Lucky Seven

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Lucky Seven" by Chris Squire from his 1975 solo album Fish Out of Water, a track that’s got the Zoo Freaks grooving with its funky 7/8 time signature. This song, a standout on the album, features a jazzy saxophone performance by Mel Collins, whose improvisational solo adds a cinematic flair, as noted in a 2023 review by At The Barrier. The unusual time signature, which gives the song its name, creates a swinging, off-kilter rhythm that Squire’s melodic basslines anchor perfectly. In a 2006 interview included in the deluxe edition of Fish Out of Water, Squire shared that the track was a nod to his love for complex rhythms, inspired by his early days experimenting with progressive rock structures. He also mentioned that producer Tom Dowd edited "Lucky Seven" into a single for U.S. release, though it remained a cult favorite rather than a chart-topper.

Another tidbit from the album’s production comes from a 2018 Louder article, which highlighted Squire’s collaboration with childhood friend Andrew Pryce Jackman, who orchestrated the album’s lush arrangements. Jackman’s work on "Lucky Seven" helped blend the track’s prog-rock roots with a funky edge, making it distinct from Squire’s work with Yes. Fans on Yes Fans have posted about how the song’s bass riff feels like a conversation between Squire and drummer Bill Bruford, a former Yes bandmate who brought his signature precision to the track. A 2016 post by @mitchlafon on X celebrated the album’s U.S. release, noting its enduring appeal among prog-rock lovers. Squire once revealed in a 2006 audio commentary that he used his iconic Rickenbacker bass to craft the song’s groove, aiming for a sound that was both spacy and grounded.

Chris Squire’s journey to becoming a progressive rock legend began in Wembley, England, where he was born on March 4, 1948. As a teenager, he was drawn to music through church choirs, where he met Andrew Pryce Jackman, a lifelong collaborator. According to AllMusic, Squire’s early career took shape in the mid-1960s with the band The Syn, a psychedelic outfit that included guitarist Peter Banks. The Syn disbanded in 1967, but Squire and Banks soon formed Mabel Greer’s Toy Shop, a precursor to Yes. It was here that Squire met vocalist Jon Anderson, and with the addition of Bill Bruford and Tony Kaye, the group evolved into Yes in 1968. Squire’s innovative use of the Rickenbacker bass, with its bright, melodic tone, became a cornerstone of Yes’s sound, propelling them to fame with albums like The Yes Album and Fragile.

Squire’s career with Yes spanned decades, and he was the only member to appear on every album until his passing in 2015. Beyond Yes, he explored side projects like his 1975 solo album Fish Out of Water and a collaboration with Yes drummer Alan White on the 1981 single “Run with the Fox.” His work with Billy Sherwood in the early 2000s under the Conspiracy project further showcased his versatility. Fans can explore more about Squire’s legacy on the official Yes website, though he did not maintain personal social media accounts. The Yes Facebook page and Yes Instagram share updates about the band, including tributes to Squire. The @yesofficial account on X also posts about his contributions, like a 2018 announcement of the Fish Out of Water deluxe box set.

For Zoo Freaks looking to connect with other fans, the Yes Fans group on Facebook is a vibrant community where Squire’s work, including "Lucky Seven," is frequently discussed. Another fan hub, Yes Family Matters, focuses on the band’s history and Squire’s pivotal role. While there’s no dedicated fan website solely for Squire, ProgArchives offers detailed reviews and discographies of his solo work and Yes’s catalog. These platforms keep Squire’s spirit alive, much like the Zoo Crew keeps his music spinning for the Freaks.