Steve Howe's Musical Journey: Guest Appearances and Collaborations Beyond Yes
Steve Howe, the renowned guitarist of Yes, had a successful career before joining the band in 1970. He was involved in various projects as a band member and session player. Despite his prog rock fame, Howe continued to make guest appearances on other artists' albums. In a 2015 interview, Howe shared some of his favorite experiences outside of Yes, including a missed opportunity to record with Ella Fitzgerald in 1964.
During the 1960s, Howe played rhythm guitar in sessions for EMI alongside Big Jim Sullivan, who played lead guitar. One day, the producer asked Howe to switch roles and play lead guitar instead. This experience boosted Howe's confidence and paved the way for more opportunities in his career. Howe also recalled a session with Lou Reed during the recording of Yes' album "Tales From Topographic Oceans," where he played without knowing how it sounded.
In the mid-80s, Howe collaborated with Trevor Horn on various projects. He played a jazzy guitar on Propaganda's "Murder Of Love" and added a dobro guitar to Frankie Goes To Hollywood's "Welcome To The Pleasuredome." Howe also contributed to tracks on Frankie's second album, "Liverpool." Additionally, Howe had a memorable experience playing on Queen's album "Innuendo" after being invited to the studio by one of their technicians.
One of Howe's recent collaborations was with Flavio, an Italian classical guitarist, on a recording of the Chet Atkins tune "Sabrosa." Flavio's talent impressed Howe, and their collaboration showcased their musical chemistry. Howe's willingness to explore different musical styles and work with various artists highlights his versatility as a guitarist. Overall, Howe's guest appearances have added unique flavors to the music of artists like Propaganda, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, and Queen, showcasing his diverse musical talents.