New music: Yes, The Jack Rubies, Mud Morganfield,

In this column I review several essential titles set for release on Jan. 23, 2026, as well as a fantastic under-the-radar blues title issued last year.

Artist: Yes
Title: Symphonic Live (Mercury)
You might like if you enjoy: Yes, Asia
Tell me more: Captured in 2001 following the release of their Magnification album, Yes' Symphonic Live concert recording is set to be released in two formats: Blu-ray+2CD (reviewed here) and via a 4LP package (the latter is presented via a 180g Half Speed Mastered 4LP package). The high-definition concert film and related audio recording captured vocalist Jon Anderson, bassist Chris Squire, lead guitarist Steve Howe and drummer Alan White performing a dazzling 14-track set with the European Festival Orchestra under the direction of Wilhelm Keitel along with American keyboardist Tom Brislin. The legendary virtuoso talents of Yes are a perfect fit with the backing of a full symphony orchestra as evidenced across the performance. The title features a mix of material off the Magnification album (which was recorded with an orchestra and marked Anderson's final studio album with Yes) as well as many of the pioneering English progressive rock band's best known originals. The sumptuous "Close To The Edge," majestic "Long Distance Runaround," Howe's impressive extended guitar solo and harmonies-bolstered "Don't Go" are among the many highlights on Symphonic Live. The concert roars to an incredible finish with a trio of the band's most beloved hits; the anthemic "I've Seen All Good People," crowd-pleasing rocker "Owner Of A Lonely Heart" and glorious "Roundabout."

The special edition reissue of Symphonic Live is packaged in a CD-sized clamshell box including the Blu-ray and two audio CDs, each housed in their own slipcase along with a booklet, folds out poster and five art cards. Additionally, the Blu-ray includes the promotional video for "Don't Go" and a 30-minute documentary ("Dreamtime"). While 25 years have passed since the Symphonic Live recording was captured, the power and precision of this performance is as powerful as ever.. Information: YesWorld.com and MercuryStudios.co.

Artist: The Jack Rubies
Title: Visions In The Bowling Alley (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Big Audio Dynamite, New Order
Tell me more: The Jack Rubies' forthcoming album Visions In The Bowling Alley (set for release on Jan. 23 courtesy of Big Stir Records) marks another high mark for the celebrated UK postpunk quintet. The band returned from hiatus with the release of 2024's comeback album Clocks Are Out Of Time and continues to showcase its roaring blend of post-punk, '80s alt rock and power pop across the 12-track Visions In The Bowling Alley. The goth-tinged "Greedy," introspective "My Perceptron," genre-defying "Dead Man," haunting "Flying Machine," intoxicating '80s-minded rocker "This Is Not A Joke" and instantly infectious "Boat Rocker" are among the stellar cuts on the terrific album. Information: BigStirRecords.com.

Artist: Mud Morganfield
Title: Deep Mud (Nola Blue Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Willie Dixon
Tell me more: The son of legendary blues great Muddy Waters, singer-songwriter/bassist Mud Morganfield is a strong proponent of traditional blues. On his 2025 major label debut album, Deep Mud, Morganfield conjures up Chicago blues across a stellar 14-track disc.  Standouts on the album (recorded at JoyRide Studio in Chicago) include the infectious opener "Bring Me My Whiskey," blues-harp adorned "Big Frame Woman" (featuring the harmonica blasts of Studebaker John), the slow Chess Records-era Waters track "Strange Woman" (the latter a terrific showcase for Morganfield's rich baritone vocals and Rick Kreher's stylish guitar work), uptempo R&B gem "She's Getting Her Groove On," fiery aptly-pegged blues sortie "Strike Like Lightning," dance-minded "Carolina" and emotional closer "A Dream Walking." Information: nolabluerecords.com.

