1976: Songs of the Year

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102 Starland Vocal Band - Afternoon Delight

101 Gordon Lightfoot - The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald

100 Bob Seger - Night Moves

99 The Ramones - Blitzkrieg Bop

98 Bee Gees - You Should Be Dancing

97 Aerosmith - Back in the Saddle

96 Steve Miller Band - Wild Mountain Honey

95 ELO - Rockaria

94 Orleans - Still the One

93 Al Stewart - Year of the Cat

92 Steve Miller Band - Take the Money and Run

91 Donna Summer - Spring Affair

90 Queen - Tie Your Mother Down

89 Jean-Luc Ponty - Renaissance

88 Hall & Oates - Sara Smile

87 10cc - The Things We Do for Love

86 Henry Gross - Shannon

85 Thin Lizzy - Jail Break

84 Firefall - You Are the Woman

83 Queen - Somebody to Love

82 Kansas - Carry On Wayward Son

81 Chick Corea - Love Castle

80 10cc - I'm Mandy Fly Me

79 Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Blinded By the Light

78 ELO - Livin' Thing

77 Hall & Oates - Rich Girl

76 Steve Miller Band - Fly Like an Eagle

75 Brand X - Unorthodox Behaviour

74 Pat Metheny - Road Trip / Broad Blues

73 James Brown - Get Up Offa That Thing / Release That Pressure

72 Heart - Soul of the Sea

71 Blue Oyster Cult - (Don't Fear) the Reaper

70 Led Zeppelin - Hots On for Nowhere

69 Led Zeppelin - Nobody's Fault But Mine

68 Lou Rawls - You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine

67 ELO - Strange Magic

66 Chick Corea - Night Streets

65 Kansas - Miracles Out of Nowhere

64 Stevie Wonder - As

63 Jaco Pastorius - Donna Lee

62 Heart - Magic Man

61 George Benson - Breezin'

60 Chick Corea - Armando's Rhumba

59 Jack Lancaster/Robin Lumley - Realisation

58 The Alan Parsons Project - (The System of) Doctor Tarr and Professor Fether

57 Billy Joel - New York State of Mind

56 The Alan Parsons Project - A Dream Within a Dream

55 Rush - Tears

54 Starcastle - Lady of the Lake

53 Styx - Crystal Ball

52 Stevie Wonder - Sir Duke

51 Jack Lancaster/Robin Lumley - Take Off

50 Jon Anderson - Meeting (Garden of Geda) / Sound Out the Galleon

49 Donna Summer - Try Me, I Know We Can Make It

48 Geneiss - One for the Vine

47 Styx - Jennifer

46 Rush - The Twilight Zone

45 Genesis - Eleventh Earl of Mar

44 Stevie Wonder - Isn't She Lovely

43 Genesis - Squonk

42 Rainbow - A Light in the Black

41 Queen - The Millionaire Waltz

40 Jack Lancaster/Robin Lumley - Phobos and Deimos

39 Styx - Claire de lune / Ballerina

38 Heart - Crazy on You

37 Billy Cobham / George Duke - Ivory Tattoo

36 Jon Anderson - Dance of Ranyart / Olias (To Build the Moorglade)

35 Boston - Foreplay / Long Time

34 Jaco Pastorius - Portrait of Tracy

33 Stanley Clarke - School Days

32 Jack Lancaster/Robin Lumley - Homelight

31 Boston - Peace of Mind

30 Styx - Mademoiselle

29 Rush - A Passage to Bangkok

28 Genesis - Afterglow

27 Stevie Wonder - Wish

26 Billy Cobham / George Duke - Almustafa the Beloved

25 Kansas - Cheyenne Anthem

24 Stevie Wonder - Contusion

23 Rush - Something for Nothing

22 Genesis - Entangled

21 David Bowie - Station to Station

20 Steely Dan - Kid Charlemagne

19 Fleetwood Mac - Rhiannon (Will You Ever Win)

18 Jack Lancaster/Robin Lumley - Hopper

17 Kansas - Magnum Opus

16 Billy Cobham / George Duke - Hip Pocket

15 Genesis - Dance on a Volcano

14 Genesis - Ripples

13 Return to Forever - Sorceress

12 Return to Forever - Duel of the Jester and the Tyrant, Parts I & II

11 Shakti with John McLaughlin - Joy

10 Jack Lancaster/Robin Lumley - Arrival

9 Al Di Meola - Land of the Midnight Sun

8 Rainbow - Stargazer

7 Return to Forever - Medieval Overture

6 Weather Report - Black Market

5 Kansas - The Wall

4 Jon Anderson - QoQuaQ Ën Transic / Naon / Transic Tö

3 Jon Anderson - Flight of the Moorglade

2 Rush - 2112

1 Led Zeppelin - Achilles Last Stand

Jon Anderson @ The Fitzgerald Theater 4/20/19

Much against the wishes against my better half, I attended this concert last Saturday night.

