Instrumental gem
Michael L Streett | Columbia, SC | 02/04/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Peter Banks is a sadly overlooked and underrated guitarist, every bit the equal of the other guitar wizards who claimed all the accolades and magazine covers over the past thirty years. Reduction is another welcome addition to his solo catalog from the last few years. From sparkling cool atmospheric jazzy stylings to razor sharp funk grooves, this album shows many of Banks' guitar mastery. The songs are more about composition than showboating, like most guitar albums, however there are plenty chops for those who are unaware of Banks' skills. Also, check out his earlier albums Instinct and Self-Contained. My favorite guitarist - and I'm a drummer!"
Another quality album from Peter Banks
MATTHEW SILVER | SACRAMENTO, CA United States | 05/26/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Great album...it shows off Peter's multi-faceted talent very nicely. Jazz, funk, rock, you name it, it's here...
While it is true that Banks is sorely underrated, I would like to say that Kim Fletcher's review of this album is a cheap shot at another YES alum, Steve Howe. Her review is sadly full of untruths, rumors and innuendo that date back to 1991. Too bad she couldn't just talk up Banks' work without trashing other musicians. In fact, Steve Howe never nixed Peter Banks involvement in the "Union" tour of 8 Yes Men(not 11). There are numerous interviews that discount this trash talk. In fact, Steve Howe has said repeatedly that "Time & A Word" by Yes is a great album and that Banks got a raw deal on that transaction. Next time, speak truth."
The Dark Horse of the Yes family
John Sposato | Syracuse, NY, USA | 06/14/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I found the UK import on Transatlantic/Castle out of the blue at the dollar store. It's mainly instrumental, but worth a listen. It's a lot like some of the solo albums Banks' Yes replacement Steve Howe makes, if that was intended as revenge of some sort."