Bill Bruford vs. Alan White for YES

Tony Kaye got booted out (or left, I don't think anybody's sure) because his playing was no longer intricate enough for Yes's evolving sound.  Rick became more suitable for the role, so he was given it.  Bill probably didn't leave because he felt he could no longer contribute, but in my opinion he'd run his course with Yes and it was time for someone new.  I find Alan's renditions of the CTTE songs just as good as Bill's (though no better), and perhaps more suitable for an energetic live setting.  Anything before CTTE doesn't sound quite as good with Alan on drums (although it does rock harder, which is nice for the sake of variety.)  TYA and Fragile are Bill's territory.  However, can you imagine Bill playing Ritual? (I personally love Alan's performance on TFTO, though many disagree.)  How about Gates of Delerium?  Sound Chaser?  Nope.  Relayer was all Alan.  The project may have turned out differently with Bill in the drum stool, but I like it the way it is.

My point is that although Bill was (and is) undoubtedly the superior drummer (although Alan's no slouch), NIETHER can be given the title of "Difinitive Yes Drummer", because they played in two different incarnations of Yes, one which was more suited to Bill, and one which was more suited to Alan.

Just my opinion.  

gok22us wrote: Bruford makes Yes sound a LOT better. Listen to Close to the Edge from "an evening of yes music plus" and listen to any other version with Alan White on drums, and it's apparent.

I totally disagree, and have no idea how you can say that.

Bruford's "electro" drumming is the second worst aspect of that album, after the fact that Squire's backing vocals are absent.

Plastic Man wrote: by the way, how the hell did alan white lose his british accent?

If I understand correctly, he's lived in the Seattle area for at least 2 decades.

That and tons of enriched Wonder Bread

 Apart from playing abilities Alan is a much better solution. He respects the music of Yes much more than Bill. Both are excellent drummers on their on right , but Bill fits the style of King Crimson better.

Phil wrote: M. B. Zapelini wrote: By the way, Bruford's drumming with Crimson is actually better than wiht Yes. I've just got hold of the 4 CD box set "The Great Deceiver" of live Crimson material from 73/74 and I have to agree with you.

Good choice, Phil! This box set is awesome.