AN EVENING OF YES MUSIC PLUS

One of my absolute favourite live albums! After a relatively boring start of the album where each of the 4 ex-Yessers show off in their solo-spots, they really blow the roof off the concert arena with staggering versions of Yes and ABWH-material. The extra musicians (aside from Jeff Berlin on bass) don't really add anything to the music, but ABWH themselves sound as tight and inspired as ever. Some of their best work is included here, including a mind-blowing version of Close to the Edge. (In my opinion, the best live version released to date of their 1972 epic.) Any Yes- or ABWH fan (or remotely prog-interested person) should lend an ear to this album.

Of course , like everyone else here, if I must own one album from ABWH , this will be the one. But since I chose not too own any but renting them from the library.

But where the heck was that towering bassist of theirs? Why is the best drummer in the world using electronic percussion ruining our pleasure. Why did they feel they had to release such a needless album? And then all a sudden, they will form this incredibly poor album called Union. Yes was in a rut, and such an album was not really making things anymore essential.

God, have i earing problems ? The performance is maybe top knotch (well, let's be fair, not that much), but gosh, what an awfull sound... My beloved drummer, Bill Bruford, never sounded so close to a plastic trash can. And i can't conceive anyone being charmed by such horrible treatment on a masterpiece like "Heart of the Sunrise" ?

I never liked live albums. This changed hearing this album. a very clear sound - I like much of the old stuff even better than the originals. Bruford is playing around with his new toy - the electronic drums. however - the solo drum part of 'long distance runaround' is awesome! what i don't like that much on the album is there is too much ABWH stuff played live - would have preferred more of the old stuff...

A young person's guide to Yes

With only Chris Squire missing from the "Close to the edge" Yes line up, it makes sense that ABWH chose to emphasise that this was a Yes tour in all but band name. Bass playing duties for this live album are undertaken by Jeff Berlin, although you'd be hard pressed to find him getting due credit on the sleeve notes.

The opening "Firebird suite" is replaced by "Benjamin Britten's Young persons guide to the orchestra", which links into the old Yes number "Time and a word". The opening segment is surprisingly mellow and acoustic, with an unplugged "Owner of a lonely heart" leading to an early acoustic guitar session from Howe. I suspect the track order here does not reflect the live performances, and has been put together with a view to creating a coherent album.

Many of the old favourites are played, including "Close to the edge", "And you and I" "Heart of the sunrise", and "Roundabout". They are excellent if faithful renditions, but with the large number of live Yes albums available, it is questionable whether these versions should be deemed "essential".

Steve Howe's solo spot includes the ubiquitous "Clap" (according to Howe not "THE clap" as it is commonly known!) and "Mood for a day", while Wakeman's is more diverse including "Merlin" from "King Arthur", and the moving "Gone but not forgotten".

There are of course several tracks from the sole ABWH studio album, including "Birthright", "Themes", and the excellent "Brother of mine". Whether the live performance adds anything to the studio versions is however doubtful.

In all, a very good but hardly essential live Yes album.

