Most music reviewers don’t like progressive rock. They use words like pretentious and overbearing to describe the music. Those music reviewers are wrong. The progressive rock movement that began around 1969 represents some of the best rock music ever recorded – by some of the best musicians in rock. My favorite progressive rock band is Yes. They have gone through many line-up changes, and my favorites are:
Bill Bruford – percussion. Bruford can do more with a snare drum than most drummers can do with a full kit.
Chris Squire – bass. Squire is the constant. Through all the line-up combinations, Squire has been there playing some of the best bass lines ever recorded. Chris Squire is, in my opinion, the best bass player in rock.
Jon Anderson – vocals. Anderson’s ethereal voice is what makes the Yes sound so unique.
Rick Wakeman – keyboards. Wakeman is great. He’s a keyboard virtuoso who likes to guzzle beer. What a great combination. And finally…
Steve Howe plays guitar. What an understatement. Steve Howe plays around a dozen guitars per concert. This past fall I saw Yes in concert and Howe hasn’t skipped a beat. On several songs he played three guitars – his Gibson, a dobro on a stand and a pedal steel guitar. His acoustic set was simply amazing. To me, anyone who plays guitar should see Steve Howe live.
E very member of that Yes line-up is, in my opinion, the most technically proficient instrumentalist in rock. Some will say Keith Emerson is better at keyboards. He’s great, but Rick Wakeman’s music appeals to me more. When discussing percussionists, people usually discuss Carl Palmer and Rush’s Neil Pert. Give Bruford a try. He can be found with Yes, King Crimson, UK and his solo recordings.

Some guitarists - particularly blues guitarists feel that Howe's guitar playing is too technical - that there isn't enough feel and emotion. I guess I would agree with that, but it doesn't take away from the tremendous skills he brings to the instrument.