The Story of i

Swiss born, Patrick Moraz is probably best known in rock music circles as the man who briefly replaced Rick Wakeman in Yes - recording the album 'Relayer' and touring extensively with the group between 1974 and 1976. Following this stint with Yes he was to replace another famous musician in a major band - Mike Pinder of the Moody Blues. Patrick stayed with the Moodies for thirteen years, touring the world extensively and contributing to a number of successful albums.

Patrick has also been a member of the progressive rock outfit Mainhorse, forming the band with bassist Jean Ristori in 1969 and releasing their self-titled album in 1970. Following that, his next port of call would be Refugee where he joined forces with two former members of the Nice, to release one album before Moraz left to join Yes.

Patrick's career seemed be pre-ordained. As a child Patrick was considered a musical prodigy and whilst he became adept at a number of instruments, it was the piano where Patrick excelled to the extent that he was named "Best Young Soloist" at the prestigious Zurich Jazz festival in 1961. Similar awards came Patrick's way in 1963 and 1965, which led him to performing with some of the great jazz artists - including the legendary John Coltrane - at various European jazz festivals.

By the time of the release of this, Patrick's debut solo album in early 1976, he was firmly installed as the keyboard player in Yes. Following the release of 'The Story Of i', Patrick returned to touring duties with Yes, but left during the sessions for the follow up album to 'Relayer', (which would eventually surface as 'Going For The One'). Ironically his replacement was none other than Rick Wakeman.

Moraz then issued his second solo album in 1977 ('Out in the Sun'), before joining with the Moody Blues for a partnership that lasted until 1991. During this time and beyond, Patrick has recorded and released a number of solo and collaborative albums, including works with another former member of Yes - drummer Bill Bruford.

'The Story of i' was Patrick's debut solo album, recorded in late 1975, during a period when all the members of Yes embarked on solo projects. The album is a stunning concept piece, based around a fantastic story Patrick had written. Musically the album features Latin and rock rhythms, and the entire album has a very percussive feel to it. 'The Story of i' is very organic, vibrant and has infectious melodies and remarkable arrangements. Some of the featured musicians on the album include well-known session drummer Andy Newmark, jazz drummer Alphonse Mouzon and bassist Jeff Berlin.

'The Story of i' is part of an extensive reissue campaign through 2006 that will see all Patrick's back catalogue albums receive a new release through Voiceprint. To this end, Patrick has personally overseen the re-mastering of all the albums in the catalogue and bonus tracks have been added.