It seems that there are several versions of this album in C.D., but the day I went to buy it, I found two: one European version released in late 1993, which doesn`t include "Starship Trooper", which has in the front cover the "Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe" names with the title of the album (as shown in the scan of the cover included in this page) and it seems that it doesn`t include the credits for the musicians, as I read in previous reviews; and another version, released by Herald Records in the U.S., in 1994, which includes "Starship Trooper", having the same front cover, except that this cover doesn`t have the "Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe" names and the name of the album. It has a purple sticker which says "an evening of YES MUSIC PLUS FEATURING Jon Anderson, Bill Bruford, Rick Wakeman, Steve Howe, 2 Gold CDs," etc. It only says in the the back cover "an evening of YES MUSIC PLUS", with the titles of the songs included in each C.D. I bought the Herald version, which also includes a booklet with credits and some notes (which have some mistakes, because the writer of these notes wrote that "the last time these four played together was in 1979 while touring in support the Tormato album", which is not true, because Bruford didn`t play in the "Tormato"album, because he left Yes in 1972, so he wasn`t on tour with in Yes in 1979; and also the notes say that this album was recorded "in the final date of the U.S. tour", and this is not true, because they played another concert the next day in Sacramento, California, and they did another tour in the U.S. in March 1990). This live album was recorded at the Shoreline Amphitheatre, in Mountain View, California, in September 9, 1989. It seems that it was recorded for a Radio Broadcast ("courtesy of DIR Broadcasting inc.", as credited in the booklet), and also filmed and broadcasted in T.V. in "pay-per-view", and also released in VHS video (which I have never seen) in 1994 or later with two additional songs: "The Meeting" and "I`ve Seen All Good People". Jeff Berlin appears in this album because days before this concert Tony Levin became ill with Hepatitis. After playing one concert feeling ill,Tony was taken to the hospital after the concert was finished (to read reviews of this concert and other concerts of the same tour and other Yes tours, visit the "Forgotten Yesterdays" website, www.forgottenyesterdays.com). After this happened, some dates were canceled, and Bruford suggested to the rest of the band to call Berlin, who had 3-4 days to learn the songs, writing the bass parts in scores after hearing the original versions in the albums, and later rehearsing with the whole band. So, after this short time of rehearsals, Berlin, in my opinion, did a very good job. Berlin played 6 or 7 concert dates with ABWH, finishing that part of the tour, and Levin re-joined the band for the next leg of the tour several weeks later.The first time I listened to these live recordings was in late 1990, when I recorded in a cassette a one hour broadcast of this concert in a FM Radio Station (in Stereo). So, years after this album appeared and I bought it, and it became one of my favourite live albums. The only thing that I don`t like from this album is the start of the concert with 3 solo medleys, each one by Anderson, Howe and Wakeman, respectively. Anderson included in his solo medley an acousitc version of "Owner of a lonely heart" which was played with Milton McDonald and Julian Colbeck (who also played on tour with GTR). Howe played his usual "Clap/Mood for a Day" medley, plus a musical piece not listed in the cover or in the booklet and played between "Clap" and "Mood...". My favourite solomedley from these 3 played in the start of the concert is Wakeman`s, one of the best solo medleys I`ve have listened from him, which also includes an instrumental version of "Madrigal" from the "Tormato" album, but also not listed in the booklet or in the cover. Bruford`s solo after "Long distance runaround" (not listed in the cover or in the label) is a very good combination of acoustic and electronic drums and percussion.The songs of the ABWH album are played with more energy, and are better in my opinion than the studio versions (with the exception of "Teakbois", which a part of it was played in Anderson`s acoustic solo medley).This live album also has the best live versions of "And You and I" and "Close to the Edge", despite not being played with Chris Squire in the bass guitar. It is also good to hear live versions of "Heart of the sunrise" and "Roundabout" with Bruford on drums, hearing his very good technique despite being played in a drum kit which was a combination of acoustic and electronic drums. "Starship Trooper" was played a bit differently to previous versions, including a keyboards introduction, and a part played with keyboards between the "Disillusion" and "Würm" parts of this song, which includes the first verse of "Nous Sommes du soleil" (from the "Topographic Oceans"`s album song "Ritual") and a "thank you" speech by Anderson to the audience."Starship Trooper", despite being played at the end of the concert, was added as a bonus track in C.D. no. 1. The rest of the musicians played very good, really assisting the ABWH members in playing the live versions more similar to the studio versions. For me, this album was a very good buy, despite the bass was mixed lower than the rest of the instruments, and despite being originally a recording made for Radio broadcasts. I hope someday to watch the VHS video or the DVD of this concert.

