Updates on new TOTO + YES Supergroup

by **The_Noble_Cause** » Mon Sep 28, 2009 3:38 pm

Over on totonetwork.com, Bobby has updated fans on the state of his new project with former YES members Tony Kaye, Billy Sherwood, and Jimmy Haun.

"Coming soon, ...........the new band CD we've just finished, and turned over to our manager for him to pick a release date. I'll let you know when that will be"

Billy Sherwood has also posted an update. Apparently, the project has switched acronyms from "AKA" to the even more ambiguous "YOSO."

"Hello Friends !!
The Yoso debut record is mastered !!
12 new songs, 53:30 minutes of music.
I will get the official myspace page rolling for it soon {been in the weeds trying to get CIRCA: ready for Laserium Oct 10th show}. I'll put up some Yoso music clips soon...
Official Yoso line up: Myself, Bobby Kimball {lead singer of Toto}, Tony Kaye, Jimmy Haun and Lou Molino {drummer for Trevor Rabin solo stuff and played for years with the Tubes among his other credits}."

According to a website containing promotional material for the new group, which has since been taken down, the band's set will include: "Africa", "I've Seen All Good People", "Hold on", "Hold the Line", "Roundabout", "Changes", "Gift with the Golden Gun", "Rosanna", "Owner of a Lonely Heart".

Another site (http://www.bondegezou.co.uk/wncirca.htm#aka) reports that the band played their first show for a promoter in May and the set list featured Yes Songs ("Roundabout", "Owner of a Lonely Heart", "Changes", "Hold On", "Cinema") and Toto songs ("Rosanna", "Africa", "White Sister"), as well as a cover of Led Zepp's "Stairway to Heaven."

Not sure about anyone else, but I really have no expectations of this.
I never listened to the band "Circa" and Bobby's writing talent remains a big question mark.
His co-credited songs in the band are pretty solid.
Could go either way.
At the very least, the combined name cache of Yes and TOTO should score the band some stateside dates.
I'll wait for Andrew's review.

by **brandonx76** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 8:21 am

That is definitely interesting, thanks for posting TNC....

Lou Molina is a hell of a drummer. Would be interesting to hear his take on Rosanna shuffle.

by **WalrusOct9** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 8:28 am

I've heard both Circa albums...okay, but none of the songs really stuck with me. Sherwood is an incredibly talented dude, tho...I might be the only one, but I thought Yes' The Ladder was one of their better post-70's albums, some amazing tunes on that LP.

by **The_Noble_Cause** » Thu Oct 22, 2009 10:54 am

According to Sherwood, this new band is already on their maiden tour in Mexico.

by **The_Noble_Cause** » Mon Oct 26, 2009 7:55 am

First press article about the new group.
Any bilingual TOTO fans in the house?

http://www.lajornadadeoriente.com.mx/20 ... cul319.php

by **Marzdog** » Tue Oct 27, 2009 11:41 am

A general idea translating with Google Translator (sorry, too lazy to translate it myself):

"Good music is forever, the other only take 15 minutes," said Billy Sherwood Yoso member of the new group resulting from the merger of some members of the band Toto & Yes, those who offer Friday 23 October at the 20 : 30 hours a recital of anthology in Puebla, as part of their world tour at the Auditorio Siglo XXI.

Yes is considered the founder of the "symphonic rock" influenced by The Beatles, The Who and The Moody Blues, while Toto is world renowned for the ability to combine different musical styles like blues, rock, pop, jazz and funk .

Toto vocalist Bobby Kimball, said that in this concert will make a union of classic rock and all materials of the two bands, to new songs of this century. "Toto sing five songs, five of Yes, and the new Yoso.

Although this new material is not for sale, are in promoting the album titled I Am, which promised to come and present to people in a month.

- How did the idea of merging the bands?

Billy (Yes drummer) and Bobby Kimball (Toto vocalist) is known since long ago, as both recorded in the same study, one day met for a tour that I would call can happen, but it did not happen without But this union was familiar music, because although each has its own style not far from the genre.

"Both musicians of Yes and Toto received the same education, is a wonderful thing," said Bobby.

Will continue with their tour of South America, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Europe and some cities in Mexico. Now as Yoso, fusing rock rhythms to continue printing, promised a close relationship to the public poblano and very dynamic.

