Influences: Jeff Beck

Another great record from my all time favorite decade of music and film (and TV).

If the artwork isn't enough to make the hair on the back of any guitar player's neck stand on end, then the first 10 seconds of track one is sure to do the trick.

Not really pop–but it was produced by George Martin. Jeff Beck may be top of the list as far as players that inspire me to want to become a better musician, or just quit all together.

Fave Tracks:

Led Boots - Jeff Beck

Blue Wind - Jeff Beck

Influences: Yes

My aunt Ginger gave me her copy of Fragile (LP, not CD!) when I was five and my life was changed. I'd already been listening to it on visits to her house. I'd sit with my ear pressed to the speaker, eyes closed, soaking in the ominous thunder sounds at the beginning of "South Side of the Sky" and waiting for that amazing drum intro by Bill Bruford.

South Side Of The Sky - Yes

Later, when I finally scored some toy drums, I spent hours and hours playing along to that record, and staring at the amazing artwork. I still have that first copy and not one track is playable because it was so severely scratched (loved).


It would be hard to underestimate the influence Fragile on my musical cerebrum. As a teenage drummer geek I came to appreciate other albums from the same period like Close to the Edge and The Yes Album. The Alan White....Trevor Horn....Trevor Rabin periods didn't resonate as much for me, though I did get into Drama for a while (the album that is).

Haven't a clue what the lyrics mean, and like it that way. Still can't play that Bruford fill either...

Long Distance Runaround - Yes

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