This was the 5th time I've seen Jon Anderson in Minnesota outside of a Yes concert (3rd solo/solo band, once with Jean-Luc Ponty and once with ARW), and in some ways it might have been the best.

I say that largely due to the band he has is really excellent. They very much jazz-ed and jungled/tropical-ed up many of the classic Yes tunes and some of his solo stuff including some of the Olias of Sunhillow work which were highlights especially.

Along with some of the material from the new album 1000 Hands. Among them, the 1000 Hands piece that went into Starship Trooper and then back to Solid Space.

I was really digging that piece, which I will confess to have the album on my hd, but have yet to listen to it yet, but mean to soon of course.

1000 Hands may be the best music he's done since "Open" which I asked my super-Yes fan John about if Jon's ever thought about playing live, but he didn't know but would like to ask Jon about.

But as far as the band, he had this great female electric violinist, more than 1 percussionist, and a couple of guys who played multiple instruments including Trombone, Flute and keys.

edit: here's what is listed in an article as his touring band:

Michael Franklin (keyboards), Tim Franklin (bass), Matt Brown (drums), Tommy Carlton (guitar), Jocelyn Hsu (Violin), Antonio Esposito (keyboards) and Chris Charles (saxophone, flute?).

Set 1
Ocean Song? (excerpt)
Owner of a Lonely Heart (Yes song)
Yours Is No Disgrace (Yes song)
Ramalama
State of Independence (Jon and Vangelis cover)
I've Seen All Good People (Your Move / All Good People)
Makes Me Happy
America (Simon and Garfunkel cover)
WDMCF

Set 2
Flight of the Moorglade
Sweet Dreams (Yes song)
To the Runner
Long Distance Runaround (Yes song)
First Born Leaders
1000 Hands (Come Up)
Starship Trooper / Solid Space (Yes song)

Encore:
Roundabout (Yes song)

Jon Anderson - 1000 Hands (2018-2019)

Release date is March 31st. Some 30 years in the making.

Time permitting, maybe I'll try and transcribe the Guest List which is basically a whose-who of progressive, classic rock and jazz-fusion artists.

There's some clips there, although I only checked out about half of them so far.

https://jonanderson1000hands.com/

PREORDER

http://ultimateclassicrock.com/jon-anderson-1000-hands-album-tour/


Now
Ramalama
First Born Leaders
Activate
Makes Me Happy
Now Variations
I Found Myself
Twice in a Lifetime
WDMCF
Come Up

Yes featuring ARW - Fragile [1B] (2018)

New song "Fragile" from Jon Anderson + Rick Wakeman + Trevor Rabin.

Haven't heard it yet, but the response sounds good. I'm impressed that we finally got something from these guys, as they have been kind of touring as nostalgia for the most part. But maybe this will mean a full album at some point.

also who plays the drums?

The Sea Within - The Sea Within (2017-2018)

So this is 1 of the latest so-called "Super Groups" that is among progressive rock musicians.

The Self-Titled album drops on June 22nd. And per the write-up below, they are going to tour, but not with Daniel Gildenlow unfortunately. Casey McPherson of Flying Colors+Alpha Rev is going to fill-in.

I am quite curious about this, although per it sounds like it was driven largely by Roine, I wonder how much this will resemble The Flower Kings.

Gildenlow and Brislin's songwriting, assuming they did a good amount of it, may help my feeling about it. But it's a wait-and-see I guess.

Also adding some of the guests like Jon Anderson and Steve Hackett might help, although they may be just token-cameos.

"Art Rock" might suggest it's less about chops, and more about mood and atmosphere. But who knows.

Roine Stolt - Guitar, Vocals? (The Flower Kings, Transatlantic, The Tangent, Anderson/Stolt)
Jonas Reingold - Bass (The Flower Kings)
Daniel Gildenlow - Guitar, Vocals (Pain of Salvation, Transatlantic)
Tom Brislin - keys (Spiraling, Solo, Yes, Renaissance,  Meatloaf)
Marco Minneman - Drums, Vocals (The Artistocrats, Steven Wilson, Necrophagist)

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Disc 1:
1. Ashes of Dawn
2. They Know My Name
3. The Void
4. An Eye for an Eye for an Eye
5. Goodbye
6. Sea Without
7. Broken Cord
8. The Hiding of the Truth
Disc 2:
1. The Roaring Silence
2. Where Are You Going?
3. Time
4. Denise

