Feature Photo: Randy Miramontez / Shutterstock.com
Steve Howe was born on April 8, 1947, in Holloway, North London, England. He is a highly influential guitarist, best known for his work with the progressive rock band Yes, which he joined in 1970. His complex and distinctive guitar playing, encompassing a range of styles from classical to jazz to rock, was pivotal in shaping the sound of Yes on seminal albums like “Fragile” and “Close to the Edge.” Howe’s contributions helped Yes to achieve significant commercial success, including several gold and platinum albums.
Apart from Yes, Howe has had a prolific solo career with albums like “Beginnings” and “The Steve Howe Album.” He has also been a part of other notable groups such as Asia, with whom he enjoyed further commercial success, including the hit single “Heat of the Moment.” Recognized for his technical proficiency and innovative guitar work, Howe has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades, including being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Yes in 2017.
Steve Howe Studio Albums
Beginnings
Released: October 1975
Beginnings is the debut solo album by Steve Howe, the guitarist of the progressive rock band Yes. This album showcases Howe’s versatility and mastery as a guitarist, venturing beyond the realms of progressive rock into jazz, classical, and folk territories. The album is characterized by its intricate guitar work and symphonic arrangements.
The album featured Steve Howe on guitar, vocals, bass, and keyboards, along with Yes members Bill Bruford on drums and Alan White on drums and percussion. Additionally, Patrick Moraz played keyboards on some tracks. Produced by Steve Howe and Eddie Offord, the album was recorded at Morgan and Advision Studios in London, in the spring and summer of 1975.
CD Track Listings:
“Doors of Sleep” – 4:08
“Australia” – 4:13
“The Nature of the Sea” – 3:57
“Lost Symphony” – 4:41
“Beginnings” – 7:31
“Will o’ the Wisp” – 6:00
“Ram” – 1:53
“Pleasure Stole the Night” – 2:57
“Break Away From It All” – 4:19
The Steve Howe Album
Released: November 1979
The Steve Howe Album is the second solo album by Steve Howe. It’s a richly diverse record, featuring a blend of classical, jazz, and country influences, showcasing Howe’s broad musical palette. The album is notable for its elaborate guitar work and lush orchestration.
Howe played almost all the instruments on the album, including guitars, mandolin, bass, and keyboards. Guest musicians included Bill Bruford on drums and Claire Hamill on vocals. Produced by Steve Howe, the album was recorded at several studios, including Eddy Offord’s Studio, London in 1979.
CD Track Listings:
“Pennants” – 4:33
“Cactus Boogie” – 2:04
“All’s a Chord” – 4:55
“Diary of a Man Who Vanished” – 2:35
“Look Over Your Shoulder” – 5:00
“Meadow Rag” – 2:40
“The Continental” – 2:50
“Surface Tension” – 3:30
“Double Rondo” – 8:13
“Concerto in D (Second Movement)” – 4:27
Turbulence
Released: 1991
Turbulence is the third solo album by Steve Howe, released in 1991. This album marks a return to Howe’s progressive rock roots, featuring complex guitar work and intricate compositions. The album is instrumental and showcases Howe’s skill in creating evocative musical landscapes.
The album featured Howe on guitars and was supported by Billy Currie on keyboards and Andrew Lucas on organ. Produced by Steve Howe, Turbulence was recorded at Langley Studios in Devon, England.
CD Track Listings:
“Turbulence” – 4:57
“Hint Hint” – 3:28
“Running the Human Race” – 4:24
“The Inner Battle” – 3:30
“Novalis” – 2:26
“Fine Line” – 3:26
“Sensitive Chaos” – 4:26
“Corkscrew” – 3:58
“While Rome’s Burning” – 4:25
“From a Place Where Time Runs Slow” – 3:45
The Grand Scheme of Things
Released: August 1993
The Grand Scheme of Things is Steve Howe’s fourth solo album, blending elements of rock, classical, and folk music. The album is characterized by its lyrical themes, which explore personal and philosophical ideas, backed by Howe’s intricate guitar work.
Howe was joined by his son Dylan on drums, along with several guest musicians. The album was produced by Steve Howe and recorded at Dinemec Studios in Switzerland and Langley Studios in Devon, England, in 1993.
