Crish Squire - (1987) ESQUIRE

ESQUIRE

Request of Theressa.

(Review from amazon)

Esquire are a British symphonic rock group founded in 1982 by singer Nikki Squire, wife of bass player Chris Squire of Yes fame, and ex-New Cross bass player Nigel McLaren. Making up the numbers in this trio is unsung hero Charles Olins on keyboards. One would be entirely correct in assuming that Esquire play a style of music akin to Yes.

This 1987 album is a sublime work of art, that is about great songs rather than being a vehicle for displaying the artists' obvious musical craftsmanship and virtuosity. All tracks overflow with sterling melodies that ooze class and sophistication. Still this remains a hardhitting rock album. The band's unique, innovative sound is further typified by Nikki Squire's remarkable, somewhat masculine sounding vocals, which greatly resemble Jon Anderson's.

The hugely impressive highlight, "Blossomtime", which starts off with a delicate piano passage, but eventually turns into an overwhelmingly pompous affair with a chorus. The multilayered backing vox and harmonies are out of this world.

Unfortunately, the band lacked the promotional clout at Geffen records, and the following autumn Big Generator came out and stole the thunder from this album.

Track List :
01. To the Rescue
02. Sunshine
03. Knock Twice for Heaven
04. Up Down Turnaround
05. Blossomtime
06. Hourglass
07. Moving Together
08. Silent Future
09. Special Greetings
10. What You've Been Saying
11. Sunshine (Original Mix)

Line-up :
- Nikki Squire / vocals
- Nigel McLaren / bass, backing vocals
- Charles Olins / keyboards, backing vocals
with
- Chris Squire / backing vocals
- Alan White / drums
- Pat Thrall / guitar
- Steve Topping / guitar
- Eddie Golga / guitar
- Jamie Lane / drums
- Dinky / drums
- Carmen Squire / backing vocals