Posts Tagged ‘Geoff Downes’

Geoff Downes’ Prolific Career Continues with the Downes Braide Association

Posted: September 20, 2021 in Chris Braide, David Bainbridge, Downes Braide Association, Geoff Downes, progressive rock music
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Geoff Downes

I first became aware of Geoff Downes as a member of The Buggles and their MTV launch video “Video Killed the Radio Star.” Not much of an auspicious beginning for a me, a devout fan of progressive rock. Lo and behold Geoff soon surfaces with a reformed YES with 1980’s “Drama.” An enjoyable release but a departure still the same for 1 of my favorite progressive rock flag bearers. But wait, it’s 1982 and here he is again with the debut album from Asia! A band with Steve Howe from YES and John Wetton from King Crimson. This Geoff Downes guy has taken my prog sensibilities by storm. He is now officially on my radar. From his career with ASIA, YES, and collaborations with John Wetton let’s fast forward to 2021. This prolific performer has now joined forces with artist Chris Braide.

Braide is a British songwriter, producer, musician and performer that I have not heard of previously. His production credits lie with some of today’s contemporary pop artists. With that fact not withstanding I find his collaboration or association to be correct, with Downes, to be a breath of fresh air in newly recorded progressive rock music.

Chris Braide

Their 4th studio release, entitled “Halycon Hymns” embodies a pastoral of days gone by. The video from the opening track from that release, “Love Among the Ruins” is well represented below.

It opens with the spoken word in that inimitable British style and features home movie excerpts from a bygone time.  Braide’s vocals are the perfect compliment to the video images.  A highlight for me is the guitar solo of David Bainbridge.  He too, like the band’s 2 namesakes, has been quite prolific throughout his musical career.  In addition to this DBA release he can be heard on Lifesigns well received release “Altitude.“

Unknown-1 copy                                                                               David Bainbridge

We found love 
among the ruins.
We found love
in fields of gold.
We found love
among the ruins.
And we made it all 
beautiful for love.





Now the track on this wonderful release that is quite possibly my favorite is “Holding the Heavens.” It begins with 12 string acoustic guitar reminiscent of Anthony Phillips or Steve Hackett from early Genesis. Here Braide hits some of his highest vocal notes. And quite possibly the first time the word “inclement” is utilized in a song lyric!


So where will you go from here
when you're holding the heavens? 
Well you know that I'm always there
when the skies are inclement.
And I pray that you're always near
now you're holding the heavens.






I would think that many potential listeners will find this form of progressive rock very accessible. Roger Dean cover art for the album will identify it for specific audience but that shouldn’t deter the casual listener. Geoff Downes’ keyboards are understated throughout without being lost in the mix. Chris Braide is a musical talent of the highest caliber. And David Bainbridge adds the guitar element I find so essential in the genre. Lyrics that are full of hope that harken back to perhaps a simpler time are a welcome listen during these turbulent times. “Halcyon Hymns” from Downes Braide Association renews my hope for better days. It reinforces my adoration for a form of music that highlights great musicians with integrity and vision. Give it a listen.

The Latest Chapter for ASIA, the band

Posted: January 3, 2015 in progressive rock music
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In 1981 the British progressive rock supergroup ASIA was born.  Featuring one of the best voices in rock music of any kind, John Wetton (King Crimson, Uriah Heep, UK & others ) along with Steve Howe and Geoff Downes (Yes), and Carl Palmer (Emerson Lake & Palmer).  asia Whereas some fans of the movement may have considered their music closer to the arena rock sound of bands like Journey and Styx, here in the states their debut sold over 4 million copies.  In 1982 it was named the #1 album of the year by Billboard and Cashbox. ASIA debut LPThough they would never reach those dizzying heights again they continued to record, tour and change personnel. Fast forward to 2014.  ASIA released by what is my count, their 7th studio album, Gravitas.  This marked the official retirement of Steve Howe from the reunited original line-up of the band and the introduction of new guitarist Sam Coulson who was basically discovered on YouTube. There are 2 cuts on this release I would to like to highlight.  The first being the lead track, Valkyrie.  It opens with an a cappella intro followed by a subtle bow of a cello that is as much a part of the chorus as the vocals themselves.  Wetton’s voice sounds as strong as ever.  The track chugs along teamed with the understated keyboards of Geoff Downes.  And finally toward the end of the song we’re introduced to the lead guitar work of new guitarist, Sam Coulson.  ASIA has released a video for the lead track that I’ve included here. Now the video doesn’t break any new ground but does include some beautiful time-lapse cinematography of clouds interspersed with shots of band members.  In a sense the video is much like the genre of progressive music itself, created for the ears and not necessarily the eyes!

http://youtu.be/CIpmYEYC2rU

The second cut I would like to comment on is Nyctophobia.  For those of you trying to figure out “what kind of phobia is that?”  It’s the extreme or irrational fear of the night of darkness.  Now that we’ve got that established let me riff on the track itself!  It features the familiar warmth of John Wetton’s vocals with some tasty lead guitar work by new member Sam Coulson. What you get on this track is “comfortable as your favorite chair” progressive rock ASIA style.  The title and subsequent chorus are repeated enough times that’s it’s sure to stick in your head.

So if you were ever a fan of ASIA, and maybe you didn’t want to admit it, their latest release Gravitas follows the formula.  After over 30 years of recording for a band to still be true to their signature sound, in the humble opinion of this blogger they deserve an audience.  With this latest release you won’t be disappointed.