So here we are in the Autumn of 2001.  We've recorded 'Magnification', which I believe will be a lasting tribute to the power and wonder of music.  

I feel so thankful for all these years of study, learning, developing, loving the energy of Chris, his comic side of life, his great playing, his singing and songwriting.  Alan's true friendship, a great warrior and true friend - and a wonderful musician and drummer.  Steve Howe continues to get better every day, amazing at times, beautiful most of the time.

We have spent so many years together.  
Brothers we are. 
Brothers forever.

Thank you guys!!

SLOW DOWN AMERICA

The summer before the darkest days, I kept thinking, slow down, what's the hurry, do we need to rush toward the future so fast... we seem to forget, there is nothing there except our future selves.

Slow down America, I would always say, you can travel a hundred miles in any direction, and you will meet with folks who are living in worlds of a hundred or so, years ago.  They never got into the fast lane, didn't see the point of rushing here and there, searching for the truth or whatever.  To understand people who live in other worlds, you have to understand your own, and that's where we come apart, we are too busy going nowhere.

Music is and always will be a common ideal, music is a way of explaining the world around us.  Birds are unique in song and harmony, humans forever have tried to diminish the songs of the winged ones as being repetitive etc.  Birds are the original singers of this earth.

Slow down America, and listen to the song of the wind, the song of the heart, the songs of nature.

I did a question/answer to a Russian newspaper, I thought I should post the answers here.  So for fun, can you come up with the questions I was asked?

1. I love YES music, it has been a musical education for me, when I was younger, I could only dream of being an artist, but being in YES and working with such good musicians gave me that chance, when we got the success, I believed it was a test so I have worked harder, and I think fans of YES understand this, and are as devoted to YES as I am. The band has always kept up with modern technology, and our music is positive, like our name so we do have younger fans, all over the world who believe in love and trying to make the world a good place to live in.

2. Not really. I am more happy than ever.

3. "Close to the Edge", because it is new music, pure YES music also "Awaken".

4. Love is everything. After all the crazy things that happen in your life, love will always be there. Life is an illusion.

5. I think I had a wild time before I had success, after success, I became dedicated to YES and music, and my family.

6. Once a Hippie always a Hippie. I am more easy going now sometimes.

7. I have a wonderful wife and friend, her name is Jane, she is my true soulmate, she is so special in my life. 'She caught me when I was falling' She sings and laughs with me and is herself a gifted artist, sculpting and painting her ceramics. I have three children from my first marriage. Deborah lives in Paris, she is a great jazz, blues singer, painter and party girl, she has so many good friends around her, and now she is a photographer. Damion, lives in London, makes everyone laugh a lot, manages in a Pub, talks about UFO's and such. Writes music with hot grooves and great love songs, very hip/hop, and records with Virgil Howe, Steve's son. Jade, the baby of the family is 21 she sings and dances through life, and has a marvelous album coming out this year. She writes about her life in a clear and honest way, lovely songs I am so blessed to have such artistic and loving children.

8. I see Tony every time I get to England, and my other brother Stuart and my sister Joy. We have a lasting love for each other even though we don't see each other so much. I'm a Nomad, always on the move.

9. There are so many. I would love to sing with everyone.

10. So many. So many great times.

11. Survival is the most amazing thing about YES we have had our share of misfortune, and bad and crazy times but that's life. I really feel our music will survive forever, we are lucky to have old and new generations of fans.

Prayer/Meditation is the strongest work you will ever do.

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