Robert Kinsler

Yes Symphonic Live on Blu-ray +2CD and 4LP package out January 23, 2026

Fans of Yes and progressive rock will want to add the formats announced today to their music library...Robert Kinsler

Blu-ray + 2CD and a 4LP package

Out January 23, 2026

~14 song visual filmed in high definition

backed by a full symphony orchestra~

Pre-Order Link HERE

"Long Distance Run Around" (Symphonic Live) HERE

Blu-ray + 2CD

New York, NY – November 20, 2025 -- For more than 50 years, Yes has stood at the forefront of rock, defined by their unmatched craftsmanship, creativity, and innovation creating symphonic masterpieces that continue to inspire. On January 23, 2026 Mercury Studios is proud to release Yes Symphonic Live an outstanding 14-song live collection filmed in high definition. Vocalist Jon Anderson, bassist Chris Squire, lead guitarist Steve Howe and drummer Alan White recreated the dramatic intensity of their 2001 album Magnification, the first Yes album without keyboards and the last Yes album with Anderson.

Touring to support their symphonic album Magnification, they hit the road in 2001 with a new approach to their live set. They called in the help of the European Festival Orchestra, conducted by Wilhelm Keitel, to add lush new textures to their live set, essentially bringing the spirit of their new album to life on the stage. Not only did they play tracks from Magnification, but re-imagined interpretations of their timeless hits. Classics such as “Owner Of A Lonely Heart,” “Long Distance Runaround” and “I’ve Seen All Good People” have never sounded so grand.

Previously released as a 2DVD set and Blu-ray, Symphonic Live highlights the expansive nature of Yes’ music backed with a full symphony orchestra. The special edition reissue of Symphonic Live is packaged in a CD-sized clamshell box including the Blu-ray and 2CDs, each housed in their own slipcase, along with a booklet, fold out poster and 5 art cards. 

The 4LP is pressed on 180-gram vinyl and mastered at half-speed. The nearly half-hour long epic “Ritual (Nous Sommes du Soleil)” is featured on vinyl for the first time. Symphonic Live features 7 sides of music, along with an etching on the B-side of LP4. Extras on Symphonic Live Blu-ray include the promotional video for “Don’t Go” and a 30-minute documentary, “Dreamtime.” 

Constantly redefining the definition of progressive rock, Yes’ Symphonic Live brings a much bigger sound to their already stunning catalogue.

Track Listings:

Blu-ray+2CD

Blu-ray

1) Overture 

2) Close To The Edge 

3) Long Distance

Runaround 

4) Don’t Go 

5) In The Presence Of 

6) Gates Of Delirium 

7) Lute Concerto in D Major, 2nd     Movement / Mood for a Day

8) Starship Trooper 

9) Magnification 

10) And You And I

11) Ritual (Nous Sommes du Soleil)

12) I’ve Seen All Good People 

13) Owner Of A Lonely Heart

14) Roundabout

Bonus Features: 30 minute “Dreamtime” documentary / Promo Video for “Don’t Go”

 

2CD

DISC 1: 

1) Overture 

2) Close To The Edge 

3) Long Distance Runaround 

4) Don’t Go

5) In The Presence Of 

6) The Gates Of Delirium 

7) Lute Concerto in D Major, 2nd Movement / Mood for a Day

DISC 2: 

1) Starship Trooper

2) Magnification 

3) And You And I 

4) Ritual (Nous Sommes du Soleil)

5) I’ve Seen All Good People 

6) Owner Of A Lonely Heart

7) Roundabout

 

4LP

Side A:

1) Overture 

2) Close To The Edge 

Side B:

1) Long Distance

Runaround 

2) Don’t Go 

3) In The Presence Of 

Side C:

1) Gates Of Delirium 

Side D:

1)  Lute Concerto in D Major, 2nd Movement / Mood for a Day

2) Starship Trooper 

Side E:

1) Magnification 

2) And You And I

Side F:

1) Ritual (Nous Sommes du Soleil)

Side G:

1) I’ve Seen All Good People 

2) Owner Of A Lonely Heart

3) Roundabout

Side H:

Etching

About Mercury Studios:

World Class Music Content. Working with a global network of creatives and artists, Mercury Studios develop, produce, distribute and invest in award-winning content. We are filmmakers in the world of music.

Headquartered in London, with offices in LA and New York, current and recent projects include ONE TO ONE: JOHN & YOKO directed by Academy Award-winning director Kevin Macdonald, Grammy-winning, Academy Award and BAFTA award-nominated AMERICAN SYMPHONY, directed by Matthew Heineman for the Obamas’ Higher Ground Productions/Netflix, REGGAETON: THE SOUND THAT CONQUERED THE WORLD / NBC Peacock, and IF THESE WALLS COULD SING, directed by Mary McCartney for Disney+.