The five members of Yoso: Billy, Bobby, Jimmy, Tony and Lumo arrived in the city since last Wednesday, to walk the streets in advance and test their exquisite cuisine, such as mole poblano. "We have tried 10, Puebla is a wonderful place," concluded the members of the band.

by **The_Noble_Cause** » Wed Oct 28, 2009 12:03 am

Marzdog wrote:A general idea translating with Google Translator (sorry, too lazy to translate it myself):

"Good music is forever, the other only take 15 minutes," said Billy Sherwood Yoso member of the new group resulting from the merger of some members of the band Toto & Yes, those who offer Friday 23 October at the 20 : 30 hours a recital of anthology in Puebla, as part of their world tour at the Auditorio Siglo XXI.

Yes is considered the founder of the "symphonic rock" influenced by The Beatles, The Who and The Moody Blues, while Toto is world renowned for the ability to combine different musical styles like blues, rock, pop, jazz and funk .

Toto vocalist Bobby Kimball, said that in this concert will make a union of classic rock and all materials of the two bands, to new songs of this century. "Toto sing five songs, five of Yes, and the new Yoso.

Although this new material is not for sale, are in promoting the album titled I Am, which promised to come and present to people in a month.

- How did the idea of merging the bands?

Billy (Yes drummer) and Bobby Kimball (Toto vocalist) is known since long ago, as both recorded in the same study, one day met for a tour that I would call can happen, but it did not happen without But this union was familiar music, because although each has its own style not far from the genre.

"Both musicians of Yes and Toto received the same education, is a wonderful thing," said Bobby.

Will continue with their tour of South America, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Europe and some cities in Mexico. Now as Yoso, fusing rock rhythms to continue printing, promised a close relationship to the public poblano and very dynamic.

The five members of Yoso: Billy, Bobby, Jimmy, Tony and Lumo arrived in the city since last Wednesday, to walk the streets in advance and test their exquisite cuisine, such as mole poblano. "We have tried 10, Puebla is a wonderful place," concluded the members of the band.

Thanks Marzdog.
I entered the article in a different translator initially, and also got similar results.
Judging by the footage on YouTube, it sounds like Bobby's using tapes for Africa again.
What's with this dude?

by **brandonx76** » Wed Oct 28, 2009 3:24 am

The_Noble_Cause wrote:
Thanks Marzdog.
I entered the article in a different translator initially, and also got similar results.
Judging by the footage on YouTube, it sounds like Bobby's using tapes for Africa again.
What's with this dude?

Umm link? How do the new songs sound?

by **The_Noble_Cause** » Wed Oct 28, 2009 7:00 am

brandonpfn wrote:
The_Noble_Cause wrote:
Thanks Marzdog.
I entered the article in a different translator initially, and also got similar results.
Judging by the footage on YouTube, it sounds like Bobby's using tapes for Africa again.
What's with this dude?

Umm link? How do the new songs sound?

Haven't found any new songs yet.
Just one clip of "Africa."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7T2Y6_cd-rE

by **The_Noble_Cause** » Thu Oct 29, 2009 1:03 pm

And "Hold the Line."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P94lH_R4lyE

Also, more clips posted here (YES Medley and Africa) - http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AudPod/98196567390

by **The_Noble_Cause** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 10:44 pm

Album cover art has been released on the band's MySpace page.

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.c ... ID=9073764

by **The_Noble_Cause** » Sat Nov 14, 2009 5:22 am

YOSO’s tour manager has uploaded a podcast containing the band’s first press conference, as well as a live track from their debut album.
Thanks to the poster on The Noticeboard for finding this.

http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-349345? ... ghestrated

Not really diggin the song. Need to hear more.

by **The_Noble_Cause** » Sun Nov 29, 2009 9:51 am

Update from Bobby this week over on his MySpace (11/23) -

"The new band, 'YOSO' will release our new CD as soon as we get the best distribution deal we can. I hope you all like the music as much as we do. I love the songs, and the band is great. Keep on visiting the page, and I'll update you on the release date..........Bobby"

by **Abitaman** » Thu Dec 03, 2009 6:35 am

I like both groups, hope to hear something soon.

by **brandonx76** » Fri Dec 04, 2009 3:45 am

Is there a Myspace site for the band?

by **The_Noble_Cause** » Fri Dec 04, 2009 12:18 pm

brandonpfn wrote:Is there a Myspace site for the band?