CD Track Listings:
“The Grand Scheme of Things” – 5:09
“Desire Comes First” – 3:36
“Blinded by Science” – 3:28
“Beautiful Ideas” – 4:18
“The Valley of Rocks” – 3:03
“At the Gates of the New World” – 4:27
“Wayward Course” – 4:07
“Reaching the Point” – 4:24
“Common Ground” – 2:08
“Luck of the Draw” – 1:36
“The Fall of Civilization” – 3:44
“Passing Phase” – 2:01
“Georgia’s Theme” – 2:47
“Too Much is Taken and Not Enough Given” – 4:35
“Maiden Voyage” – 4:02
“Road to One’s Self” – 3:26
Mothballs
Released: 1994
Mothballs is a compilation album by Steve Howe, featuring recordings from his early career before joining Yes. This album provides insight into Howe’s musical roots, showcasing his early influences and development as a guitarist. The tracks are a mix of rock, pop, and psychedelic sounds, reflecting the musical landscape of the 1960s.
The album includes recordings from Howe’s time with bands like The Syndicats, The In Crowd, Tomorrow, and Bodast. The compilation was not only a showcase of Howe’s guitar skills but also a historical document of his musical journey. The exact recording dates and locations vary, as these tracks were compiled from different periods and sessions.
CD Track Listings:
“Maybellene” – 2:07
“True to Me” – 2:05
“Howe About That” – 3:02
“Soho” – 2:57
“More Coffee” – 2:45
“I’m a Mover” – 2:18
“Finger Poppin'” – 2:47
“You Can Never Stay in One Place” – 2:21
“My White Bicycle” – 3:16
“Clowns and Jugglers” – 3:27
“Mothballs” – 2:45
“I See You” – 4:00
“Sweetness” – 4:20
“Beyond Winter” – 2:58
“Roundabouts and Swings” – 3:36
“Move Over” – 2:57
Masterpiece Guitars with Martin Taylor
Released: 1996
Masterpiece Guitars is a unique collaboration album between Steve Howe and jazz guitarist Martin Taylor. This album showcases the duo’s exceptional guitar skills, blending classical, jazz, and folk styles. The album is known for its use of a variety of rare and vintage guitars, giving each track a distinct sound and character.
Recorded at Langley Studios in Devon, England, the album features Howe and Taylor playing a range of guitars from the Scott Chinery collection. Produced by Steve Howe, this album is a celebration of the guitar as an instrument and its diverse tonal possibilities.
CD Track Listings:
“Two Teardrops” – 2:45
“No Pedestrians” – 3:11
“Smile” – 3:39
“La Questa” – 3:10
“All the Things You Are” – 3:15
“Thought Waves” – 3:17
“Thank You, Mr. Edison” – 2:05
“My Foolish Heart” – 3:27
“Deja Vu” – 4:11
“Blue Bossa” – 3:22
“Tailpiece” – 2:33
“Fair Weather Friend” – 3:05
“Kenny’s Sound” – 2:59
“The Sunshine of Your Smile” – 3:23
“Goofus” – 2:33
“Moon River” – 3:09
Quantum Guitar
Released: April 1998
Quantum Guitar is a solo album by Steve Howe, reflecting his continuous exploration and innovation as a guitarist. This album features a blend of progressive rock, classical, and jazz elements, showcasing Howe’s compositional skills and guitar virtuosity.
The album was recorded at Langley Studios in Devon, England, and produced by Steve Howe. It features Howe on guitars, bass, and keyboards, with contributions from his son Dylan Howe on drums.
CD Track Listings:
“Walk Don’t Run” – 3:03
“The Collector” – 3:05
“Light Walls” – 3:45
“Mosaic” – 2:03
“Suddenly” – 11:23
“Country Viper” – 1:56
“Mainland” – 3:57
“Knights of Carmelite” – 3:15
“Paradox” – 4:07
“Momenta” – 3:19
“Sleep Walk” – 2:25
“Sovereigns” – 2:14
“Totality” – 1:40
“Solid Ground” – 4:33
“The Great Siege” – 3:07
“Cacti Garden” – 2:09
Portraits of Bob Dylan
Released: August 1999
Portraits of Bob Dylan is an album by Steve Howe where he pays tribute to the legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. This album features Howe’s unique interpretations of Dylan’s songs, blending them with his signature guitar playing style. The album is an eclectic mix of folk, rock, and classical influences, reflecting both Dylan’s songwriting prowess and Howe’s versatility as a musician.