A very nice concert, without a doubt played with majesty from all corners, also Jeff Berlin's role here is just at the level of the main artists. The sound and production is also at the top, so as a live album it may easily reach the 5 star rating (but then, why 3... 3.5 stars?). Well, what really let me down here was bruford's appearance, it's not that I don't like electric drums, but in Yes?? and in playing such classics like heart of the sunrise or close to edge?? it really doesn't match. What I liked of the album is the introduction of the concert, in which each of the members appear one by one doing what they do best. First appears Jon singing along with an acoustic guitar played by Milton McDonald, and they play what, when I first read the track list, was the worst medley ever (Owner of a lonely heart and Time and a Word, what the...???), but it wasn't! when those 3 (...and Teakbois, definitely not one of my favourite) songs were played together acoustically i never imagined how good it could sound with Jon's voice. Then comes Steve Howe and plays what all were expecting but this time with a classic guitar intro and longer versions of both Mood for a Day and The Clap, beautiful. After Howe's performance comes Mr. Wakeman, as always, sorrounded by all kind of keyboards and pedals, and also what he plays is, as always, out of match, incredible speed with very classical passages in his music with all source of changes from all keyboards, amazing. And while Rick plays appears Bruford and starts a slightly changed version of Long Distance Runaround, but now is Bruford's turn to show off, so he does an amazing solo in coordination with Rick's playing. After this introduction, the concert goes normally. I've always said that is much better to see a concert than to hear it (obviously!!) and that's why I hardly ever go and buy a live album of any band, but this one is one of a kind and that's why you shouldn't buy this album (¿?¿?¿) but go and buy the DVD..now THAT is a good thing to have and enjoy, and that's what desreves 5 stars. Also the DVD contains Starship Trooper and much more material... mainly Jon talking. In Conclusion: GO BUY THE DVD, which is, along with Yes' "The House of Blues DVD", their best concerts ever taken out on video (...DVD).

Three years after the end of he ABWH tour and the project itself in favour of the Yes- Unnion lined up, this live album is officially released. The tracklisting is very good with an emphasis on the ABWH material and of course some favourites from the Yes back catalogue.

The performances on most of the songs are great specially on the ABWH numbers which are the highlights of this live album. About the Yes songs, the standout is without doubt Close to the Edge, this epic never had sounded so bombastic and powerful before, in addition the vocal performance of Jon Anderson is incredibly inspired, I think this is the definitive version of Close to the Edge. The rest of the Yes numbers are just OK. The backing band is formed by the very talented Jeff Berlin on bass, Julian Colbeck (later on the Steve Hackett band) on keys and the gifted Milton McDonald on guitar.

All in all, this is a very good document of a very high point of the Yes-related history.

I reward this beautifull live album with the maximum I will give any non studio recording being 4 stars. A great live set, featuring most of Yes's classic songs in a good mix with songs from their then latest album (ABWH). Very good played from all involved musicians, with at the beginning of the set each get some time to showcase their ability. Good production and recording make it a more than decent record.

1. Benjamins Brittens Young persons guide to the orchestra, introduction of the band. 2. Time and a World-Teakbois-Owner of a lonely Heart. A very nice medley, containing songs from three different era's in a new arrangement, focussed on vocals, with accoustic guitar back-up and soft background symphonic keyboards. 3. The Clap-Mood for a day, Steve Howe solo, 10 minutes of great accoustic guitar play. 4. Gone but not Forgotten-Catherine Parr-Merlin The magician. Rick Wakeman solo, consisting of songs from his solo repertoire, I didn't know any of these songs prior to this disc, became very fond of these songs. Some of Rick's finest I think (from what I've heard at least)

5. Lond distance roundaround after the 20 minute opening, which was very much solo pieces, this is the first time all members play simultaniously. a well-known song with a good performance, ending in a drum solo from Bill Bruford, so all four members had their solo performance at the beginning of the set. Bill's solo is one on electronic drums, with nice effects and heavy pounding.

After this first half hour, where each member had their chance to showcase their ability, the rest of the set contsists of good versions of well known songs, complemented with some songs from their latest album. Good performing, Jon's voice is as crystal clear as ever, A great band, performes an amazing set. Favourite songs from this album are, Starship Trooper, Close To The Edge, Brother Of Mine, Order Of The Universe, And You And I, actually the entire set.

