SCS14 – Yes Royal Affair Tour. Atlantic City NJ Ken and Joe review the Yes Royal Affair show from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City NJ. From the confounding appearance of Arthur Brown through the academic information of Carl Palmer and the versatile magic of Bumblefoot to the relaxed joy and wonder of Yes, the guys cover it all (or at least a lot of it). This was a very enjoyable show and there is much to recommend it. Twitter: @progpala Email: progpala@gmail.com Facebook: www.fa...
Jun 28, 2019•1 hr 27 min
Episode 65 – Genesis Part 5, Selling England by the Pound Paul, Ken and Joe cover Selling England by the Pound. High points? Low points? Disagreement? This episode has them all. While some of the subtleties of British culture references require some work the group decides that this is a very strong album. Opinions are split on The Battle of Epping Forest but Firth of Fifth is a classic. Twitter: @progpala Email: progpala@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ProgPala YouTube: www.youtube.com/chan...
May 29, 2019•1 hr 26 min
SCS13 – The Musical Box – Glenside PA Ken and Joe are joined by Friend of the Palaver Ken Fuller to discuss The Musical Box’s performance at the Keswick theater attended by the two Kens. We palaver about tribute bands, Genesis live experiences and, of course, The Musical Box. Twitter: @progpala Email: progpala@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ProgPala YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCw_Xxit3D8wbv-AcJ_7Z__w/featured Theme music provided by: Dave DeWhitt
May 25, 2019•51 min
Episode 64 – Genesis Part 4, Foxtrot Paul, Tom, Ken and Joe cover what may be the best of five-person Genesis, Foxtrot. There is balance in the force for this excellent album. What does Foxtrot have in common with Jesus Christ Superstar and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer? Tune into this episode of the Palaver and find out. Twitter: @progpala Email: progpala@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ProgPala YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCw_Xxit3D8wbv-AcJ_7Z__w/featured Theme music provided by: Da...
May 15, 2019•1 hr 45 min
SCS12 – Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets – New York NY Ken and Joe are joined by Joe Cass of Total Mass Retain, Yes Tribute Band to discuss Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets tour. While Joe was unable to attend the performance in Dallas (to which he had tickets but sadly had to travel), Joe Cass saw BOTH nights at the Beacon Theater in New York. Covering parts of the Pink Floyd catalog that no one else would dare to cover, Nick Mason put together a solid band and did the thing properly. Joe Cas...
May 12, 2019•53 min
Episode 63 – Genesis Part 3, Nursery Cryme Joe and Ken reach a major milestone in the Genesis catalog with Nursery Cryme. The additions of Steve Hackett and Phil Collins to band combined with the developing songwriting skills of the remaining three provides a significant leap forward. This album continues to showcase the unique characteristics that will become Genesis. Twitter: @progpala Email: progpala@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ProgPala Instagram: ProgPala / Progressive Palaver YouTu...
May 08, 2019•56 min
Episode 62 – Genesis Part 2, Trespass The second Genesis album, Trespass, takes a huge step towards realizing what Genesis will become. The Palaver finds much to like in this early gem as the band begin to find themselves musically. There are times when the listener can clearly hear the future prog powerhouse. While we might not all listen to this record as much as we think we should, we all enjoyed it immensely. Twitter: @progpala Email: progpala@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ProgPala Yo...
Apr 24, 2019•1 hr 6 min
SCS 11 – Jon Anderson – Collingswood NJ Ken and Joe discuss the Jon Anderson 1000 Hands Tour after seeing the energetic and positive show at the Scottish Rite Auditorium in Collingswood New Jersey. We palaver about the band and the setlist, considering their interpretations of Yes classics and Jon’s solo material. Favorable feelings are in evidence as we recall our experience. Twitter: @progpala Email: progpala@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ProgPala YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCw_Xx...
Apr 21, 2019•1 hr 17 min
Episode 61 – Genesis Part 1, Palaver Preamble and From Genesis to Revelation One should always start from the beginning. Not making the same mistake we made with Yes, the Palaver begins our Genesis journey with their first release From Genesis to Revelation. After some time to reflect on our own introductions to the band we consider this diamond in the rough. The band were young and just starting out. The songs reflect this state of affairs but there are clearly shining moments. This album is cl...
Apr 16, 2019•1 hr 12 min
SCS 10 – Steven Wilson – Dallas TX, November 19, 2018 Paul and Joe discuss the Steven Wilson To the Bone Tour, this time with the wisdom gained from having just completed palavering on the SW solo records. While the House of Blues may have had some logistic shortcomings with regards to the stage show, the music won out (even if the live tracks are muted by the forest of tall people around Joe throughout the show). Twitter: @progpala Email: progpala@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ProgPala Y...