Yes.

http://www.myspace.com/yosohq

Back when the band was called "AKA", their MySpace had several promotional pics.
Right now, all they have is the uninspired cover art.

by **The_Noble_Cause** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 1:16 pm

Pro-shot concert footage is up on the band's official YouTube channel.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FYzc4olI40
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw90PFLG ... re=related

Billy Sherwood says six clips in total will be put up.

by **brandonx76** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 4:13 pm

The_Noble_Cause wrote:Pro-shot concert footage is up on the band's official YouTube channel.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FYzc4olI40
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw90PFLG ... re=related

Billy Sherwood says six clips in total will be put up.

Not bad at all. Thanks for staying on top of this TNC - nothing gets by you..

That is a great 'cover' of Africa...love the synths...New music from these guys sounds decent too - very Sherwood'ish (see also World Trade - which I believe had Mark Williams (Joe William's (also of Toto) brother on drums).

by **WalrusOct9** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 4:48 pm

Sounds like they're playing in a huge arena, but you never see the crowd....sounds like piped in crowd noise to me. (has nothing to do with the musical performances, but kind of strange/annoying nontheless) I can't imagine how much of a crowd they had as an unknown band despite the real pedigree of one member (Bobby) and pseudo pedigree of Sherwood and Kaye.

Wasn't too impressed with the covers... "Changes" kinda sounded like a watered down YesWest, but was respectable...I'd go see them based on that alone, since I never got to see any of the Rabin-era stuff performed live. "Africa" I'd rather forget....it would've been okay if the drummer had any idea how to play that groove. Lou Molino can play the prog stuff all day, but can't play a Porcaro groove and really shouldn't attempt it.

The original song seemed okay, but I have to hear more...I generally like Sherwood's stuff (World Trade and the Conspiracy albums) but it generally falls into the "this is cool, but I don't need it to survive" category...perhaps having a dynamic vocalist like Kimball will push Sherwood's material up a level.

Also, it's painfully obvious how many vocal backing tapes (or post-production overdubs, I'm not sure) are being used in this live recording. Just had to say it...

by **The_Noble_Cause** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 5:56 pm

WalrusOct9 wrote:Sounds like they're playing in a huge arena, but you never see the crowd....sounds like piped in crowd noise to me. (has nothing to do with the musical performances, but kind of strange/annoying nontheless) I can't imagine how much of a crowd they had as an unknown band despite the real pedigree of one member (Bobby) and pseudo pedigree of Sherwood and Kaye.

Wasn't too impressed with the covers... "Changes" kinda sounded like a watered down YesWest, but was respectable...I'd go see them based on that alone, since I never got to see any of the Rabin-era stuff performed live. "Africa" I'd rather forget....it would've been okay if the drummer had any idea how to play that groove. Lou Molino can play the prog stuff all day, but can't play a Porcaro groove and really shouldn't attempt it.

The original song seemed okay, but I have to hear more...I generally like Sherwood's stuff (World Trade and the Conspiracy albums) but it generally falls into the "this is cool, but I don't need it to survive" category...perhaps having a dynamic vocalist like Kimball will push Sherwood's material up a level.

Also, it's painfully obvious how many vocal backing tapes (or post-production overdubs, I'm not sure) are being used in this live recording. Just had to say it...

Great points - especially on the canned crowd noise.
As for the concert clips, it sounds to me like the title track "Yoso", as well as "New Revolution", has been overdubbed with the actual album track.
"Walk Away" has the most immediate hook-friendly chorus..good song. Almost sounds like it's from one of Bobby's solo albums.
"Africa", on the other hand, displays Bobby up to his old tricks.
Singing some of the verses, lipping the choruses, and then belting out one last "bless the rains" part at the end.
Same thing he does on the Amsterdam dvd and the FIB dvd.

by **WalrusOct9** » Sat Dec 19, 2009 9:43 am

Y'know...i'm so used to that shit on "Africa," I wouldn't even care at this point so long as the groove sounded right. The drums are really the star of that song IMO.

by **brandonx76** » Sun Dec 20, 2009 3:41 am

WalrusOct9 wrote:Y'know...i'm so used to that shit on "Africa," I wouldn't even care at this point so long as the groove sounded right. The drums are really the star of that song IMO.

