JON ANDERSON - (1976) Olias of Sunhillow

(Review from progreviews.com, wikipedia, progarchives.com)

In 1976, Yes lead singer Jon Anderson took us on an incredible journey into the fantasy land of "Olias Of Sunhillow".

The album tells the story of an alien race and their journey to a new world due to catastrophe. Olias, the title character, is the chosen architect of the glider Moorglade, which will be used to fly his people to their new home. Ranyart is the navigator for the glider, and QoQuaQ is the leader who unites the four tribes of Sunhillow to partake in the exodus.

Combining lush keyboards, layered vocal sections, chants, world music influenced percussion, and other instruments (bells, chimes, harp, acoustic guitar) create a mesmerizing musical adventure. Pastoral musical moments lend their beauty to Anderson's vocals, with an unhurried pace to the continuous music.

The pieces owe most of their strength to the atmosphere that they create, with synth's and harp being the most prominent contributors to the sound. Some pieces are fairly typical of the New Age style of music with light melodies being played over drawn out chords on the synths, while others, such as "Naon" are energetic drum rhythms built up layer on layer, much in the style of "We Have Heaven".

This is an album where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. It holds together beautifully and can be a very uplifting experience.

Line-up :
- Jon Anderson / vocals, all instruments

Track List :
01. Ocean Song - 3:05
02. Meeting (Garden Of Geda) / Sound Out The Galleon - 3:34
03. Dance Of Ranyart / Olias (To Build The Moorglade) - 4:19
04. QoQuaQ Ën Transic / Naon / Transic Tö - 7:08
05. Flight Of The Moorglade - 3:24
06. Solid Space - 5:21
07. Moon Ra / Chords / Song Of Search - 12:48
08. To The Runner - 4:29