Feb 11, 2019•1 hr 1 min
Episode 60 – Steven Wilson Part 4, To the Bone Joe, Paul, Tom and Ken complete the Steven Wilson solo segment with To the Bone. Steven Wilson takes us on a journey through pop-infused prog with his signature (and highly developed) mastery of emotional influence. The influence of producer Paul Stacey (and his captivating studio) is explored in this lively Palaver. To the Bone delivers consistently and on many levels while driving the group to reminiscing and introspection. Twitter: @progpala Emai...
Feb 08, 2019•1 hr 51 min
Episode 59 - Steven Wilson Part 3, Hand Cannot Erase by Progressive Palaver
Feb 01, 2019•1 hr 16 min
Episode 58 – Steven Wilson Part 2, The Raven That Refused to Sing (And Other Stories) Paul and Joe (with Ken present in spirit via text) dive into this most prog of Steven Wilson albums. The Raven… comes out of the gate as a tour de force and the Palaver is equally enthusiastic in our praise of both the album (songwriting, tone, lyrics) and Guthrie Govan. Perhaps the compliments get heaped on too heavily (is that possible)? Ken’s reaction is much more measured even though he seems to be feeling ...
Jan 23, 2019•1 hr 21 min
Episode 57 – Steven Wilson Part 1, Insurgentes & Grace for Drowning Paul and Joe begin a short segment on Steven Wilson solo records starting with Insurgentes and Grace for Drowning. These two records show Steven Wilson finding his footing as a solo artist and exploring the musical canvasses he wants to use in this phase of his career. While looking for ways to destroy mp3 players, SW was creating beautiful and haunting sonic sketches which both build off his prior experience and point towar...
Jan 10, 2019•57 min
Bonus Episode – Palaver Mailbag, Late Delivery Part 2, 2018 Paul and Joe end 2018 by dipping into the Palaver Mailbag to discuss some of your messages and questions. We appreciate every message we get so please keep them coming. We hope you enjoy! Twitter: @progpala Email: progpala@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ProgPala YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCw_Xxit3D8wbv-AcJ_7Z__w/featured Theme music provided by: Dave DeWhitt
Jan 04, 2019•30 min
Special Episode – Tony Kaye Tom, Ken and Joe have the honor to interview Yes founding member Tony Kaye. Tony shares with us his perspective of the beginning of progressive rock in the late 60’s and the resurgence of Yes in early 80’s. Tony shares some insights from his Hall of Fame career including his return to Yes for the 50th anniversary (and beyond). Having worked with some of the best, most innovative producers in the world Tony has experiences few can rival. What’s that Tony? You were invo...
Dec 30, 2018•54 min
Episode 56 – Yes Part 19, Yes & Time and a Word Paul, Ken and Joe correct a past Palaver mistake by closing out the year of #YES50 and returning to the first two Yes albums; Yes and Time and a Word. These two albums were skipped when the Palaver began the initial Yes segment but their importance meant that they had to be covered. The group considers these two records in relation to the beginnings of progressive rock and what Yes themselves would ultimately become. The contribution and impact...
Dec 28, 2018•1 hr 4 min
Episode 55 – Yes Part 18, Heaven & Earth Tom, Ken and Joe move to the end of the of Yes catalog with the most recent release from @YesOfficial, Heaven & Earth. This album marks a clear movement towards new horizons and was, at the time, only the third album released without Jon Anderson. New singer Jon Davidson has significant writing credits here and Billy Sherwood pitches in with engineering duties. Heaven & Earth is different to be certain and is sure to generate some passionate o...
Dec 23, 2018•1 hr 22 min
Episode 54 – Yes Part 17, Fly From Here & Fly From Here, Return Trip Joe and Ken have an unabashed lovefest for both versions of the Fly From Here album. Thirty years in the making, Fly From Here is worth every day of the wait. The discussion focuses on the interesting amalgam found in these albums from songwriting, influences, production and singers. It’s not often you are able to fully enjoy two interpretations of the same album that do not, in any way, diminish the other. Both Benoit Davi...
