John Wetton describes Sam Coulson’s arrival as the beginning of a new chapter for Asia — a less fussy, harder-hitting chapter. Coulson himself says Asia will likely have a heavier edge.
The 26-year-old guitarist was initially introduced later on the very day that founder Steve Howe’s departure was announced, but the newly reformulated quartet is only just now talking in depth about the switch.
“It’s worked out well,” drummer Carl Palmer says, in the attached video. “Let’s hope it will sort of progress into another decade, as it were — and get stronger. There’s every possibility that it will happen now.”
Wetton, who started the band with keyboardist Geoff Downes, Palmer and Howe at the turn of the 1980s, said Asia originally approached Paul Gilbert about taking over — and the Mr. Big guitarist recommended Coulson. He’ll make his debut with Asia in June at the Sweden Rock event.
Howe, meanwhile, continues with Yes, the band he joined just before the release of 1971’s The Yes Album. Howe was with Asia for two albums, during a hiatus from Yes in the early 1980s — but left after two albums, and did not return until a reunion of the group’s initial lineup that began in 2006.
In all, Howe appeared on five studio efforts, highlighted by Asia’s multi-platinum 1982 debut and last year’s anniversary recording XXX.
Coulson now joins a host of other guitarist voices that have also contributed to the Asia legacy, including Mandy Meyer, Al Pitrelli, Dave Kilminster and Steve Lukather, among many others.
“There’s definitely key songs you hear on the radio which I’m familiar with and enjoy listening to,” Coulson says. “It’s been good going over the back catalog and making myself familiar with everything else. Great band with great musicianship and catchy tunes – it’s the best of both worlds.”
Coulson had previously appeared on stage with Walter Trout, but was largely unknown before being asked to join Asia. The group has already announced a new studio project, called Valkyrie.
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