Mercury Studios also produced and distributed performance capture films ANDREA BOCELLI 30TH: THE CELEBRATION, directed by Sam Wrench (Taylor Swift The Eras Tour) for global Theatrical and TV, BACK TO THE BEGINNING: OZZY’S FINAL BOW, for global Livestream and Theatrical, and QUEEN ROCK MONTREAL for IMAX and Disney+.

In 2025, Mercury Studios also hosted world premieres at the Tribeca Festival for METALLICA SAVED MY LIFE and JUST SING.

Mercury Studios represents the world’s leading catalogue of music-related content, consisting of thousands of hours of premium music-driven film and television programming.

TJR and Robert Kinsler celebrate album releases of 1983

 

On their latest video, TJR and Robert Kinsler celebrate the parade of amazing new studio albums released in 1983! They each highlight their favorite three albums of that year. Watch the video HERE.

YES today launch video for “The Ice Bridge” from upcoming album ‘The Quest’

 Happy Friday everyone, and news to help get the weekend started on a high note! Check out the fantastic lyric video for the advance track "The Ice Bridge" off the forthcoming YES album "The Quest" available to view now...Robert Kinsler

YES launch video today for "The Ice Bridge"

Artwork by Roger Dean

 

FIRST TRACK FROM THE FORTHCOMING

NEW STUDIO ALBUM

‘THE QUEST’ OUT OCTOBER 1

 

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

YES, who are Steve Howe, Alan White, Geoff Downes, Jon Davison and Billy Sherwood, recently announced they will release their new studio album The Quest on InsideOutMusic/Sony Music on October 1. The album was produced by Steve Howe, who says: "Much of the music was written in late 2019 with the rest in 2020. We commissioned several orchestrations to augment and enhance the overall sound of these fresh new recordings, hoping that our emphasis on melody, coupled with some expansive instrumental solo breaks, keeps up the momentum for our listeners.”   THE QUEST was recorded across the globe. The sessions took place in the UK with Steve Howe, Geoff Downes and Jon Davison, while Alan White and Billy Sherwood got together in the studio in the US. “Billy Sherwood and myself did all the rhythm sections, bass and drum, in America,” says Alan White, “down in Los Angeles at Uncle Studios, where he works a lot. It helps when you’ve got a good place to work,” Alan laughs, “and Billy’s really good on the recording desk, so we got things down relatively quickly.  I spent quite a while studying the music before I went down to LA so I was prepared.”   YES are pleased to today (July 23) reveal “The Ice Bridge,” the first track from the album. Watch the video here.   Alan White comments: “I’m extremely proud to be a part of this music and believe the video graphics are outstanding. A collaboration of many talents coming together to produce ‘The Ice Bridge.’  I hope our fans/audiences will appreciate the creativity put forward. I’m pleased to share it with the world and hope everyone will enjoy the ride.”   Steve Howe adds: “‘The Ice Bridge’ opens the album in the dark and moody key of C minor, aided by the orchestra. The rolling bass part kicks things into gear as the vocals and guitars start a winding journey through the various structures till the breakdown happens, where ice breaking is heard.”   Jon Davison was working with Geoff Downes on “The Ice Bridge” (Davison/Downes), looking at the dangers of climate change. He explained how he sets about collaborating with his band mates.   “Usually what happens is each member is left to write their respective parts and put their stamp on things,” says Davison. “Geoff sent me a selection of exciting and often gorgeous snippets he had created and made it clear that he wished I experiment freely and develop as needed. This in turn gave me the confidence to take on the vocal role--lyrics, vocal melody and harmony, how the vocals are presented and uniquely phrased--but all the while striving to stay faithful to Geoff’s initial ideas.”   “Jon’s vocals are fantastic,” adds Geoff Downes. “He’s really come into his own as a YES vocalist. This time he’s started to get the writing side together and working with the other musicians has been developmental for him. I think he’s hit a rich seam on this one.”

Pink Floyd’s 1975 masterpiece 'Wish You Were Here' to be celebrated via Todd Rundgren, Rick Wakeman, Geoff Downes, Rod Argent, Joe Satriani & more!