Are you saying Lou Molino played it wrong?

by **parfait** » Sun Dec 20, 2009 4:07 am

brandonpfn wrote:
WalrusOct9 wrote:Y'know...i'm so used to that shit on "Africa," I wouldn't even care at this point so long as the groove sounded right. The drums are really the star of that song IMO.

Are you saying Lou Molino played it wrong?

More like the fact that no one can lay down a groove like Jeff - no one!

by **brandonx76** » Sun Dec 20, 2009 6:28 am

parfait wrote:
brandonpfn wrote:
WalrusOct9 wrote:Y'know...i'm so used to that shit on "Africa," I wouldn't even care at this point so long as the groove sounded right. The drums are really the star of that song IMO.

Are you saying Lou Molino played it wrong?

More like the fact that no one can lay down a groove like Jeff - no one!

Of course...Jeff was the king....but...Lou is no slacker....check out his ode to Bonham shuffle on this tune: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzp2LS5sVXc

by **TotoFan77** » Sun Dec 20, 2009 7:51 am

This post has been deleted.

by **parfait** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:02 am

brandonpfn wrote:
parfait wrote:
brandonpfn wrote:
WalrusOct9 wrote:Y'know...i'm so used to that shit on "Africa," I wouldn't even care at this point so long as the groove sounded right. The drums are really the star of that song IMO.

Are you saying Lou Molino played it wrong?

More like the fact that no one can lay down a groove like Jeff - no one!

Of course...Jeff was the king....but...Lou is no slacker....check out his ode to Bonham shuffle on this tune: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzp2LS5sVXc

That was sweet

by **WalrusOct9** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 5:59 am

brandonpfn wrote:
WalrusOct9 wrote:Y'know...i'm so used to that shit on "Africa," I wouldn't even care at this point so long as the groove sounded right. The drums are really the star of that song IMO.

Are you saying Lou Molino played it wrong?

Yeah. It was like listening to a mediocre cover band (just on that song). Molino is a fine drummer, but is far better at the more technical prog stuff than groove-based stuff like Toto. I was impressed with his drumming on "Changes" (Granted, he'd played that song on tour with Rabin, which didn't hurt). It's not about being a good or bad drummer, it's just playing a song that really doesn't fit his drumming style.

by **brandonx76** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 1:53 pm

WalrusOct9 wrote:
brandonpfn wrote:
WalrusOct9 wrote:Y'know...i'm so used to that shit on "Africa," I wouldn't even care at this point so long as the groove sounded right. The drums are really the star of that song IMO.

Are you saying Lou Molino played it wrong?

Yeah. It was like listening to a mediocre cover band (just on that song). Molino is a fine drummer, but is far better at the more technical prog stuff than groove-based stuff like Toto. I was impressed with his drumming on "Changes" (Granted, he'd played that song on tour with Rabin, which didn't hurt). It's not about being a good or bad drummer, it's just playing a song that really doesn't fit his drumming style.

I think he did he 'take' on the song, and...you either like it, or you don't...I honestly think (granted the gratuitous use of overddubs and vocal edits), the semi-live take of Africa is closer to the album than the way the band last played it live...I'm not sure what either of the original band members (outside of those that are part of the new band think), but to be honest, I don't really give a shit...these guys are making new music - so hopefully there will be some good tunes SOMEWHERE in the mire of what these guys are trying to put together...if the new songs blow...then they will go away quickly....as far as a supergroup, compared to 'Chickenfoot', they can only rise up from...granted they probably won't be selling their new album at Best Buy - but if YOU are still following bands like Toto and Yes... if the new material has any merit, than I have no qualms in ponying up a few bucks for new music by these cats.

by **The_Noble_Cause** » Wed Dec 23, 2009 12:23 am

Interesting thoughts, guys.
Too bad Molino is already out of the group.

by **brandonx76** » Wed Dec 23, 2009 2:06 am

The_Noble_Cause wrote:Interesting thoughts, guys.
Too bad Molino is already out of the group.

Huh...who took his place? is he on the album?

MR

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