Siberian Khatru - Band Geek Cover

A couple notes about this video...

1. My studio is very small, meaning we're pretty much on top of each other while recording. I have a close family member with a compromised immune system, so for their protection, we decided to wear masks while tracking this. This is by no means a political statement or an invitation to debate the effectiveness of mask-wearing. It was a personal choice and I'm not telling anyone what they should do.

2. Yes... we know we changed the arrangement. The ultimate goal of this session was to create a backing track for my live stream shows, so we tailored the arrangement for that specific use. We also recorded the majority of this on a live stream and cutting out certain parts made that run smoother.

Now that we got that out of the way, enjoy the video!

This is our cover of Siberian Khatru by Yes from the Close To The Edge Album

Ann Marie Nacchio - Vocals
Richie Castellano - Vocals, Guitar, Bass
Andy Ascolese - Keyboards, Drums, Percussion
Andy Graziano - Special Guest Guitar Solo

Geek Speak:

Drums are recorded using the Roland TD-11 eDrum set. Drum sounds come from FXPansion BFD 3.
Bass is a 1974 Rickenbacker 4001. We recorded the stereo Rick-O-Sound outputs into the DI ins on the Universal Audio 4710-D. The bass is being processed through the Line 6 Helix Native and various Waves Plugins.
The Guitar is Gibson 336 that I borrowed from my dad. All the the guitar tones come from the Line 6 Helix.
The sitar sound comes from the Line 6 Variax.
The slide guitar is a Fender road worn tele with DiMarzio pickups.
The acoustic guitar is a Martin D-15 M.
The acoustic instruments and vocals are recorded with an Audio Technica AT-4047MP into an API 512c preamp into a DBX 560A compressor.
We use a Roland FA-06 keyboard along with a lot of sounds from IK Multimedia Sonik Synth 2.
Ann Marie's vocal is recorded with an Audio Technica 4047 into an SSL 2 plus.
We all use Audio Technica Headphones.
All of the vocals are doubled off camera to save some screen real estate.
The cape was made by my Nana when I was in high school : )

If you want to see the live stream "making of" sessions, here are the links:

Check out some of our other Prog Covers:

#BandGeek
#Yes
#ProgRock

[Riley]

Alright. I haven't seen the comment yet, so I'll say it. Boris Johnson is absolutely killing it on the drums and keyboard.

[luckiweeman]

As a fan of Yes for over 40 years.. all i can say is.. EPIC!! well done.

[glencarson]

Three stand outs... one, the overall musicianship, two Ann Marie's spectacular vocals and three, Andy's Wakeman cape. 10 out of 10...

[srubel]

At 18 years old a friend dragged me to see Yes (in the round) in 1978 and they opened with this song. At the time I was a Jimmy Page sycophant and didn't even know what prog rock was. When they opened with Siberian Khatru I had that John Belushi, church scene in the Blues Brothers, "sees the light" moment. Next thing you know I'm into all things British Prog Rock. To this day I still listen to Gentle Giant, old Genesis, old Yes, Brand X, Bill Brufford, ELP, etc. It all started with this song and you guys did an absolute outstanding job on this!

[jds]

Yes fan 40+ years here. Love love love Ann Marie’s vocals! No one else in the universe (besides Jon Anderson) should be permitted to sing Yes lead vocals!

[frankbuccino]

Unreal....the vocals, arrangement, and instrumentation. Gives me goosebumps. Take it from a 67 year old keyboard player. What you've accomplished here is amazing. The sound quality is extraordinary well done!

[franktreppiedi]

Makes you appreciate Squire's role. Playing bass and singing all that. He basically harmonized almost everything JA sang.

[johnwhittaker]

Oh my gosh he even did the harpsichord solo!!! And the vocals are outstanding!! LIKE LIKE LIKE

[gmellett]

Magnificent. Next up should be “And You And I”.. we can then enjoy a complete Band Geek Interpretation of the entire Close to The Edge album!

[HansManders]

Went to Yes concerts in 1974, in '84 and again in '91, have never stopped following the Yesboys or listening to their music. But this is the best line-up ever! Finally a woman singing

[waynedenton]

Your singing is great Richie. Anna Marie is next level.

[rogermikardo]

Curse the ad! A peerless cover of a favourite classic. I'm not sure why, but your Yes covers make me feel excited and totally engaged like they did at the time they were released. They sound fresh. Thank you so much, Band Geeks.

[johndempsey]

Chris is smiling down at all of you! Awesome job!

[stevemd]

Mind blowing. Love the arrangement, most of Yes would probably agree. The guitar tones in particular are great, not too much distortion/compression which is what you hear with a lot of Yes cover bands, they have an 80s distortion going on when back in the 70s Steve Howe was playing really pretty clean. And Ann Marie has the voice of an angel. I grew up with Yes, other prog, just love hearing the music being kept alive.

[marceror]

I said it a couple of times during the recording, but will again. The bass is epic in this recording... the tone and the playing! I'm sure Squire would approve.

[sonovoxx]

What a supreme effort by you all - the guitar solo was a treat and fits beautifully, and it was a real treat to see Ann Marie squeezing in on lead vox pretty much at the last minute! I watched every hour of how this gargantuan project came together, and there's no doubt it was Ritchie's patience, endless talent, raw stamina and determination made this happen. As an old dyed-in-the-wool Yes fan I'm just blown away.

[jamesmartin]

Holy shit! Richie is Steve Howe and Chris Squire rolled into one while Andy is Bill Bruford and Rick Wakeman (love the cape). Incredible! Anne Marie great as always.

[mt-jnvf]

1... It is preposterous to think that you have to even consider addressing or defending the masks. It’s pretty clear; You absolutely did the smart, common-sense, and right thing.
2... I have been pestering you for years for this cover. The care and respect shown when taking on this monumental challenge is a landmark for Band Geek. It’s a wonderful gift for all of your followers. Thank you for your time and talent. This was a great achievement.

[rickpa]

That's better than most tribute bands I've heard!

[barrypatrick]

The complete Yes track, outstanding cover...Ann Marie the current Yes should call you immediately!