Chris Squire – Fish Out Of Water (50th Anniversary Edition)

The prog legend Chris Squire was celebrated for his inventive and unmistakable bass work in Yes, but he truly delivered something special with his only proper solo album, released in November 1975. Strictly speaking, that’s not his only ‘solo’ outing as Chris Squire’s Swiss Choir appeared in 2007, however for the sake of this review, I’m taking the liberty of focusing on the 1975 release as his definitive solo statement.

If you’re only going to release one solo record in your career, this is exactly how to do it. With its rich symphonic textures, you might expect it to feel rooted in its era, yet it remains a timeless work that still feels fresh whenever you first encounter it. Across five beautifully crafted songs, Chris showcases his love of symphonic prog, supported by superb orchestral arrangements that elevate the album into something genuinely distinctive. It stands as a testament to his influence and creativity within progressive rock.

This album has been issued, reissued, remastered, and repackaged countless times since its original vinyl release in 1975. I only discovered it with its first CD edition, so the obvious question arises: why do we need another version? The answer isn’t straightforward, but this 50th anniversary edition marks both a significant milestone and ten plus years since Chris’s passing. The liner notes dedicate the release to his memory: “Chris Squire 4th March 1948 – 27th June 2015”.

This 50th anniversary edition arrives as a two‑disc set containing a new stereo mix and a bonus track, whilst the second is a Blu‑ray featuring the Atmos, 5.1 surround, and stereo versions alongside visual content. Accompanying the two discs we have a very informative booklet, with liner notes from Sid Smith, completing the package. As is often the case with Cherry Red releases Stephen W Tayler has provided a new stereo mix along with those Atmos and 5.1 surround versions, while Ben Wiseman handled the CD mastering at Broadlake Studios.

Originally conceived and recorded at Virginia Water, Surrey and Morgan Studios, London during spring and summer 1975, the album was a collaboration between Squire and a gifted arranger Andrew Pryce‑Jackman, formerly of The Syn. Familiar names such as Bill Bruford, Patrick Moraz, and Mel Collins appear throughout, and their contributions are felt across the album.

I’m guessing most readers will already know the material, so attention naturally turns to the sound quality. Stephen W Tayler’s mix is excellent, clear, spacious, and beautifully balanced. Chris’s bass is front and centre without overwhelming the arrangements, and the orchestral elements add a lush, emotional dimension. Solo moments, particularly Patrick Moraz’s keyboards and Mel Collins’s saxophone on Lucky Seven, sit perfectly within the mix. Overall, this new presentation honours Squire’s legacy with care and respect.

This is a worthy re‑release of a classic album. Tayler clearly has an ear for bringing out the best in familiar recordings, and this version is miles ahead of my first CD copy. Should you buy it? If you’re a progressive rock fan and don’t already own the album, absolutely as it remains essential listening. For collectors, a half-speed vinyl edition is also available, matching the original track listing, and the overall presentation and sound quality make this set a fitting tribute to a giant of the progressive rock world.

TRACK LISTING
CD1: (Stereo mix by Stephen W Tayler)
01. Hold Out Your Hand (4:14)
02. You By My Side (5:01)
03. Silently Falling (11:54)
04. Lucky Seven (6:55)
05. Safe (Canon Song) (15:26)
~ Bonus track
07. Silently Falling (Single version) (3:24)

Total Time – 46:58

BluRay: (Stereo mix by Stephen W Tayler – Atmos | 5.1 Surround Sound | Stereo)
01. Hold Out Your Hand
02. You By My Side
03. Silently Falling
04. Lucky Seven
05. Safe (Canon Song)
~ Bonus track
07. Silently Falling (Single version)
~ Visual content
Fish Out Of Water – Promotional film featuring Hold Out Your Hand and You By My Side
2006 Fish Out Of Water – Audio commentary with Chris Squire

MUSICIANS
Chris Squire – Bass, 12 String Guitars, Vocals
Bill Bruford – Drums, Percussion
Mel Collins – Saxophones
Jimmy Hastings – Flute
Patrick Moraz – Organ, Bass Synthesizer
Barry Rose – Pipe Organ
Andrew Pryce-Jackman – Acoustic & Electric Piano
– Principals of the orchestra:
Julian Gillard – Strings
John Wilbraham – Brass
John Buck – Horns
Adrian Brett – Woodwind

ADDITIONAL INFO
Record Label: Esoteric Recordings | Cherry Red Records
Country of Origin: UK
Date of Release: 26^th June 2026

LINKS
Chris Squire – Facebook | Release info at Cherry Red Records