I never heard Yes play live prior to this album, and it blew me away. I've been listening to other live albums from Yes since then, but this one is still among my favourites. 4 stars without hesitation. Recommended for all fans of Yes's music

I prefer this live from the series of the band's newer concerts. I disliked the Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman and Howe studio album mainly because of the new compositions, but here there are luckily only few of them performed here. Also those included, sound better when implemented among the older compositions. The performances of the classics go in my opinion quite weel, and there is positive energy dominating the concert document. My favorites are the player's solo medleys in the beginning of the album, and "Close to the edge" from their classic repertoire. There's also astonishing covers from Mr. Dean included on this double CD. Sadly Tony Levin didn't attend to this reunion concert however.

This live album put out by Anderson Bruford Wakeman and Howe is essentially Yes without major bass presence. John Anderson never sounded greater, Steve Howe is at the top of his game, and Rick Wakeman is still giving great live performances. Bill Bruford did very well during the show, however, I'm not much for the sound of electronic drums, it sounded unfitting for Yes music. Jeff Berlin plays the Squire bass work as well as the Levin work on the ABWH studio album, but it is lost deep into the mix and in sometimes inaudible.

Now, to the show. Rather than the popular Firebird Suite intro, they open with Benjamins Brittens Young Persons Guide to the Orchestra, they go straight into an unplugged session beginning with a combination track of Time and a Word, Owner of a Lonely Heart, and Teakbois off of their new album. The transition from track to track is very fluid and almost unnoticeable. After that comes Steve Howe's guitar "solo" so to speak. A combination of both Clap and Mood For a Day, his acoustic work never ceases to amaze me. After Steve Howe, Rick Wakeman gets his solo spot, which includes Merlin off of King Arthur, and a top-notch performance of Gone but Never Forgotten. The next track is the first track that everyone plays together on. Long Distance Runaround is still played precisely and fluidly, and after comes Bill Bruford's electronic drum solo. To close out the first disc is And You and I and Starship Trooper, both played note to note perfect. I especially enjoy the section right before Wurm in Trooper where Anderson combines Soon and Ritual into the mix. And Steve Howe's solo on this track is off the wall, just as it always has been live.

Beginning the 2nd Cd is classic Yes staple Close to the Edge, played perfectly once again, except that Rick Wakeman's keyboards during I Get Up, I Get Down don't really have that synthy-organ feel they had on the album, more of a piano feel. After that is Themes, a rollicking track that goes through different themes (no pun intended) and has a very laid-back feel. Brother of Mine is played exactly as it is on the album, and it sounds great. Nothing more to say on that track. Heart of the Sunrise sounds great, however, Wakeman's keys in the intro sound a little dated, and the bass during that great jam part is very quiet (and sounds a bit distorted). Otherwise, the track is great. Concluding the album are two great versions of Order of the Universe and Roundabout, which end a great live show.

Overall, this is a very strong live effort from ABWH. However, if you have Yessongs, or any live Yes album, you won't really need to get this album. It still is good, but unnecessary. 2.5/5

Honestly, this live set is underrated. This album is one of the finest even among other Yes live albums. Well, it's probably I'm biased towards the fact that I listened to this CD after I had watched the laser disc version of this show. The laser disc is definitely one of my favorite as I consider its quality is the same with Yes "Keys To Ascension" laserdisc as well. I could see how Jon Anderson entered the hall from the back doors and the crowd were not aware about his entrance to the hall. While he walked in he sung "Time and a World" continued seamlessly with "Teakbois-Owner of a lonely Heart" with Milton McDonald on acoustic guitar. It's a great show, really. He then introduced Steve Howe on stage to feature "The Clap-Mood for a day" followed with Wakeman entering the stage with "Gone but not Forgotten-Catherine Parr-Merlin The magician". Bruford enters with "Long distance roundaround" where his drum style I do really enjoy. "Birthright" which has powerful lyrics is also performed flawlessly.

Overall, I cannot deny the quality of this live set as a masterpiece live show because the band deserves it. Keep on proggin' ..!

This "Live Album" is a true mine to you please. Here we find songs of the Yes, "80's Yes" and of this parallel project. Therefore every progster that you are respected should have it a copy. As for the music be is very warm, in the sense that seems to have the ABWh before the actual eyes, thing that not all the "Live Album" succeed to get. And this is what I want to trasmit.