The Sea Within – the new art-rock collective comprising of Roine Stolt (Transatlantic, The Flower Kings), Daniel Gildenlöw (Pain of Salvation), Jonas Reingold (Steve Hackett, The Flower Kings, Karmakanic, The Tangent), Tom Brislin Music (Yes Symphonic, Renaissance, Spiraling, Deborah Harry) & Marco Minnemann (The Aristocrats, Steven Wilson, UK, Joe Satriani) – have announced that their debut self-titled album will be released 22nd June 2018.
Let's get one thing straight from the start. The Sea Within is more of an amalgamation of some serious talents, than a regular “supergroup”. These musicians have come together to create a unique album. Guitarist/vocalist Roine Stolt, bassist Jonas Reingold, keyboard player/vocalist Tom Brislin, drummer/vocalist Marco Minnemann and vocalist/guitarist Daniel Gildenlöw have a vast reservoir of experience. Look at the portmanteau of artists with who they've worked: The Flower Kings, Transatlantic, Jon Anderson, Steven Wilson,The Aristocrats, Joe Satriani, Yes, Steve Hackett, Renaissance, Pain Of Salvation, Deborah Harry, Meatloaf, Karmakanic … that of itself tells you this is something very special. ��
“I suppose it all began to take shape in the autumn of 2016,” explains Stolt. “I had a chat with Thomas Waber, the boss at InsideOut Music, about the idea of putting together a new band. I wanted to move in a fresh direction with new collaborations. So Thomas gave me the ‘go ahead’ to seek musicians for a new project.”�First on-board was The Flower Kings bass player Jonas Reingold.- “He is a long time bandmate and friend and we were also very keen to get keyboardist Tom (Brislin) involved - after seeing his synth pyrotechnics with legends Yes ‘Symphonic’ and with Camel. Then we have been a fans of ‘Aristocrats’ drummer Marco for a long time; I first heard of him 15 years ago and he is a brilliant drummer, unique energy. Then when we discussed ideas for singers, Daniel's name came up, he has such a great range and dynamic voice and we've worked together on and off over the years.” Also added later to the bands line-up for live shows was vocalist & guitarist Casey McPherson of ‘Flying Colors’ & ‘Alpha Rev’, who also sings a couple of songs on the album. ��
The entire recording situation took about six months, and the band also have some very special guests featured on the album.�“We have got Jordan Rudess from Dream Theater playing piano on one song. The legendary Jon Anderson sings on another track, while 'wind ace' Rob Townsend, who plays saxophone and flute with Steve Hackett, is also on the record. Each of them brings a different flavour to the music.” �

The Sea Within as a music collective have plans to perform live, and will make their stage debut at 'Night Of The Prog' in Loreley, Germany which happens from July 13-15 and will bring special guests for that evening. �“As far as I am concerned, we will try do as much touring as possible. We have a great band, great label and our agent Rob Palmen on-board. We have great artwork by Marcela Bolivar, all looks bright. However Daniel will not be able to join us for touring now, as he has commitments with main band Pain Of Salvation. With Casey taking the vocal spot, now with us live, we can go out on the road and play this album and beyond and grow as a band. We have so much to offer musically, on record and on stage and I am sure we will develop a lot over the next few years. But 'The Sea Within' album is a great start. I am excited for everyone to hear what we have done and am now thrilled to start working on the songs for the live show.”
The album will be available as a special edition 2CD digipak, gatefold 2LP vinyl + 2CD & as digital download. You can find the full track listing below:

The Year 1976 Albums Calendar and Rankings

1976, the year I was born. Also the year of the Bi-Centennial of course (per 1776).

Odd year in some ways per there was a ton of Jazz-Rock being made. I guess it was at the peak, or just after the peak of Jazz-Fusion and progressive rock. Punk, Post-Punk and New Wave were a couple of years away from taking over overall.

But the other thing is, and it may just be a product of the time and obscurity to a point, 18 albums below I cannot find a release date or month for. Kind of sucks, but I don't have time to do the research.

But as far specifics, Marscape is a favorite of mine, a masterpiece of Jazz-Rock and concept albums. And it really is a Brand X album, before they came up with their name.

Romantic Warrior also a big favorite among jazz-rock for me and many others. Rush's 2112 was a breakthrough, Jon Anderson's debut album is by many his best work.

Many great live records from Renaissance, to Rush and Led Zeppelin (which was for the film of course).. And the Billy Cobham / George Duke album is a favorite of mine as well, as the cover art I adore. Its charm, comedy, and Scifi element among other things. I even have George Duke's signature on my vinyl copy.

