Intuitive Music

Jon and Vangelis

Duo formed in 1979 by the Greek keyboardist and composer Vangelis, and British Yes singer Jon Anderson.

Before teaming up, Jon Anderson and Vangelis had previously worked together in 1975 in the Vangelis‘ solo album “Heaven and Hell”. Also, Vangelis was invited to replace Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman in 1974, but the plan was turned down after an encounter with the progressive rock band.

In 1979, Jon and Vangelis formed a vocal electronic project, coinciding with Jon Anderson’s eventual departure from Yes. Their first album “Short Stories” was wrote and recorded in one week at Vangelis Nemo studios in London and it provided the hit “I’ll Find My Way Home”.

Jon and Vangelis have recorded some of the most personal and unique electronic music works ever, characterized by the lyrical fusion of Jon Anderson’s vocals and singing and Vangelis‘ electronic and sequencial work, and mostly based in the improvisation.

In 1981, Jon and Vangelis released their second album “The Friends of Mr Cairo”, and which track “State of Independence” was later covered by Donna Summer.

“Private Collection” was released in 1983, coinciding Jon Anderson’s comeback to Yes and the release of the renowned band’s album “90125″. A fourth album from the duo “Page of Life” was released in 1991, where the duo fusioned electronica, jazz, and world music. Also, Jon Anderson produced a revisited version the album in 1994, apparently without the approval of Vangelis.

Two compilations of the duo’s work were released: “The Best Of” (1984) and “Chronicles” (1994). Jon Anderson has also collaborated with his vocals and harp in different solo albums of the Greek composer, including “L’Opera Sauvage” (1979), “See You Later” (1980) and “Voices” (1995).