Dec 14, 2018•1 hr 7 min
Episode 53 – Yes Part 16, Magnification Joe, Paul and Ken discuss this often-overlooked gem in the Yes catalog. When Chris Squire sings “You might need a guide” you should probably pay attention. Twitter: @progpala Email: progpala@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ProgPala YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCw_Xxit3D8wbv-AcJ_7Z__w/featured Theme music provided by: Dave DeWhitt
Dec 04, 2018•1 hr 24 min
Episode 52 – Yes Part 15, The Ladder The year of Yes continues as Paul, Ken and Joe tackle The Ladder. The technical gremlins manifest themselves in this episode as phantom beeps but the Palaver is as engaging as ever for this joyful, enjoyable album. The group finds The Ladder as a pleasant surprise (Ken declares the album a “hidden gem”) in the catalog in this time. The only Yes album recorded with six members, The Ladder benefits from the flexibility of an extra set of hands and a collaborati...
Oct 26, 2018•1 hr 16 min
Episode 51 – Yes Part 15, Keys to Ascension & Open Your Eyes The almost full Palaver of Joe, Paul, Ken, Jay and Tom tackle both Keys to Ascension albums and Open Your Eyes in this episode. The musical parallels between Keys and Tormato are explored at some length whether or not they actually exist. Either way it seems this group can’t stop talking about that particular album (Ken suggests a drinking game). Tom sees Keys as a reaffirmation of a great band while Joe posits that Keys represents...
Oct 18, 2018•1 hr 35 min
The Yes palaver continues with Jay, Tom, Ken, Paul and Joe covering Talk. The group considers the (at the time) cutting edge recording and production techniques which lend this album a unique flavor. The 2 < 5 theory is explored again as well as the effect of no strong outside producer (too many Trevors, too many Jons and where is the bass???). This album does, however, contain perhaps the most "Yes" portion of music of the Trevor Rabin albums in the song State of Play of all places. Tom brin...
Oct 12, 2018•35 min
Bonus Episode – Trevor Rabin, Can’t Look Away In this bonus episode, Paul and Joe take a (small) sidestep away from Yes to discuss Trevor Rabin’s solo effort Can’t Look Away. Paul has always held this album in high regard and time has proven him correct. The influence of a top-notch producer (Bob Ezrin) is readily evident in focusing Trevor’s creative urges. This album serves as a fascinating addendum to the Yes albums of this era and, perhaps, provides an early glimpse into Trevor moving toward...
Oct 01, 2018•37 min
Episode 48 – Yes Part 12, ABWH & Union For this episode of the Yes Palaver Paul, Ken and Joe discuss the curious period in Yes history with the albums Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe and Union. These two albums represent a very dynamic period in the band’s history. The interweaving timelines for the two Yes camps that resulted in these albums is fascinating and is ultimately punctuated by management intervention, producer shenanigans and “too many everybodies” vocals. Neither of them perhaps r...
Sep 23, 2018•56 min
Episode 47 – Yes Part 11, Big Generator This episode is another lean Palaver where Ken and Joe consider the Yes album Big Generator. Ken provides a look into the outstanding prog context of 1987 (what a year!). Regardless of the greater Palaver’s feeling about this album, Big Generator was the group’s ultimate gateway to Yes, originally via Paul. While Tom provides some scathing criticism via text message, Ken ultimately feels that both Big Generator and 90125 met the goals for all stakeholders ...
Sep 13, 2018•57 min
Episode 46 – Yes Part 10, 90125 In order to help celebrate 50 years of Yes, the Palaver returns to the Yes catalog with the 1983 album 90125. Paul, Tom, Ken and Joe (including Jay and Colby in spirit if not substance) dive deep into this game-changing (for better or worse) album featuring the return of Jon Anderson and Tony Kaye to the band. The significant influence of the two Trevors is contemplated. The Palaver talks at length about the courage demonstrated by the songwriting collaboration to...
Sep 07, 2018•1 hr 47 min
Bonus Episode – Total Mass Retain In this very exciting bonus episode Joe and Ken get to interview three of the members from Total Mass Retain. As a featured performer at the YesFanFest – 50 True Summers event in Philadelphia on July 21st, TMR is one of the hottest trending names in the world of tribute bands. Members Joel Simches, Mark Gonzalez and Joey Cassano share their love of all things Yes and provide some insights into how TMR came to be and where they hope to go. If you love Yes music (...
Sep 04, 2018•1 hr 3 min
Episode 45 – Asia Part 6 Omega, XXX & Gravitas Joe completes his solo consideration of the Asia catalog, finishing up with last three albums featuring John Wetton. These three albums are full of surprises and demonstrate a band that is in clear control of their art. Fast tempos, killer vocals, well-balanced songwriting and even a mantra are the hallmarks of these albums. Even the departure of Steve Howe and the arrival of Sam Coulson doesn’t slow down Asia. These albums have found a place in...
Aug 30, 2018•1 hr 5 min
SCS9- Yes - Philadelphia PA - July 21 2018 by Progressive Palaver
Aug 05, 2018•1 hr 22 min