It's tough to be hard on the guys for trying especially with the older songs, but I can't get past the drumming by usual master drummer Bruford. The rapid-style staccato drum attack on the older songs just grate. I don't mind it on the new songs, which btw I like immensely, especially 'Themes/Brother Of Mine'. Just listen to the drumming on 'Heart Of The Sunrise' which is my absolute favorite live YES song. It's so deplorable! On top of the crummy 80's drumming, Berlin's bass is SO underplayed and I miss Squire's backing vocals. Wakemans playing is fine as is Howe's. So overall it's super for the AWBH songs, but heartbreaking for the older songs. 3 stars max!

This album came as a surprise to me. Until recently I have generally shied away from live albums, preferring the better studio sound perhaps at the expense of some good improvisation. But I decided to give this a try, having (mostly) liked the ABWH compositions. I thought it would be interesting also to hear Bruford playing the old material. Unlike some of the reviewers, I really like his performance, even if he uses more coloring with the electronic drums. He brings an Earthworks v.1 feel to some of the songs, and it's really interesting. Like many of the reviewers, I do lament the missing bass. I think had they mixed Jeff Berlin's bass more loudly, it would have come off better, even if he's not as bombastic as Squire. The sound and energy are great--I wish I'd been there!

This album was taken from what was originally a cable TV pay per view performance (somewhere I have the VCR tape I made of it that night). The performance is very good, but on my CD, the Herald release, there are enough flaws in the sound that it must have been taken directly from the video mix.

First of all, Tony Levin fell ill a few days before the show, and Bill Bruford brought in his friend Jeff Berlin on short notice to fill in. And Berlin gets all but completely buried in the mix, leaving most songs missing the fabulous bass playing that Chris Squire had originally provided. Plus, I saw the band on this tour with Levin, and Bruford's solo, with Levin playing along, and joining him inside the ring of drums (they used to do this with King Crimson, too), was one of the highlights.

Many of the harmony vocals get lost as well, leaving Jon Anderson's voice sometimes hanging out there without the full sound that belongs there. And the whole band often sounds like they were playing in a bathroom, with a tinny sound.

On the plus side, the band played well. Rick Wakeman in particular sounds overjoyed to be playing the old Yes standards again. And standards there are. Along with the obligatory songs from the album they had just released, the classic Yes track selection is predictable. But how can you go wrong playing Close To The Edge?

"In dubio pro reo". In the doubt, for the accused.

The fact that there is not a bass player, that Bill Bruford's electronic drumming set sounds more than sometimes metallic, squeaking and out of time... gets the most of the time excellent music down to inferior levels it deserves. Anyway, there are, more than often, moments when you forget all this and the beauty imposes itself above all these irritating flaws. "Peccata minuta" (today it's Latin jargon day), you think to yourself and value the faultless rendition of Yes classics Roundabout, And You And I, Close to the Edge, Heart of the Sunrise and get ammazed but those new standards that are a totally new discovery for you: Birthright, Themes, Brother of Mine and Order of the Universe.

The three solo -so to say- meddleys by Jon Anderson, Steve Howe (both with Yes material) and Rick Wakeman (with own material from Henry VIII's Wives or Merlin albums) add to the interest of this double Cd.

Three stars because of the sound but, in the doubt... four stars for the music.

An evening of Yes music minus

This double CD album was originally released in 1993 and contained live recordings from the Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe tour An Evening Of Yes Music Plus. While the show is absolutely excellent the album does not contain the complete show. Three songs were omitted from the album: I've Seen All Good People, The Meeting, and Starship Trooper. (Some versions of the album included Starship Trooper as a bonus track but not in the correct position in the set list!)

In 2006, Voiceprint released a DVD version holding the complete show. The latter is clearly the preferable version to buy as it gives you not only the full show, with all of the songs in the correct order, but also the visual experience of video. I am the proud owner of the special edition double DVD set - one of the finest pieces in my music collection - which also holds the music video collection In The Big Dream as a bonus feature. I have previously given the DVD video version a four star review but the CD version merits a lower rating.

