Decibel Report interviews Yes singer Jon Davison. In this wide-ranging interview, Jon talks about the making of the new Yes album ‘The Quest’ and his pre-Yes musical career and more.

Interview by Paul Davies

 

The lyrics on The Quest appear to be concerned with climate change and the future of mankind. Are these the subjects that preoccupy you?

 

*Though our lyrics sometimes display concerns for the state of our planet, we are mainly attempting to express on The Quest reactions of hope and optimism. Indeed, the human race faces many environmental and sociological challenges, but I believe we must embrace these as a type of quest through which to evolve and better the human race. It’s tempting to react with fear and frustration, but how much more effective to focus on sending out to the world positive and healing wishes. It’s amazing to see how much of the same then come back on you. One then begins to relate to all others on a deeper level, which by default, naturally promotes equality and global cooperation. 

 

 Did inspiration to write lyrics and songs come readily to you?

*Sometimes, other times not. During dry periods, I sometimes catch myself erroneously thinking, oh, if only I could tame the wild muse, but I know attempting to do so would only cut off the creative flow which moves in its own mysterious way. I’ve realized the creative struggle makes the times you do reach creative success all the more rewarding and compelling a goal.

How did you record this album and over what period of time?

 

*Since the start of the Pandemic, Yes were motivated to remain creatively busy. We thought if we can’t tour, then why not focus on making a great album? With our very own Steve Howe as producer, I think we had the confidence in each other and in what we could collectively accomplish. 

In November of ’19, Yes began collaborating. I happened to be spending time in England, staying with my girlfriend, Emily. This allowed Steve and me to first get together and arrange ideas for two songs, Damaged World and Future Memories: the latter a composition of mine. Obviously, during the first lockdown, we had to work on an individual basis, preparing ideas to share with the rest of the band. Emily and I were in Barbados at that time. It was one of the safest places to be, and fortunately, I had with me every bit of studio equipment required to record. In the later part of 2020, Billy and Alan convened in Los Angeles for the drum and bass sessions, and Steve, along with our excellent engineer, Curtis Schwartz, mixed the album this last March. 

Which songs are you looking to play live from The Quest?

*We have not yet explored what those song possibilities are.

Since this album is more a reflection of my individuality as a singer and composer, as opposed to what past Yes albums represent to me, I’m hoping we can bring as much of it to willing audiences as we can.

 

Going back to the beginning, how did you join the band?

*Yes we’re in need of a new lead vocalist. I was out there singing with Glass Hammer and was spotted online. It was then that Steve first heard me through Yes management and Chris first heard me through Taylor Hawkins, a good friend of mine. The rest is Yesstory!

Did being in Glass Hammer prepare you well for the musical challenges in Yes?

*I would say it definitely did. I learned so much just being around Fred Schendel and Steve Babb and also, Alan Shikoh, who’s a brilliant guitarist. Their vibrant influence served as my Yes boot camp.

 

Looking ahead to live touring, how does your voice cope with the demands on it from the Yes catalogue of songs?

*With plenty of rest and exercise, both as an overall physical workout and as a pre-stage warm-up, I manage just fine. It’s very smooth singing. If I tried to go out on stage and sing like Robert Plant, I wouldn’t last a minute! (laughs.)

 

Most of the Yes canon of songs is very wordy. Do you have any memory mechanisms that you use to remember the lyrics and timings to the songs?

*Memory techniques would seem a practical way of doing it, but because most of the lyric is also abstract and metaphorical, you don’t have recognizable patterns of everyday life with which to relate (laughs.)

 

Which are your favourite songs on The Quest?

*I never like to say I prefer one song over the other from an album, and I definitely don’t want to influence anyone else’s opinion!

 

You recently participated in the Arc Of Life album. Were you working on this at the same time as the new Yes album? How does the process compare?

*Arc came about as Billy, Jay and me were sitting around on the Yes tour bus during those long hauls between cities.

We wrote and recorded a lot of it from the road, my parts anyway.

The material for The Quest album rather came from not touring for a great extended length of time due to the Pandemic; The complete and utter opposite of how the Arc of Life album came about.

 

Who are your favourite singers?

*In terms of technical abilities, Ella Fitzgerald was undoubtedly one of the most gifted singers. Although not influencing my style directly, I nonetheless marvel at her vocal expressiveness and accuracy. Then there are singers who I admire because of their stylistic freedom. I spend so much time disciplining my voice, I find it inspiring to listen to singers like Tom Waits and imagine what it must feel like to have that much fearless abandon in one’s style. I appreciate the timbre of John Tillman’s voice (a.k.a., Father John Misty.) The Fleet Foxes have great harmonies. Regina Spector has an incredible voice! I could go and on…

 

Do you sometimes have to pinch yourself being the lead singer in this legendary band?

*No never, I bruise too easily. 

 

What music/artists do you listen to?

*I enjoy all types of music. On any given day, you’ll hear in my streaming library everything from Jane’s Addiction to Pat Metheny, and every other style in between.

 

You've performed live with John Lodge from The Moody Blues. Might you eventually record together?

*Please refer to the next question

 

Is there anybody outside of the Yes family that you would like to collaborate with?

*I enjoy collaborating with John Lodge from the Moody Blues and I hope to keep on doing more of that. We met a few years ago and became fast friends. We have a lot in common and share similar musical tastes, and obviously, we spend a lot of time together. He’s a great guy.

 

Thinking back to your early career, are you now living the musical dream being in Yes?

*I am! It sounds cliché, but I absolutely am. 

Yes -The Quest is released on 1/10/21 through InsideOut Music/Sony Music