Note to Reader: Purchasers of this package will get two CDs and a 55-minute DVD which includes interviews and extra concert footage. Only the two CDs were made available to the writer in the form of audio downloads; this review concentrates solely on that content.
That said, I’m tempted to offer this review as one word: Yes.
Still, it’s fair to say the main audience for this set will be established Yes fans wanting to add this short-lived incarnation of the group to their libraries. Recorded in Lyon, France on December 1, 2009, this concert features then-new lead singer, Benoit David, who fits perfectly into the expected group sound. Gratefully, his vocal range and delivery comes as close to those of Jon Anderson as anyone could ask. The rest of the band are founding fathers (at least of the group’s most popular lineup): Steve Howe (guitar), Chris Squire (bass), Alan White (drums), along with Oliver Wakeman (keyboards). (Wakeman left the group before its 2011 work with Geoff Downs.) Once again, the ensemble defines what classical-rock really means. The musicians are using rock instruments with modern pop vocals, but the listening experience is more like enjoying a good string quartet. At least it is on disc one.
The performance opens with paint-by-numbers versions of “Siberian Khatru” and “I’ve Seen All Good People,” the latter marred by some flat background vocals. After this warm-up, the group gets into a cruising flight mode with “Tempus Fugit” and “Astral Traveler” where all the players have their moments to solo. As with most of the selections on disc one, it’s a good reminder that Yes excels at clean, precise performances without need of melodramatic, flamboyant showpieces. In fact, three of the tracks are extremely low-key. Despite some quivering lead vocals, “Onward” is a lovely ensemble piece, “Yours is No Disgrace” is downright relaxing, and “Corkscrew” offers a change-of-pace acoustic guitar solo from Howe.
Article comments
1 - ClitDoris
This so-called review necessarily demands an observation of a glaring fact: namely, that far from being Yes, this band is nothing but a HIDEOUS farce that has been concocted by two despicable, treacherous, self-deluded old cunts named Steve Howe and Chris Squire, in order to cash-in on the name and legacy of that once great band. That fact would have been obvious to the reviewer if only he had any knowledge as to what he is writing about. As such, in touting a band that is an obvious farce, the reviewer has revealed himself to be an equally obvious, and quite PATHETIC, farce!
2 - Dave
I agree with Clit. All the respect for Yes has been sucked out. They are getting old. This is their last hurrah. They blew it. I respect people like Bowie who leaves on a high note.