Alongside her acclaimed solo career, Claire Hamill has always embraced collaboration. Over the years she has worked with some of the most respected names in progressive rock, jazz, and classic British music, lending her distinctive voice to a wide range of projects. From touring and recording with Wishbone Ash, to contributing to the solo work of Yes guitarist Steve Howe, to adding depth and colour to albums by Jon & Vangelis, Morrissey-Mullen and Ray Davies, Claire’s versatility and creativity have consistently shone through. More recently, she took centre stage with Fragile, a progressive rock band inspired by the sound of Yes, recording two albums of original material. These projects stand as a testament to her ability to adapt, innovate, and bring something uniquely her own to every collaboration.
Wishbone Ash
Just testing
In 1980, Claire joined legendary British rock band Wishbone Ash as they looked to expand their sound. She contributed backing vocals to Just Testing (1980)—including involvement in the writing of “Living Proof” alongside Laurie Wisefield—and then took on a more central performance role with Number the Brave (1981), also touring with the band. Her voice added a distinctive new texture to their twin-guitar sound and brought a fresh perspective to their evolving style. Claire later returned for a guest appearance on their acoustic album Bare Bones (1999), underlining the enduring musical bond between them.
Steve Howe
The Steve Howe Album
Claire worked with Steve Howe of Yes on his 1979 release The Steve Howe Album. On the track “Look Over Your Shoulder” she provided vocals that blended seamlessly with Howe’s intricate guitar work, creating one of the album’s most distinctive moments. Her contribution is often cited by fans as a highlight, showing her ability to complement and elevate the work of another major prog artist.
Fragile
golden fragments & beyond
In 2020, Claire joined Fragile, a band originally known as one of Europe’s leading Yes tribute acts. After years of performing the music of Yes, Fragile moved into original composition, inspired by the symphonic ambition of classic prog. With Claire on lead vocals, they released two albums of new material — Golden Fragments (2020) and Beyond (2021). Her voice brought warmth and character to the band’s expansive soundscapes, and reviewers praised Golden Fragments as “a very entertaining retro-prog album that celebrates the old prog heroes worthily.”
Jon & Vangelis
The Friends of Mr Cairo
In 1981, Claire collaborated with Jon & Vangelis on their acclaimed album The Friends of Mr Cairo. She added her voice to the lush, cinematic arrangements that defined the duo’s fusion of progressive rock and electronic textures. Working alongside Jon Anderson and Vangelis placed Claire within a unique and groundbreaking creative partnership at the height of its success.
Morrissey Mullen
Life on the Wire
Claire also brought her talents into the world of jazz-fusion through her work with Morrissey Mullen, one of Britain’s most innovative jazz outfits of the early 1980s. She appeared on their album Life on the Wire (1982), contributing vocals to music that fused jazz improvisation with funk, soul, and pop influences. It was another demonstration of her versatility and openness to exploring new genres.
Ray Davies
Konk-era Recordings
In 1974, Claire signed to Konk, the label founded by Ray Davies of The Kinks. Her album Stage Door Johnnies, produced by Davies himself, was her first release on Konk and includes the original version of her song “You Take My Breath Away.” Davies also provided backing vocals on the record, offering a meaningful connection to one of Britain’s most celebrated songwriters.