Monday 24 March 2014

YES they can!



You had to feel for the guy in the back waiting patiently for Owner Of A Lonely Heart — but not really.

Performing three 70s prog-rock classics, Close To The Edge, Going For The One and The Yes Album, each in its entirety, there would be no time for ‘80s pop hits last night at the fabulous Southern Jubilee Auditorium.

The band line-up has changed dramatically over the past 45 years, but for original bassist Chris Squire, keyboardist Geoff Downes, drummer Alan White, guitarist extraordinaire Steve Howe and singer Jon Davison, the early music of Yes endures.

The current Three Album World Tour is an anti-greatest hits romp which recalls the day of extended basement vinyl listening sessions – front to back. And the sound in the Jube was as pristine as the best pair of vintage speakers you’ve ever heard!

Following the opening loop of Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite, the full force of the dazzling, otherworldly and precise veteran musicianship assembled on the clean well-lit stage thrust immediately into the title track and side-one 19-minute opener of ‘72s Close To The Edge.

A smallish overhead video screen of psychedelic imagery provided the subtle eye candy for the audio histrionics as the group’s free-form arrangements and musical prowess catapulted And You And I, followed by Howe’s absolute tour de force of the evening during Siberian Khatru.


CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FROM GONZO
Union (Standard DVD)
DVD - £9.99

Union (2CD)
2CD - £7.99

Rock Of The 70's
DVD - £12.99

The Lost Broadcasts
DVD - £7.99

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