I'm creating a new thread if anyone is interested in talking further about this subject, at least starting out with my personal take on it. It came up in the Sound of Contact thread about Simon, Matt and I parting ways and them continuing SOC while I pursue other projects, mainly my own solo album and Sonic Elements, a revolving door of Progness that includes guests like Keith Emerson, Steve Hackett, Francis Dunnery, Mike Keneally, Billy Sherwood, Matt Dorsey, Randy McStine, John Wesley, Rik Emmett, David Longdon, Steve Rothery and others singing or playing guitar along with me on keys and drummers like Terry Bozzio, Billy Cobham, Nick D'Virgilio, Neil Peart or Nick Mason's drum grooves we sampled for my company Sonic Reality (that makes music software for musicians).
Here was the question from that thread and my answer:
Even though you're probably saying that in jest, I would take it seriously (apart from my nickname being part of it). A project like that would be fun, especially if they listened to someone new and objective. One of the challenges in working with already established artists is getting everyone to approach a project with an open mind when it comes to creativity or direction outside of their normal trusted sources such as themselves and others they've already worked with or that have huge success under their belt. Ironically the band Yes DID do that and took a chance with both Trevors (Rabin and Horn) and the results, although very different than the Yes that had been around in the 70s, were impressive to say the least. 90125 in particular I thought was a very innovative and creative re-approach giving the band another sound that also worked well (and consequently also did well commercially without losing all "muso" quality). If I worked with any of those guys and got the same trust the Trevors did then that would be amazing. (Not saying that's something I expect... who the f--k am I? But any of us could fantasize about something like this.. and some friends my age that I've known for years have actually had the chance to do this!). If not and I was just a keyboard player playing their songs and old Yes stuff that would OF COURSE be fun too although perhaps more of just a novelty and a cool gig to talk about in reality. Personally I'd rather be part of shaping something to be as great as one could imagine it being. That's what I feel I was able to accomplish in my creative role with SOC on Dimensionaut.
As for our "prog heroes", ironically I think many of us CAN imagine an AMAZING Wakeman, Anderson, Rabin album or a new Yes album or any number of legendary artists' albums being fantastic. But how many people expect that's what they'll put out? Do we expect it be something as good or better than their best albums before? If not then why? In my opinion, it has to do with being in the zone and on your game, reaching for the best you can in every area of the writing, performance and production. Some new blood with an objective POV can be good for that. I think Nick Raskulinecz does well with Rush in that way as a producer. He's a true fan and they trust his objective POV. Although he doesn't write with them and that's where things can really be shaped... and that is a rare open door and perhaps the hardest trust to earn. I have a long way to go before I expect that from anyone that's already established as an artist. I got lucky with SOC that they were open to so much of my material and ideas on everything. I think it turned out well too! It's not perfect but I'm proud of the album. But, anyway, that's what I like to do. I like to doctor a song in any area it needs improvement (according to my tastes) or write songs whether in collaboration or on my own. It'd be fun to do it with any of my childhood music heroes but if not then I'll just do that with any next generation musicians that are open in that way.
That was my POV and about me but feel free to take the subject elsewhere or you can ask me anything OT from that SOC thread, particularly if it has to do with working with our "Prog Heroes" perhaps would keep it on topic here. Or just talk about them instead which is maybe more interesting... not that we need another Yes thread in disguise!!!! Haha.
Thanks for reading my tale of topographic Squids banter.
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