Silently Falling

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove to the cosmic vibes of Silently Falling by Chris Squire from his 1975 solo masterpiece Fish Out of Water! This 11-minute prog rock epic is a standout track, weaving intricate rhythms, orchestral flourishes, and Squire’s signature basslines. One juicy tidbit from a 2006 interview with Squire, conducted by Jon Kirkman, reveals that the song’s complex structure was a collaborative effort with his childhood friend and orchestrator Andrew Pryce Jackman. Squire offered Jackman co-writing credits for his contributions, but Jackman humbly declined, preferring to let Squire shine. The track’s polyrhythmic intensity, driven by Bill Bruford’s dynamic drumming and Patrick Moraz’s swirling Hammond organ solo, creates what critics have called a “musical storm” with a serene, flute-led opening that evokes “absolute zen and bliss,” as noted in a Prog Archives review.

Another cool story comes from musician Rachel Flowers, who shared on Facebook in January 2023 about her love for the original mix of Silently Falling. She noted how the 2018 remix by Jakko Jakszyk altered the track’s magic, particularly missing the gong tape effect and phaser-drenched French horns in the transition back to acoustic instruments. Fans have also had fun with the song’s lyrics, with some mishearing “Silently Falling” as “Sundays are boring” or “Chalet before you,” as discussed on Progressive Ears. Plus, did you know the song was sampled in 2010 by New Zealand DJ P-Money for his track Falling Down? That’s right—this prog classic found new life in hip-hop!

Let’s rewind to how Chris Squire, the legendary bassist of Yes, kicked off his career. Born on March 4, 1948, in London, Squire’s musical journey began in his teens as a choirboy at St. Andrew’s Church, where he met Andrew Pryce Jackman. This early exposure to choral and organ music shaped his unique approach to composition. By the mid-1960s, Squire was gigging with local bands like The Selfs and The Syn, a precursor to Yes, where he honed his innovative Rickenbacker bass sound. In 1968, he co-founded Yes with Jon Anderson, and his melodic, driving basslines became a cornerstone of the band’s progressive rock legacy. Squire’s work on Fish Out of Water, his only solo album with original material, showcased his ability to blend symphonic grandeur with rock energy, cementing his status as a prog icon.

For more on Chris Squire, check out his official band’s site at YesWorld, where you can dive into his legacy with Yes. Connect with fans on social media via Yes’s Facebook, Yes’s Instagram, and Yes’s X account. Squire passed away in 2015, but his spirit lives on in fan communities like the Yes Fans Facebook Group and sites such as Prog Archives and Progressive Ears, where Zoo Freaks can geek out over his genius. Spin on, and keep the prog vibes flowing!