 This just landed in my inbox and I had to share! What a great cast of musicians banding together for a tribute (it arrives on May 28, 2021)...Robert Kinsler

Members Of YES, GENESIS, DEEP PURPLE, PARLIAMENT, KING CRIMSON, DREAM THEATER, THE DAMNED, PUBLIC IMAGE LTD, THE ZOMBIES, TANGERINE DREAM Perform Pink Floyd’s 1975 Masterpiece WISH YOU WERE HERE In Its Entirety!

Album features performances by Rick Wakeman, Ian Paice, Todd Rundgren, Geoff Tate, Joe Satriani, Steve Hackett, Steve Hillage, Edgar Froese, Tony Levin, James LaBrie, Bootsy Collins, Rat Scabies, Jah Wobble, Carmine Appice and more!

Los Angeles, CA - Pink Floyd’s 1975 album, Wish You Were Here, surely counts as one of the greatest rock albums of the 20th century. A musically and emotionally complex tribute to the band’s former leader, vocalist Syd Barrett, whose deteriorating mental health had caused the band to oust him in 1968, the album has become a touchstone for a generation of artists who sought to achieve the synthesis of brilliant, multi-part suites, poignant ballads, and heady melodic rockers that Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Richard Wright & Nick Mason realized on this album. 

And now, a stunning all-star line-up of rock and metal royalty have gathered to recreate this epic masterpiece as a testament to its long-enduring legacy. Still Wish You Were Here includes awe-inspiring performances from keyboard wizard Rick Wakeman, Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice, Rock Hall of Fame nominee Todd Rundgren, ex-Queensrÿche vocalist Geoff Tate, guitar god Joe Satriani, Dream Theater vocalist James LaBrie, spacebass super genius Bootsy Collins, The Damned’s Rat Scabies, PiL’s Jah Wobble, The Zombies' Rod Argent and lots more! Get ready to fall in love with this classic record all over again.

Still Wish You Were Here will be available on both CD in a beautiful 6-panel deluxe digipak and a stunningly gorgeous gatefold vinyl in a variety of colors!

Pre-order the album: https://orcd.co/still_wish_you_were

Track List: 
1. Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts 1-5) - Geoff Tate, Steve Hackett, Billy Sheehan, Mel Collins, Geoff Downes, Ian Paice
2. Welcome To The Machine - Todd Rundgren, Rick Wakeman, Tony Levin
3. Have A Cigar - James LaBrie, Steve Stevens, Patrick Moraz, Rat Scabies, Jah Wobble
4. Wish You Were Here - Rik Emmett, Joe Satriani, Edgar Froese, David Ellefson, Carmine Appice
5. Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts 6-9) - Rod Argent, Steve Hillage, Ian Paice, Bootsy Collins

www.CleopatraRecords.com

Follow PURPLE PYRAMID  @ 
Facebook |  Instagram  | Twitter | Youtube | Purple Pyramid Store 
Facebook @PurplePyramidRecords
https://www.facebook.com/PurplePyramidRecords/ 
Instagram @Purple.pyramid
https://www.instagram.com/purple.pyramid/ 
Twitter @PurplePyramid1
https://twitter.com/PurplePyramid1 
Youtube @ Purple Pyramid
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwiCec6bS6mX3c7dpitfYRQ 
Purple Pyramid Store @
https://cleorecs.com/store/product-category/record-label/purple-pyramid/

YES to release new live album 'The Royal Affair Tour' on October 30 via BMG Records

Yes fans, take note!

Following the outstanding success of their 2019 American tour, YES will release a new live album, THE ROYAL AFFAIR TOUR, LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS, through BMG Records. The release date of the album is October 30, but it will be available exclusively through the YES Store starting October 2. Formats are: CD digi sleeve with a 12-page booklet; 2LP gatefold with 12" booklet; and digital.

All YES concert tours are special events for their legions of fans, and "The Royal Affair Tour" was no exception, conceived as a wonderful celebration of the best of British progressive music. Guests on the tour were Asia (with YES keyboardist Geoff Downes and a special appearance by Steve Howe), John Lodge of The Moody Blues and Carl Palmer's ELP Legacy featuring Arthur Brown. 

