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| From | "Drew MacDonald" <drewmacdonald@comcast.net> |
| Subject | a moment revealed and regarded both the same |
| Date | Mon, 20 Sep 2004 00:33:27 -0700 |
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I won't go into this too much other than to say that I just got back from seeing Yes play at the Universal Amphitheater. If you were ever a fan of this band, do yourself a favor and go catch them on this tour.
I got tickets by accident, and it wasn't until I did the math in my head that I realized it was almost exactly thirty years since the last time I saw them play! What a revelation. All that time, all those records and shows and lawsuits and breakups and reformations, and still that core group of dedicated, talented musicians that recognize and respect the emotional power of their music. For all the "heartless technician" crap that got thrown at prog guys over the years, tonight I saw five people who are not only still alive and healthy and still in possession of the amazing chops that made them famous, but still HAVING FUN out there. (Either that, or they're faking it so well that it doesn't matter.) If you ever liked Yes, you will like this show. Guaranteed.
A Chicago blues version of "Roundabout!?" It rocked! An unplugged "Owner of Lonely Heart?!" It smoked! The whole concert seemed effortless but not lazy, powerful without being bombastic, tight but not overly slick. Holy Ned, what a show! During their version of Paul Simon's "America," Chris Squire turned to Rick Wakeman and said something that cracked Wakeman up for the rest of the song; nice to know you can still find something to laugh about with a co-worker after more than three decades on the job. Steve Howe pulled out yet another cool variation during the "Awaken" instrumental passage, and you could see the beatific appreciation on Jon Anderson's face. (Who cares if Howe, formerly a contender for Homeliest Man In Rock, now looks like Don Knotts playing a British history professor? The fingers still work.)
Plus, I got to embarrass my girlfriend by breaking out the falsetto during the "Seen All Good People" sing-along. Couldn't ask for more.
Okay, that's enough, I suppose. Yes is hardly an "Audities" band, but I know there are plenty of prog lurkers who may be thinking of skipping this tour. Don't.
There'll be no mutant enemy we shall certify,
Drew
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