Olias of Sunhillow

Initially released on June 1976.

UK CHART POSITION... #8
US CHART POSITION... #47

Find it at GEMM

REVIEW Jon Anderson's solo debut comes close to capturing the magic of Yes if not their music. Acoustic guitars, harps, synthesizers, percussion and of course Jon's voice intermingle in this story of an alien race who must set off for a new land. Although the stunning artwork is provided by Dave Roe, the album's theme was inspired in part by the work of Roger Dean, and it's not a stretch to say that Olias of Sunhillow looks and sounds like Dean's previous Yes artwork come to life. Since Anderson himself handles all the instruments, the album is an airier affair than Yes, and yet at the heart of these songs is the same captivating, intoxicating core that the singer brought to that band. (In fact, there's little that separates this album from a song like "Wonderous Stories.") Olias of Sunhillow is the one Anderson album most likely to please Yes fans, immersed as it is in their mystical aura. It's also a gorgeously packaged product (in elpee form anyway), which helps set the mood immeasurably. Read the review at All Music Guide.

TRACK LISTING

1. OCEAN SONG    (Jon Anderson)
2. MEETING (GARDEN OF GEDA)    /    SOUND OUT THE GALLEON    (Jon Anderson)
3. DANCE OF THE RANYART    /    OLIAS (TO BUILD THE MOORGLADE    (Jon Anderson)
4. QOQUAQ EN TRANSIC    /    NAON    /    TRANSIC TO    (Jon Anderson)
5. FLIGHT OF THE MOORGLADE    (Jon Anderson)
6. SOLID SPACE    (Jon Anderson)
7. MOON RA    /    CHORDS    /    SONG OF SEARCH    (Jon Anderson)
8. TO THE RUNNER    (Jon Anderson)

CREDITS

JON ANDERSON -- vocals, instruments
Mike Dunne -- sound advice & recording engineer
John Martin -- coordination, equipment, goodies
Brian "It's Going Now" Gaylor -- electronics
Dave Roe -- illustration and design

RELEASE DATA

© 2002 Connolly & Company. All rights reserved.