Notice
Perhaps the greatest symbol of this transitional period for YES in 1972 is "America" (a cover of a Simon & Garfunkel song), not on any YES Album (except for Compilations), and recorded sometime between Sessions for "Fragile" and "Close to the Edge".
"America" had been a "Live" standard when Tony Kaye (and also Guitarist Peter Banks) were in the band, but Rick Wakeman was so opposed to recording it, that Bill Bruford (Drummer) ended up playing many of the Keyboard parts instead.
This piece quotes Leonard Bernstein's "America" from "West Side Story", famously covered by The Nice (which included Keith Emerson). YES had, of course, covered another "West Side Story" number, "Something's Coming", for their first B-Side.
"America" was released on The New Age of Atlantic sampler LP, then as the follow-up 45 Single to "Rounabout", and again later on the "Yesterdays" LP in 1975 (the Full 10:32 Studio Version), and eventually, on numerous latter day compilations.
I have viewed the "Keys to Ascension" DVD, a now legendary YES Performance taped "Live" in San Luis Obisbo, CA 1996 (which includes an almost Note-for-Note Performance of "America"), so I have watched very intently to see Finger Positions, Phrasing, anything to get a Correct Transcription of "America".
I have included a very brief "Intro" (which was not on the 45 Single Release), just to include the Main Theme, which is nowhere to be found on the 45 Single Version!! So, I have included the last 8 seconds or so of the "Full Version" Intro, (which was close to 2:30), and the Band basically worked that Riff for all it is worth.
I also have taken the liberty of Arranging Guitar Break 4 (outro) with "Guitar Slides" (a couple sound like Bends), as Howe may alternate these, so try which method works best for you.
Keep an eye on the Staccato Bass Notes throughout the first half of this song, mainly the "Pulsating" Bass Line. They have been placed there by design, not by accident. At times, Squire's notes are very "punchy", and then, simply very laid back.
Organ Note: I had to change the Pitch of the Organ Instrument (Gtr II) raised it up One Octave to Match the Sound being heard on the Actual Recording. This is just a convience so the listener can hear what is Transcribed in a comfortable listening environment.
