After Yes completed their 1975 tour in support of the Relayer album, the individual members decided it was time for a break. This hiatus allowed them to explore personal projects, leading to the creation of solo albums. For vocalist Jon Anderson, this period resulted in the release of his debut solo album, Olias of Sunhillow, in 1976.
Reflecting on the album, Anderson shared, “The dream of Olias was to spend time learning how to play the numerous instruments I had collected over a period of time… which I kept in my garage… ranging from guitars, Koto and ethnic flute instruments, harp and percussion to modern electronic keyboards.” This year marks the 50th anniversary of the album, which is being reissued on vinyl by Mobile Fidelity.
He elaborated on his vision for the album, stating, “I had sketched out the framework of a story relating to the power of music and connected to the Seven Sisters star system, The Pleiades. All very simple, really. The evolution of the idea took me on an everlasting mission, driving me a bit crazy but nonetheless a satisfying experience which has stood the test of time.”
Creating the ‘Olias’ Album Was a Complicated Process
Anderson described the journey of bringing his vision to life as an adventurous endeavor. “I created this ship [the Moorglade Mover], that would travel through the powerful energies [of the Pleiades]. And the whole idea of the ship was something supernatural — and how to get there? Well, they had to sing… they weren’t rowing,” he explained, laughing. “They had to sing ideas of energy, forcing the Moorglade to fly into the solar system. That was the whole concept. And they would sing a chant, like a Gregorian chant sort of thing.”
He devised a structured approach to the music, which consisted of four categories: rhythmical guitar segments, percussion arrangements, keyboard compositions, and vocal parts. “I had myself singing over and over again, these chants,” he noted.
Anderson Found He Had a Problem
The process, however, was not without its challenges. Anderson faced the daunting task of syncing approximately 24 tracks of various audio layers, from percussion to Middle Eastern guitar strums. “Progressively, you’d start the playback on the multiple tapes and the individual machines to hopefully get the music to line up as you heard it,” he recounted. This involved significant trial and error, leading to moments of frustration. “For four days, I couldn’t get them to sync together, play together, or be in time together, and it drove me crazy,” he admitted, recalling how his engineer, Mike Dunne, eventually had to leave due to the stress of the situation.
Despite the setbacks, Anderson persevered. “I remember, it was midnight, and I was saying, ‘Okay, I’m going to do it just one more time for them all to sync in time with each other. I pressed the buttons after one minute, and then another after another minute, and so on,” he reflected with a chuckle, reminiscing about the moment he fell asleep during the process.
How Did Things End Up?
Anderson vividly remembers waking up to a sunlit garage and questioning what had transpired. “I went over to the main tape machine and I pressed it, and the first thing started, the Moroccan sitar sounds and stuff like that,” he recalled. To his astonishment, everything was perfectly in sync. “And then the last thing is the choir came in and believe me, I was crying and looking out the window,” he said, capturing the emotional release that followed his arduous effort.
What’s Jon Anderson Doing in 2026?
Looking ahead, Jon Anderson has a busy schedule. The 50th anniversary reissue of Olias of Sunhillow is currently available for preorder, marking its second domestic vinyl release since its original issue in 1976. Anderson is also finalizing a sequel to the Olias album and is working on a new project with the Band Geeks, expected to be released later this year. He has been previewing a new song, “Giving is Living,” during his current tour.
His tour dates extend well into 2026, with the U.S. leg running through May 7 in Royal Oak, Michigan. Following this, he is set to embark on another round of U.S. dates from late June to the end of July. Anderson will also take the Band Geeks overseas in September for their first U.K. performances, concluding the year with a show in Paris on October 13.
Conclusion
Jon Anderson’s journey with Olias of Sunhillow not only showcases his artistic vision but also highlights the complexities and joys of music creation. As he continues to evolve as an artist, fans can look forward to both a celebration of his past work and exciting new projects on the horizon.
FAQs
What is Olias of Sunhillow about?
Olias of Sunhillow tells a story related to the power of music and the Seven Sisters star system, The Pleiades, through an imaginative narrative involving a supernatural ship.
When is the 50th anniversary reissue of Olias of Sunhillow available?
The 50th anniversary reissue of Olias of Sunhillow is currently available for preorder and will be released on vinyl.
What other projects is Jon Anderson working on?
Anderson is working on a sequel to Olias of Sunhillow and a new album with the Band Geeks, expected to be released later this year.
When are Jon Anderson’s upcoming tour dates?
Jon Anderson’s tour dates will continue through May 2026 in the U.S., with additional performances planned in the U.K. and Paris later in the year.