Recorded at Dinemec and Langley Studios, the album includes guest appearances from notable musicians like Geoff Downes and Annie Haslam. Produced by Steve Howe, this tribute album showcases a deep respect and a fresh take on Dylan’s classics.
CD Track Listings:
“Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands” – 11:59
“Mama, You Been on My Mind” – 2:37
“It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue” – 4:36
“Going, Going, Gone” – 3:24
“Just Like a Woman” – 4:23
“Well, Well, Well” – 4:17
“The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll” – 4:45
“Lay, Lady, Lay” – 3:36
“One Too Many Mornings” – 2:49
“I Don’t Believe You” – 3:57
“Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right” – 3:55
“Buckets of Rain” – 4:02
Natural Timbre
Released: March 2001
Natural Timbre is Steve Howe’s venture into an all-acoustic album, emphasizing the natural sound of the guitar. This album is a mix of original compositions and classical pieces, showcasing Howe’s talent in acoustic guitar playing and his appreciation for musical purity.
The album was recorded at Langley Studios and features Howe playing various acoustic stringed instruments, including the mandolin, dobro, and banjo. Natural Timbre was self-produced by Howe and is noted for its intricate arrangements and the warmth of its acoustic sound.
CD Track Listings:
“Distant Seas” – 6:14
“Provence” – 3:59
“Intersection Blues” – 2:29
“Family Tree” – 4:30
“J’s Theme” – 3:50
“In the Course of the Day” – 3:33
“Dream River” – 3:58
“Golden Years” – 4:34
“The Little Galliard” – 1:22
“Up Above Somewhere” – 3:56
“Curls & Swirls” – 2:35
“Pyramidology” – 3:07
“Lost for Words” – 3:38
“Winter” (Vivaldi) – 2:08
“Solar Winds” – 3:52
“Your Move” – 3:30
“Disillusion” – 1:40
“To Be Over” – 6:13
Skyline
Released: November 2002
Skyline is an album by Steve Howe that explores various musical textures and moods, predominantly instrumental. This album blends progressive rock with elements of jazz and classical music. It’s characterized by its atmospheric soundscapes and Howe’s skillful guitar work.
The recording of Skyline took place at Langley Studios and was a solo effort by Howe, with him playing all the instruments, including guitars, keyboards, and bass. Produced by Steve Howe, the album is a journey through different sonic landscapes, showcasing his creativity and versatility as a musician.
CD Track Listings:
“Small Acts of Human Kindness” – 4:22
“Meridian Strings” – 5:25
“Secret Arrow” – 4:26
“Moon Song” – 4:27
“Shifting Sands” – 5:50
“Avenue de Bel Air” – 5:33
“Resonance” – 5:35
“The Anchor” – 2:50
“Moment in Time” – 6:09
“Simplification” – 3:15
“Camera Obscura” – 6:06
“Small Acts” (Reprise) – 3:15
Elements
Released: April 2003
Elements is an album by Steve Howe that explores a variety of musical styles, ranging from progressive rock to classical guitar compositions. This album is particularly notable for its thematic focus on the natural elements, with each track representing different aspects of earth, water, air, and fire.
Recorded at Langley Studios, Elements features Steve Howe on various instruments, including guitars, mandolin, and keyboards, with his son Dylan Howe on drums. The album was self-produced by Howe and stands out for its diverse musical landscapes and intricate compositions.
CD Track Listings:
“Skyline” – 5:10
“Moon Song” – 4:30
“Passing Phase” – 3:29
“The Main Title” – 5:33
“Maiden Voyage” – 4:18
“Intersection Blues” – 2:36
“Family Tree” – 4:28
“J’s Theme” – 3:49
“In the Course of the Day” – 3:29
“Dream River” – 3:57
“Golden Years” – 4:33
“The Little Galliard” – 1:22
“Up Above Somewhere” – 3:59
“Curls & Swirls” – 2:34
“Pyramidology” – 3:05
“Lost for Words” – 3:37
“Winter” (Vivaldi) – 2:07
“Solar Winds” – 3:51
“Your Move” – 3:28
“Disillusion” – 1:39
“To Be Over” – 6:12
Spectrum
Released: July 2005
Spectrum is a diverse and vibrant album by Steve Howe, showcasing his virtuosic guitar skills across various genres. The album includes a mix of progressive rock, jazz, and classical influences, creating a rich tapestry of sound.
