THE UNION TOUR LIVE

This being such an enticing DVD, it's unfortunate that it hasn't really had a proper North American release. A few websites sell it, but they are mostly russian/asian produced bootlegs. The original Japanese release on either laserdisc or DVD is quite rare and hard to find.

Here we have eight, yes EIGHT, members of Yes, from the various lineups that had come and gone over the years, playing live on the famed "rotating stage". Including Wakeman, who hadn't been with the band for about 11 years, and Bruford, absent for over 15. Two drummers, two keyboardists, two guitarists, and of course Squire on bass and Jon on his tambourine and vocals. Whew!!

The synergy is quite excellent, but there are some awkward moments, particularly with the drumming. Sometimes they play the same lines, other times playing a little differently, and then there are the times were Bruford sits behind his drum set and twiddles his thumbs. Howe and Rabin share leads, mostly decided by what material was being played. Kaye generally does nothing, holds backing synths while being destroyed by Wakeman's virtuosity. Overall they were quite a good band, full of excellent musicians.

The music played is about half recent stuff, and half classic material. The plastic 80's tunes are terrible, as to be expected. But on the classic pieces like Awaken, Heart of the Sunrise and Yours is No Disgrace, they really shine together. Heart of the Sunrise is particularly good, and in The Fish Squire plays a magnificent bass solo.

A great buy if you can find it, it shows a unbelievable line up, watching them playing the classic material together is a real treat.