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What a concept! Christopher Russell Edward Squire is a founding member of Yes, the symphonic rock group that became commercially successful and critically acclaimed in the early 1970s with albums like Fragile, Close to the Edge, and Yessongs. Yes celebrated its 40th year in 2008 and continues to tour, enjoying a large following in Europe. Although the band's personnel has shifted dramatically over the years; Squire is the single constant. Chris Squire's Swiss Choir is the weird and wonderful holiday amalgam of absolutely serious classical choral music with cleverly-conceived rock amplifications. Having started his musical career as a choirboy, Squire puts that experience to great effect here. He incorporates the excellent English Baroque Choir (no, not Swiss) seamlessly with fluid bass underpinnings; the result is neither novelty nor camp.

This album has charm and appeal on many levels. The production values are great, and the arrangements provide brand new looks at age-old friends. For example, the opening bars of Ding Dong Merrily on High capture the mellow acid sound of later Beatles albums, and Squire's baritone solos on The Three Kings and In the Bleak Midwinter are sweetly endearing. The syncopated Sussex Carol is lively and quick, with layered rounds and pulsing percussion. Squire's original Run with the Fox is pure Yes, through and through; it's an excellent way to close the album.

If you seek a traditional choral release, look elsewhere. If you are hoping for a holiday offering that totally rocks out, this album will likely disappoint. Chris Squire's Swiss Choir will, however, brilliantly occupy a wholly unique position of rock-infused classical fare for Christmas. While there is no actual "Swiss Choir" recorded here, the singing is grand, cleanly executed, and celebratory. This blast from the past is definitely a cool breath of fresh air! Experience it!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2009)

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From the liner notes:

Produced and arranged by Chris Squire and Gerard Johnson
Recorded and mixed by Greg Jackman
Except "Run with the Fox": Orchestrated by Andrew Pryce Jackman
Additional vocal arrangement: Gerard Johnson

Recorded in Chelsea, Twickenham and Purley, September/October 2007

Bass, Vocals: Chris Squire
Guitars: Steve Hackett
Keyboards: Gerard Johnson
Drums: Jeremy Stacey
Drums on "Run with the Fox": Alan White
Choir: The English Baroque Choir (Conductor: Jeremy Jackman)
Soprano Solo ("In the Bleak Midwinter"): Amy George
Additional Vocals ("Gaudete"): Laura Macara

Warning: This disc contains no recordings of actual Swiss Choirs.


From the artist's Website:

Chrisopher Russell Edward Squire was born in central London, England on March 4, 1948. In his youth, Chris began his musical career as a choirboy.This early indoctrination gave Chris a particular insight into choir arrangement and vocal techniques that was to follow him throughout his career to this day. In 1964, Chris was suspended from Haberdasher Aske's public school for wearing his hair much longer than was allowed. The money given to Chris for a haircut was 'spent on other things'. Chris never returned to school.

Chris' signature bass style was developed during a particular period of 'hibernation' as he spent several months in his girlfriend's apartment, recovering from the excesses of youth in London. During this time Chris' practice routine was relentless as he bonded intimately with the bass.


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The partnership between Chris and Jon Anderson sprang from their mutual admiration of vocal groups, particularly Simon and Garfunkel. They formed the group Yes and released their first record in 1969. Although the band has had many personnel changes over the years, Chris is the only member who has survived through the many versions. There has never been a Yes without Chris Squire. Yes will celebrate their fourtieth year in 2008 with a much anticipated, but not signed-in-stone tour. During Yes' formative years Chris was frequently known for being a 'free-er spirit' than the rest of his bandmates.

Chris Squire

Chris Squire's Swiss Choir

Artist link

Track List