This album was recorded at Langley Studios and features collaborations with Howe’s son Dylan on drums and Tony Levin on bass. Produced by Steve Howe, Spectrum is celebrated for its dynamic compositions and Howe’s ability to seamlessly blend different musical styles.
CD Track Listings:
“Tigers Den” – 4:15
“Labyrinth” – 4:40
“Band of Light” – 3:35
“Ultra Definition” – 3:39
“Raga of Our Times” – 4:49
“Ebb and Flow” – 4:03
“Realm Thirteen” – 4:26
“Without Doubt” – 3:28
“Highly Strung” – 3:34
“Hour of Need” – 5:13
“Fool’s Gold” – 4:04
“Where I Belong” – 3:13
“Gone But Not Forgotten” – 3:41
Motif
Released: August 2008
Motif is an album by Steve Howe that is primarily focused on solo guitar work. This album revisits some of Howe’s earlier compositions, offering new interpretations and showcasing the maturity of his playing. It is a reflective and introspective record, emphasizing the expressive qualities of the guitar.
Recorded at Langley Studios, Motif is a solo effort by Howe, featuring him on acoustic and electric guitars. The album is self-produced and is noted for its intimate and personal approach, highlighting Howe’s skills as a guitarist and composer.
CD Track Listings:
“Distant Seas” – 5:52
“Provence” – 3:58
“Intersection Blues” – 2:27
“Family Tree” – 4:27
“J’s Theme” – 3:47
“In the Course of the Day” – 3:31
“Dream River” – 3:56
“Golden Years” – 4:32
“The Little Galliard” – 1:21
“Up Above Somewhere” – 3:55
“Curls & Swirls” – 2:34
“Pyramidology” – 3:06
“Lost for Words” – 3:38
“Winter” (Vivaldi) – 2:06
“Solar Winds” – 3:51
“Your Move” – 3:29
“Disillusion” – 1:39
“To Be Over” – 6:11
Time
Released: November 2011
Time is a solo album by Steve Howe that represents a departure from his typical progressive rock and guitar-centric compositions. This album focuses more on classical music, featuring Howe’s arrangements of various classical pieces alongside some original compositions. The album is a showcase of Howe’s versatility and his deep appreciation for classical music.
Recorded primarily at Langley Studios, Time features Howe on classical guitar, with contributions from orchestral musicians. The album was produced by Steve Howe and Paul K. Joyce, highlighting a refined and elegant approach to classical music.
CD Track Listings:
“Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5” – 5:03
“King’s Ransom” – 4:29
“Orange” – 2:26
“Purification” – 4:47
“Rose” – 3:34
“The Explorer” – 4:50
“Kindred Spirits” – 5:34
“Concerto Grosso in D Minor” – 4:49
“Continuum” – 2:33
“Where Words Fail” – 4:18
“La Gavotte” – 4:31
“Walk Don’t Run” – 3:03
“The Collector” – 3:05
“Georgia’s Theme” – 2:47
Love Is
Released: July 2020
Love Is is the latest solo album by Steve Howe, released in 2020. This album marks a return to his roots in progressive rock, blending intricate guitar work with thoughtful songwriting. The album features a mix of vocal and instrumental tracks, exploring themes of love, reflection, and the complexities of human relationships.
The album was recorded at Curtis Schwartz Studios and Langley Studios, featuring Steve Howe on guitars, keyboards, and vocals, with contributions from his son Dylan Howe on drums, Jon Davison on vocals, and several other musicians. Produced by Steve Howe, Love Is is noted for its blend of new material and a fresh approach to some of his earlier compositions.
Classicrockhistory.com claims ownership of all its original content and Intellectual property under United States Copyright laws and those of all other foreign countries. No one person, business, or organization is allowed to re-publish any of our original content anywhere on the web or in print without our permission. All photos used are either public domain Creative Commons photos or licensed officially from Shutterstock under license with ClassicRockHistory.com. All photo credits have been placed at the end of the article. Album Cover Photos are affiliate links and the property of Amazon and are stored on the Amazon server. Any theft of our content will be met with swift legal action against the infringing websites.
Brian Kachejian was born in Manhattan and raised in the Bronx. He is the founder and Editor in Chief of ClassicRockHistory.com. He has spent thirty years in the music business often working with many of the people who have appeared on this site. Brian Kachejian also holds B.A. and M.A. degrees from Stony Brook University along with New York State Public School Education Certifications in Music and Social Studies. Brian Kachejian is also an active member of the New York Press.