Another point of reference is the recently released Live At The NEC, Oct 24th 1989, which features a different show from the same tour. This release also holds a complete show on two CDs. This proves that the full set does fit onto two CDs which begs the question why some songs were omitted from the An Evening Of Yes Music Plus CD album.

Having at least one live release from Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe in your collection is highly recommended but you get more value for money if you get the DVD version of An Evening Of Yes Music Plus. And if you still want more after that get the Live At The NEC double CD. If you have both of these you have everything you need and will not require the CD version of An Evening Of Yes Music Plus, good though it is.

The performance on this CD is, more or less, Yes with bassist Jeff Berlin replacing Chris Squire. Given that Squire has always been my favorite member of Yes, you might think I'd have a problem with that. As it turns out, though, Berlin does a fine job. (And it's my understanding that Squire was having health and addiction-related problems in the late 1980s - - so even if Squire was included in this project, Berlin may have been preferable anyway.)

Interestingly, Berlin is serving as a substitute on An Evening of Yes Music Plus, for Tony Levin, who had fallen ill during the tour. Levin would re-join for the next leg of the tour, which is documented on Live at the NEC, released in 2010.

The setlist of An Evening of Yes Music Plus is divergent, to say the least: after an opening medley, the rest of the show is made up of songs from two periods: 1971-1972 and 1989. The centerpiece is "Close to the Edge," which, prior to this tour, hadn't been performed by Yes in over a decade - - and which Bruford had never performed live. The rendition on An Evening of Yes Music Plus is different from live versions from the 1970s, but is nonetheless one of the highlights of the album. Other Yes songs that are done especially well are "Starship Trooper" and "Heart of the Sunrise." The ABWH original "Brother of Mine" also stands out.

I've mentioned Jeff Berlin's bass playing, but really, all of the performers are top-notch. In particular, keyboardist Rick Wakeman and drummer Bill Bruford are excellent, and between the two of them account for most of the liberties the band takes with the material on An Evening of Yes Music. Guitarist Steve Howe provides some blistering solos, particularly on "Starship Trooper." The vocals are also strong throughout.

Yet I can't consider An Evening of Yes Music Plus "essential" per the Prog Archives guidelines. As good as the performances are, there are better performances of each - - in fact, a majority of these songs are on the classic Yes live album Yessongs.

So, a good album, and one worth having; but hardly essential to a respectable progressive-rock collection.

Review - #22 (Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe - An Evening of Yes Music Plus)

An Evening of Yes Music Plus is Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe's first live album which was released in 1993. The album is a recording of a concert performed at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California, on September 9th, 1989. An Evening of Yes Music Plus was initially broadcast on the King Biscuit Flower Hour radio program and as a pay-per-view special in the United States. In addition, a special mention must be made for the magnificent album painted by Roger Dean titled Floating Islands. The album features Jon Anderson on lead vocals, Bill Bruford on drums, Rick Wakeman on keyboards, Steve Howe on guitar, Jeff Berlin on bass, Julian Colbeck on additional keyboards, and Milton McDonald on rhythm guitar. Throughout the album, Bill Bruford utilizes an electronic drum kit which adds a unique and distinct sound to the album along with the drumming proficiency that he is known for. With Bill Bruford on drums, the album demonstrates the first time he has ever performed Close to the Edge and And You And I in a live setting due to his departure from the band after recording the album they were written on entitled Close to the Edge in 1972. Jon Anderson, Steve Howe, and Rick Wakeman are also performing better then ever with no sign of any deterioration. Additionally, musicians Jeff Berlin, Julian Colbeck, and Milton McDonald all do a terrific job with their respective instruments.

