Etoille Noir / Eyes of Love

The song "Etoile Noir / Eyes of Love" by Trevor Rabin is a compelling piece from the 1993 compilation Affirmative: The Yes Solo Family Album, showcasing Rabin's multifaceted talents as a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist. This track, originally from his 1989 solo album Can't Look Away, is a medley that blends the instrumental "Etoile Noir" with the emotive "Eyes of Love." In a 2019 review of Rabin's Live in LA album on ProgArchives, a critic noted the medley as a highlight, praising its "note-perfect" instrumentation, suggesting it was a promotional gem meant to draw listeners to Can't Look Away. The seamless transition between the atmospheric "Etoile Noir" and the heartfelt "Eyes of Love" reflects Rabin's knack for crafting dynamic, layered compositions that resonate with both progressive rock and pop audiences.

Another tidbit about "Etoile Noir / Eyes of Love" comes from its live performance context. During Rabin's 1989 tour, captured in Live in LA, the medley was a staple, showcasing his ability to replicate studio precision on stage. Fans on ProgArchives have remarked that the live rendition, including this medley, felt "too faithful" to the studio versions, yet its inclusion in Affirmative: The Yes Solo Family Album gave it a new life, introducing it to Yes fans unfamiliar with Rabin's solo work. The track's placement alongside works by other Yes members like Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman underscores its significance in the Yes extended universe, bridging Rabin's solo career with his contributions to the band.

Trevor Rabin was born on January 13, 1954, in Johannesburg, South Africa, into a musically rich family. His mother, Joy, was a classical pianist and ballet dancer, while his father, Godfrey, was a lawyer and lead violinist in the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra. Rabin began playing piano at age five, later teaching himself guitar using piano exercise books, as he shared in a 2023 Glide Magazine interview. By his teens, he was a session musician, working with various artists in South Africa. In 1972, he joined the rock band Rabbitt, which became a local sensation, releasing his first solo album, Beginnings, in 1977. After moving to London in 1978 and later to Los Angeles in 1981, Rabin worked as a producer and session player before joining Yes in 1983, where his songwriting and guitar work reshaped the band's sound with hits like "Owner of a Lonely Heart."

You can stay updated with Trevor Rabin through his official website, trevorrabin.net, and his social media presence on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans also connect through communities like the YES (official) Facebook page, which has over 844,000 likes and covers Rabin’s contributions to Yes. Additionally, fan-driven spaces such as the Yes Fandom wiki provide detailed insights into Rabin’s discography, including "Etoile Noir / Eyes of Love," fostering a vibrant community for Zoo Freaks to explore his legacy.