Last week Guitar World received a visit from legendary Yes/Asia guitarist Steve Howe...which was certainly a treat for a few of the longtime Yes fans here in the office (particularly editor-in-chief Brad Tolinski and music editor Jimmy Brown).

According to Jimmy, who conducted the interview and lesson with Steve, the guitarist was in great spirits and really seemed to enjoy himself. He talked extensively about the current Asia reunion tour and new Phoenix album, as well as the upcoming Yes tour. He gave a lot of interesting details about the gear he's using these days and talked at length about his diverse musical influences and his career as a guitarist, songwriter and arranger.

As for the lesson part, Steve took a liking to a Martin acoustic we had here in the office and showed how he plays such classic Yes tracks as "Roundabout," "Mood for a Day," "Starship Trooper," "Yours Is No Disgrace," "And You and I" and "Siberian Khatru," as well as signature Yes solo pieces like "Clap" and "Mood for a Day."

Look for the interview and lesson to appear in an upcoming issue of Guitar World and on the Guitar World CD-ROM! And yes, he signed the office guitar (see March 25 Fine Print post)...

JK