Time / Owner / Teakbois

The Zoo Crew is spinning the vibrant medley "Time / Owner / Teakbois" by Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe from their live album An Evening Of Yes Music Plus, a track that’s got the Zoo Freaks buzzing with its eclectic energy. This medley, performed at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California, on September 9, 1989, kicks off with Jon Anderson’s acoustic rendition of Yes’s "Time and a Word," seamlessly transitioning into the 80s hit "Owner of a Lonely Heart," and concluding with the quirky, Caribbean-infused "Teakbois" from their self-titled studio album. What makes this performance stand out is Anderson’s unconventional entrance, walking through the audience while singing, accompanied by Milton McDonald on acoustic guitar, creating a memorable, intimate connection with fans. Reviews note the fluid transitions between tracks, with Anderson’s vocals described as plaintive and powerful, though some fans on ProgArchives have mixed feelings about "Teakbois," calling it a “calypso mess” or “cod reggae” that doesn’t quite fit the progressive rock mold.

Delving into trivia, the medley’s inclusion of "Teakbois" has sparked debate among fans, with some appreciating its bold, world-music vibe, while others, as seen in ProgArchives reviews, find it jarring compared to the classic Yes sound. The live recording, originally broadcast on the King Biscuit Flower Hour and as a pay-per-view special, faced criticism for its sound quality, with bassist Jeff Berlin’s contributions notably low in the mix, as mentioned in a LouderSound review. Berlin filled in for regular bassist Tony Levin, who was sidelined by hepatitis during this concert, adding a unique twist to the lineup. Posts on X from @ProgMagazineUK highlight the album’s significance, noting its release on June 20, 1989, and the band’s legal battle to avoid using the Yes name, despite being four-fifths of the classic lineup. This medley, with its blend of nostalgia and experimentation, captures the band’s attempt to bridge their 70s progressive roots with a modern, late-80s flair.

Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe (ABWH) formed in 1988 when Jon Anderson, feeling creatively stifled by Yes’s pop-oriented direction, reunited with former Yes members Steve Howe, Rick Wakeman, and Bill Bruford. Anderson, inspired by songwriting sessions with Vangelis in Greece, connected with Howe in London, where they began crafting tracks like "Brother of Mine" and "Birthright." Bruford, fresh from King Crimson, brought along bassist Tony Levin, and the group started recording demos in Paris at La Frette Studios. Unable to use the Yes name due to legal disputes with Chris Squire, who held the rights, they named themselves after their surnames, a move some fans jokingly likened to a law firm. Their self-titled album, released in 1989 on Arista Records, reached number 14 in the UK and number 30 in the US, with their subsequent world tour spawning the live album An Evening Of Yes Music Plus. Despite their brief existence, ABWH’s music resonated with fans longing for the classic Yes sound, as evidenced by the album’s gold certification for 500,000 US sales.

For more on ABWH, check out their official page via Cherry Red Records, which offers detailed info on their releases. Individual member websites include Jon Anderson’s official site, Bill Bruford’s official site, Rick Wakeman’s official site, and Steve Howe’s official site. On social media, you can follow Jon Anderson on Facebook, Jon Anderson on Instagram, Bill Bruford on Facebook, Rick Wakeman on Facebook, Rick Wakeman on Instagram, Steve Howe on Facebook, and Steve Howe on Instagram. For fan communities, ProgArchives hosts active discussions on ABWH, and the Yes Fans Facebook Group is a vibrant space for fans to share their love for ABWH and Yes-related content.