1. Jack Lancaster and Robin Lumley - Marscape
2. Return to Forever - Romantic Warrior
3. Rush - 2112
4. Jon Anderson - Olias of Sunhillow
5. Kansas - Leftoverture
6. Al Di  Meola - Land of the Midnight Sun
7. Renaissance - Live at Carnegie Hall
8. The Billy Cobham / George Duke Band - Live on tour in Europe
9. Genesis - A Trick of the Tail
10. Stevie Wonder - Songs in the Key of Life
11. Styx - Crystal Ball
12. Pat Metheny - Bright Size Life
13. Rush - All the World's a Stage
14. Boston - Boston
15. Queen - A Day at the Races
16. Rainbow - Rising
17. Led Zeppelin - The Song Remains the Same
18. Led Zeppelin - Presence
19. Genesis - Wind and Wuthering
20. The Alan Parsons Project - Tales of Mystery and Imagination - Edgar Allan Poe
21. Shakti with John McLaughlin - Shakti with John McLaughlin
22. Stanley Clarke - School Days
23. Starcastle - Starcastle
24. Camel - Moonmadness
25. Jean-Luc Ponty - Aurora
26. Ken - By Request Only


Journey - Look into the Future
rel January 1, 1976



Peter Frampton - Framption Comes Alive!
rel January 6, 1976



David Bowie - Station to Station
rel January 23, 1976


10cc - How Dare You!
rel January 24, 1976


Mahavishnu Orchestra - Inner Worlds
rel January 1976


Genesis - A Trick of the Tail
rel February 2, 1976


Jean-Luc Ponty - Aurora
rel February 26, 1976


Return to Forever - Romantic Warrior
rel February 1976


Starcastle - Starcastle
rel February 1976


Donna Summer - A Love Trilogy
rel March 5, 1976


Weather Report - Black Market
rel March 11, 1976


Marvin Gaye - I Want You
rel March 16, 1976


The Doobie Brothers - Takin' it to the Streets
rel March 19, 1976


Judas Priest - Sad Wings of Destiny
rel March 23, 1976


Camel - Moonmadness
rel March 26, 1976


Thin Lizzy - Jailbreak
rel March 26, 1976


Led Zeppelin - Presence
rel March 31, 1976


Michael Nesmith - From a Radio Engine to the Photon Wing
rel March 1976


Rush - 2112
rel April 1, 1976


Gentle Giant - Interview
rel April 23, 1976


Jethro Tull - Too Old to Rock 'n' Roll: Too Young to Die!
rel April 23, 1976


The Alan Parsons Project - Tales of Mystery and Imagination - Edgar Allan Poe
rel May 1, 1976


Van der Graaf Generator - Still Life
rel April 15, 1976


Rainbow - Rising
rel May 17, 1976


Billy Joel - Turnstiles
rel May 19, 1976


Steely Dan - The Royal Scam
rel May 1976


Brand X - Unorthdox Behaviour
rel June 18, 1976


Patrick Moraz - The Story of I
rel June 1976


Soft Machine - Softs
rel June 1976


Jon Anderson - Olias of Sunhillow
rel July 24, 1976


James Brown - Get Up Offa That Thing
rel July 1976


Boston - Boston
rel August 25, 1976


Jaco Pastorius - Jaco Pastorius
rel August 1976


Electric Light Orchestra - A New World Record
rel September 11, 1976


Black Sabbath - Technical Ecstasy
rel September 25, 1976


Stevie Wonder - Songs in the Key of Life
rel September 28, 1976


Rush - All the World's a Stage
rel September 29, 1976


Styx - Crystal Ball
rel October 1, 1976


Stanley Clarke - School Days
rel October 8, 1976


Donna Summer - Four Seasons of Love
rel October 11, 1976


Led Zeppelin - The Song Remains the Same
rel October 22, 1976


Al Di  Meola - Land of the Midnight Sun
rel October 25, 1976


Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso - Come in un'ultima cena
rel October 1976


Kansas - Leftoverture
rel October 1976


Jean-Luc Ponty - Imaginary Voyage
rel November 4, 1976


The Eagles - Hotel California
rel December 8, 1976


Queen - A Day at the Races
rel December 10, 1976


Genesis - Wind and Wuthering
rel December 17, 1976


Billy Cobham - Life and Times
rel 1976


The Billy Cobham / George Duke Band - Live on tour in Europe
rel 1976


Chick Corea - The Leprechaun
rel 1976


Chick Corea - My Spanish Heart
rel 1976


Paco de Lucia - Almoraima
rel 1976


Jan Hammer - Oh Yeah?
rel 1976


Alphonso Johnson - Moonshadows
rel 1976


Ken - By Request Only
rel 1976


Jack Lancaster and Robin Lumley - Marscape
rel 1976


Max Webster - Max Webster
rel 1976


Pat Metheny - Bright Size Life
rel 1976


McCoy Tyner - Focal Point
rel 1976


Oregon and Elvin Jones - Together
rel 1976


Flora Purim - 500 Miles High at Montreux
rel 1976


Renaissance - Live at Carnegie Hall
rel 1976


Shakti with John McLaughlin - Shakti with John McLaughlin
rel 1976


The Skatalites - The Legendary Skatalites
rel 1976


Triumvirat - Old Loves Die Hard
rel 1976