-titled album. According to reviews, the live treatment of Yes songs like "And You And I" benefited from the absence of the dated 1980s studio production, giving it a more organic and dynamic feel. Fans on platforms like Progressive Ears have praised the energy of this performance, noting Rick Wakeman’s keyboard work and Steve Howe’s intricate guitar lines as highlights. Additionally, a post on X from @ProgMagazineUK in 2023 highlighted the significance of the ABWH album and tour, underscoring how this period was a creative resurgence for the band members, which is palpable in the passionate delivery of "And You And I."

Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe (ABWH) was formed in 1988 when Jon Anderson, feeling creatively stifled by Yes’s commercial direction in the 1980s, sought to reunite with former Yes members from the band’s 1970s heyday. Anderson, the ethereal-voiced lead singer, had been with Yes since its inception in 1968 but left after their 1987 album Big Generator. He connected with guitarist Steve Howe, keyboardist Rick Wakeman, and drummer Bill Bruford, all of whom had played on Yes’s classic albums like Fragile and Close To The Edge. They were joined by bassist Tony Levin, known for his work with King Crimson. The group began recording in Paris, with Anderson laying down initial tracks alongside guitarist Milton McDonald, before moving to Montserrat’s AIR Studios. Their self-titled album, released in 1989, was a nod to Yes’s progressive roots, and the subsequent tour, including the performance of "And You And I," was a critical and commercial success, as noted on BBC Music.

The origins of the individual members’ careers are deeply tied to the progressive rock movement. Jon Anderson, born in 1944 in Accrington, England, started singing in local bands before co-founding Yes with Chris Squire in 1968. Steve Howe, born in 1947 in London, honed his guitar skills in various bands like The Syndicats before joining Yes in 1970. Rick Wakeman, born in 1949 in Middlesex, was a classically trained keyboardist who gained prominence with The Strawbs before becoming Yes’s iconic keyboardist in 1971. Bill Bruford, born in 1949 in Kent, was Yes’s original drummer, contributing to their early albums before exploring jazz-rock with King Crimson. Their collective experience and desire to return to Yes’s complex, symphonic sound drove the formation of ABWH, as detailed in biographies on Wikipedia.

Fans of Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe can connect with their legacy through various platforms. Jon Anderson’s official website is jonanderson.com, with his Facebook and Instagram accounts offering updates on his projects. Bill Bruford’s website is billbruford.com, and he maintains a Facebook presence. Rick Wakeman’s site is rwcc.com, with active Facebook and @GrumpyOldRick on X. Steve Howe’s website is stevehowe.com, and he is on Facebook. Fan communities thrive on sites like Progressive Ears and the Yes Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks can share their love for ABWH’s music, including the transcendent live version of "And You And I."