This month’s transcription comes from the classic 1971 Yes album Fragile. Featuring the legendary Bill Bruford, “Heart of the Sunrise” closes the album—and in my opinion, stands as one of the greatest Yes tracks ever recorded. Rhythmically it’s a fantastic piece to study and learn. Despite the frequent changes in time signature, the groove moves so naturally that the shifting meters almost become irrelevant. Bruford’s drumming on this track seems to declare that bar lines are secondary to musical expression—he plays entirely for the music. The key to navigating this piece lies in recognizing that the eighth note serves as the unifying thread throughout. Keep that pulse steady, and everything else falls into place. Marc Atkinson, a dedicated musician, honed his craft under the guidance of the renowned Gary Chaffee. Now calling Las Vegas home, Marc is on the brink of unveiling his labor of love—a comprehensive transcription book that […]

August 2025 Issue