Mood For A Day by Yes

Album: Fragile (1971)

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Songfacts®:

This solo guitar piece is the work of Yes guitarist Steve Howe, who told The Guitar Magazine in 1992: "At the time I had settled down and just started new roots in my life and 'Mood For A Day' was supposed to represent a happy mood for a day. I was about 28 when I realized there should be something more in my life than just the guitar."
Howe played this on a Condo Flamenco guitar. He had been listening to the Spanish guitarist Sabicas.
All five members of Yes contributed one track of their own design to the Fragile album. Steve Howe did "Mood For A Day" as a solo guitar piece; "Cans And Brahms" was not only arranged by Rick Wakeman, but he played all the parts as well; Jon Anderson sang all the vocal parts in "We Have Heaven"; Bill Bruford created "Five Per Cent For Nothing," which was played by the entire group with percussion instruments; "The Fish" was created by Chris Squire using only the bass guitar. >>
Suggestion credit:
Randy - Chicago Heights, IL

Comments: 7

Atc Dave from TexasI’ve listened to this sitting on a hotel rooftop in Toledo, Spain, with the cathedral all lit up at night right next door. A perfect piece to listen to while in Spain! I first saw Yes live in Louisville, Kentucky in 1977 at age 17, Going For The One tour. I’ve been a huge fan for 50 years now.
Mk from IllinoisI could only imagine someone who needs to remind themselves there is more to life than guitar could dream up and execute such a masterpiece. The world is of more value now because of this song. Incredible.
Brenda from San Clemente, CaMy Dear Friend Mark Norton- former KISS member, passed over a few years ago- learned how to play this song when we were in High School... We had vinyls back then, and had to play the passages over and over- I'll NEVER forget his face when he could play it perfectly .
Rick from Mount Ephraim, NjGives me chills listening to this song.
Adrian from Brookings, SdYou rarely get to see just how versatile a guitar player Steve Howe really is. He incorporates so many different styles into his playing, but it is only on this and the last third of "The Ancient (Giants Under the Sun" from Tales that you get to hear his classical prowess. Bravo!
Max from Sydney, AustraliaA Friend of mine once heard this song being played in a Cafe.

I really like this song
Kent Lyle from Palo Alto, CaSteve's guitar is externally mic'ed, and you can hear him breathing during the transitional parts.

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