Of THE ROYAL AFFAIR TOUR album, Alan White says: "The Royal Affair tour album, being released in October, is a welcome new chapter in the wide expanse of YES live recordings. I hope you enjoy it."

Guitarist Steve Howe adds: "Having the opportunity to bring together the band members in the development of a well-refined set of songs that captures the band's true potential is simply an honor for me."

The show features many classic tracks across the period 1970-1980. The set opened with "No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed," the Richie Havens cover from YES' second album Time And A Word (1970). "Tempus Fugit" was taken from Drama (1980), Geoff Downes' first as a member of YES, while "Going For The One," "I've Seen All Good People" and "Siberian Khatru" are from some of YES' iconic mid-70s albums. The set included a rare live performance of YES' cover of Paul Simon's "America"and John Lodge shared vocals on YES' cover of John Lennon's "Imagine." Soon-to-be YES drummer Alan White played on the original studio recording.

"The Royal Affair Tour" live set and album, recorded at the Hard Rock Hotel, Las Vegas, in July 2019, reaches a climax with two of the best-loved YES tracks, "Roundabout" and "Starship Trooper," always a high note on which to close the set.

YES are Steve Howe (guitar) who joined in 1970; Alan White, drums since 1972; Geoff Downes (keyboards) who first joined in 1980; vocalist since 2011 Jon Davison; and Billy Sherwood, who played guitar/keyboards in the 1990s and was the late Chris Squire's choice to take over bass/vocals in 2015, also played with Asia on this tour. Jay Schellen played additional drums.

"The Royal Affair Tour" also featured an exhibition of original art by Roger Deanwhose artwork is synonymous having designed the iconic YES logo and the band's best-loved album covers. Roger Dean recently painted THE ROYAL AFFAIR TOUR album artwork live on Facebook while also fielding questions from fans.

The 26-date "The Royal Affair Tour"and YES' performances were critically acclaimed: 

 

"Yes proved again that they are, after all these years, still the kings of progressive rock."--Charlie Steffens, Vintage Rock, 8/5/19

 

"It was a unique night of rock music history that has endured for half a century."--L. Paul Mann, Grateful Web, 8/6/19

 

As always, YES put on a magical show and took the crowd on a journey through their hits."--Alex Kluft, Music Connection, 8/5/19

 

The band sounded great and had brilliant visuals to accompany the songs. Sherwood's bass playing is perfectly suited to capture the essence of the late Chris Squire while Geoff Downes and Steve Howe are still at the top of their games. Vocalist Jon Davison... looks extremely comfortable on stage, hitting each note with ease."--Roie Avin, The Prog Report, 7/15/19

 

The Royal Affair Tour - Live in Las Vegas track listing:

1. No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed

2. Tempus Fugit

3. Going For The One

4. I've Seen All Good People

5. Siberian Khatru

6. Onward

7. America

8. Imagine

9. Roundabout

10. Starship Trooper

 

Recorded live at the Las Vegas Hard Rock Hotel, Friday, July 26,2019, THE ROYAL AFFAIR TOUR, LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS was mixed by Billy Sherwood and is released by BMG Records. Customers who order via the YES Store will receive their albums on October 2 with the album on general release starting October 30.

 

About Yes

For half a century YES have been one of the most innovative, influential and best-loved bands in rock music history and consistently at the fore-front of the progressive rock movement. Formed in 1968 by Jon Anderson and the late, and much-missed, Chris Squire, their 1970s albums The Yes Album, Fragile, Close To The Edge, the triple live album set Yessongs, Tales From Topographic Oceans,Relayer and Going For The One were ground-breaking in musical style and content. Their music also became synonymous with artist Roger Dean whose distinctive YES logo design and artwork adorned the lavish gatefold presentation sleeves of many YES albums.

With sales of over 50 million records, the Grammy-award winning YES were inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2017, where they performed Roundabout from the album Fragile and the FM radio-friendly Owner Of A Lonely Heart from the 1985 album 90125.

 

www.yesworld.com 
www.facebook.com/yestheband 
www.twitter.com/yesofficial
www.youtube.com/user/yesofficial 
www.instagram.com/yesofficial 
soundcloud.com/yesofficial