Jon Anderson has never been one to get complacent and take the easy route. Over a 39-year career with the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers YES, Anderson helped define and give voice to the very essence of progressive rock, with a body of work that includes 19 studio albums and multiple live records, many of which have gone gold and platinum. Albums like The YES Album, Fragile, Close To The Edge, and 90125 are milestones in rock history, prog rock blueprints that continue to inspire new generations of musicians.

After parting ways with YES in 2008, Anderson didn’t miss a beat, releasing a string of solo records and collaborations, most notably his four albums with Greek composer Vangelis. Fast forward to 2023, and Anderson found himself writing a new chapter, fueled by a chance meeting with the Band Geeks, a group of New York musicians lead by current Blue Öyster Cult keyboardist, Richie Castellano, whose technical skills and passion for the music of YES reignited Anderson’s own creative fire. The result of this serendipitous collaboration is True. And fans will be happy to hear it’s a successful return to the lush, expansive soundscapes that made YES a household name.

True is a love letter to the classic YES sound, but it’s not just a rehash of past glories. The nine-song album captures the spirit of prog rock’s golden age while pushing forward into new territories. Anderson’s signature ethereal vocals are as scintillating as ever, floating effortlessly over intricate tunes that are both complex and catchy. The Band Geeks prove themselves more than up to the task, daring to deliver performances that rival the virtuosity of YES’s original lineup. The album’s centerpiece is the 16-minute epic “Once Upon A Dream,” a journey through time and space complete with shifting time signatures, soaring melodies, and lyrical themes that explore the nature of reality and dreams. It’s a perfect encapsulation of what made YES’ music so revolutionary in the first place, and a reminder that even after decades, Jon Anderson remains one of the most vital and innovative voices in rock music.