Ramshackled (Remastered & Expanded Edition)

Of all the solo albums put out by Yes members during their post-Relayer hiatus, White's is by far the furthest afield from progressive rock. A more useful comparison could be made to his varied session work with such luminaries as John Lennon and George Harrison, where his powerful drumming could effortlessly jump genres. "Ooooh Baby" leads off with smooth R&B, showcasing White's superlative mounted tom work along with silky soul vocals and a classic Hammond accompaniment. "Silly Woman" slides into lazy reggae, while "Giddy" is a gregarious, piano-driven joyride through dockside bars where "the bartender don't take no lip" and "the blind man says your belongs to him" -- and it almost sounds like it could be the B-side to Looking Glass' "Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)." Except for the jazz-rock virtuosity of the instrumental, "Avavak," this release was so far from the expectations of Yes fans that most to this day ignore it or don't know what to make of it. But, it's an enjoyable romp by a fine and underrated drummer. Though this album pretty much sank without a trace, had it been issued on an R&B label it probably would have sold ten times as well. ~ Paul Collins