The liner notes by former Yes keyboardist Oliver Wakeman recount the development of 2019’s From a Page, but only hint at how magical the project is.
Yes has certainly produced albums with lesser quality from a much more developed preproduction process. In the hands of Wakeman, however, From a Page seems clear in intent and execution. The Wakeman-penned “Words On a Page” is another example of Oliver Wakeman’s concept being brilliantly executed via his production acumen and Pro Tools engineering skills.
Originally conceived for the album which became 2011’s Fly From Here, “Words On a Page” was developed as a piano guitar duet. The finished version on From a Page is arranged utilizing the best skills of the band, yet never distracts from the sublime melody.
Wakeman’s acoustic piano dances elegantly with Benoit David’s vocals. The singer sounds completely in his element here, blending well with Steve Howe’s six-string acoustic guitar. The song’s lyrics are vibrant yet direct foregoing the mysticism typical of Yes songs. Gentle percussion and bass passages help the build themes which finally peak with Howe’s Fender steel guitar solo.
Musically gratifying and lyrically vibrant, “Words On a Page” is a fantastic Yes deep cut that would have made an excellent addition to Fly From Here. Luckily, it’s available now.
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