Jon Anderson: the fire still burns strong in Jon Anderson's musical soul

Ten shows are scheduled for Quebec venues. After performing in Laval, Anderson will move on to Riviere-du-Loup, Gatineau and Drummondville.

"I didn't think I would be arriving in the ice age. I have fond memories of our shows here. On Yes's first visit, someone was running around waving the Quebec flag, which I borrowed to start waving it myself from the stage. The crowd went nuts. It was a nice way for us to experience our baptism with the people of Quebec," recounted the musician, in his hotel room in Old Montreal.

Jon Anderson is also know for his work with Vangelis and the personal search linked to the spirituality of the North American Indians. In this Tour of the Universe, the 64-year-old artist takes a trip through the various musical stages of his life, with 10 new songs. In addition to some revised arrangements of earlier works, the concert also includes stunning visuals developed specifically for the tour.

"Even the most sophisticated music begins with a minimum of instrumental accompaniment. When I am solo on stage, I rise close to a dream-like state. I become so anchored in the moment that I sometimes feel I'm no longer me," he confided.

"Despite my age, I'm happy to say that I've been able to maintain my voice in good shape. In addition to singing and whistling every day of the week, I've never overdone it on stage, even in the most intense days of Yes."

A virtuoso who touched many musical styles, easily performing with symphony orchestras countless times, after having flirted with the New Age wave, embracing Latin rhythms and the well-calculated tubular symmetrical sounds of Yes, Jon Anderson is convinced he's had a hand in advancing the world of music, for the past three decades. "Not more, not less than others, my fellow brothers and sisters," he assured us.