Keys To Ascension: The Studio Recordings

Complete studio recordings from both ‘Keys To Ascension’ albums, on vinyl for the very first time.

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Spirit Of Unicorn Music and Cherry Red Records are proud to announce the release of ‘Keys To Ascension: The Studio Recordings’, a new collection bringing together every studio recording from YES‘ two original ‘Keys To Ascension‘ albums. The set will be available on 29th January 2027 as a gatefold double vinyl edition, a limited yellow double vinyl edition (available exclusively at the Official YES Store), and a studio CD edition. It marks the first time these recordings have ever appeared on vinyl.

‘Keys To Ascension’ was originally released in two volumes, in 1996 and 1997. Both albums combined new studio material with a live concert split across the two releases. The recordings took place in San Luis Obispo, California, in 1996/97, where the reunited band also played three live shows in March 1996.

The sessions hold a special place in the YES story. They were the first studio recordings from the classic quintet of Jon Anderson, Steve Howe, Chris Squire, Alan White and Rick Wakeman since ‘Tormato‘ in 1978, and they would also prove to be the last from that celebrated line-up.

This new 2LP set compiles all seven studio tracks from both original albums, approximately 75 minutes of music. Among them are the expansive epics ‘Be The One’ and ‘That, That Is’, along with ‘Mind Drive’, ‘Foot Prints’ and ‘Children Of The Light’.

This new release includes brand new material from Roger Dean, the artist synonymous with YES for many decades, who together with designer Michael Inns have completely refreshed the artwork. The compelling package is completed with new liner notes from Prog magazine’s Jerry Ewing and is an essential addition for YES fans old and new. 

Tracklist

  1. Foot Prints
  2. Be The One (The One / Humankind / Skates)
  3. Mind Drive
  4. Bring Me To The Power
  5. Sign Language
  6. That, That Is (Togetherness / Crossfire / The Giving Things / That Is / All In All / How Did Heaven Begin / Agree To Agree)
  7. Children Of The Light (Children Of Light / Lifeline)