The album opens with Benjamins Britten's Young Persons Guide to the Orchestra which can be viewed as Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe's version of the Firebird Suite. Benjamins Britten's Young Persons Guide to the Orchestra then transfers into Jon Anderson's solo which features a combination of Time and a Word, Owner of A Lonely Heart, and Teakbois performed with Milton McDonald on acoustic guitar and Julian Colbeck on keyboards. The combination of melodies presented works quite well here while also managing to feature various eras of Yes. Soon after, Steve Howe's solo begins with a blend of The Clap and Mood for a Day which demonstrates Steve Howe's incredible skill with guitar. Like I said earlier, his guitar skills are just as impressive as ever and show no sign of worsening! The track then transfers into Rick Wakeman's solo performance which contains fragments of Gone but Not Forgotten, Catherine Parr, and Merlin the Magician. This solo performance is unquestionably my favorite solo segment I have heard him do in both Yes and Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe's live discography, it cannot be said to be anything less than a work of genius. Astonishing from start to finish! Rick Wakeman then introduces Long Distance Runaround on keyboard before the entire band comes in to join him. The live rendition of the track features a brilliant combination of electronic and acoustic drums in addition to Jon Anderson's breathtaking vocals. Not to mention, the backing vocals provided here works surprisingly well in replacement for Chris Squire's iconic backing vocals. At around the halfway point the introductory guitar riff from Heart of the Sunrise is performed which shifts into a drum solo by Bill Bruford using a blend of acoustic and electronic drums. The drum solo is undoubtedly one of the best I've heard in a while, but I didn't expect anything less due to it coming from the drumming mastermind himself. Seamlessly, the track transfers into Birthright which is played almost identically to the studio version found on Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe's self- titled album. A special mention must also go to the keyboard duo of Rick Wakeman and Julian Colbeck on this track. The vigorous energy found throughout is truly spectacular. The next track, And You And I is just as magnificent as ever. During live performances of this song, it can be somewhat difficult to reach the grandness which is originally found on the studio version during the Apocalypse section. However, this live adaptation is one of the few that is able to do it successfully. Also, Bill Bruford's drumming is consistently excellent during the course of the track with incredible drum fills throughout. The only complaint I have about this live rendition is that Steve Howe's guitar seems to be too low in the mix, especially when he is using his pedal steel guitar. Rick Wakeman also has a solo in the track that is genuinely dazzling. After a round of applause, the band commences I've Seen All Good People which is yet another great performance of a classic. The All Good People section of the track is where my attention continually goes to. Steve Howe's lead guitar in addition to Milton McDonald's rhythm guitar are both performed very well. This is on top of Rick Wakeman getting a magnificent keyboard section which is full of energy. This live rendition of I've Seen All Good People remains to be one of their best to date.

It can be extremely difficult to have a truly successful live rendition of Close to the Edge due to the masterful nature of the studio version, but this live rendition is surely one of the best! Every musician is at their peak here with each section having a similar yet unique feel to the studio version. Shortly after concluding Close to the Edge, the band begins Themes with an ascending keyboard melody from Rick Wakeman. This is a solid live rendition which adds prolonged instrumental segments in addition to a modified drum pattern which differs to the studio version. Jeff Berlin's bass work on Themes is powerful in combination with the rhythm section. Then Brother of Mine opens with Jon Anderson's angelic voice which is soon accompanied by a wonderful guitar riff coming from Milton McDonald. Brother of Mine is certainly the best Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe track featured on An Evening of Yes Music Plus while containing a passion from the band which is genuinely felt. However, similar to And You And I Steve Howe's guitar is a bit too quiet in the mix but still doesn't take away from the wonderful guitar work he provides through the track. Heart of the Sunrise is up next which showcases both Steve Howe and Milton McDonald giving yet another marvelous guitar performance. In addition, Jeff Berlin provides a solid bass solo during the first few minutes of the track which is particularly melodic. This seems to be a common praise throughout the album, but Jon Anderson's vocals are incredible. His ability to hit various ranges is exceedingly impressive with the grandness being especially built up due to the combination of musicians supporting him. Yet another Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe track begins shortly after the ending of Heart of the Sunrise titled Order of the Universe. This is an excellent live rendition but doesn't stray as far from the studio version as some of the other tracks do. However, I happen to really enjoy the immense momentum found throughout which brings out the impressive rhythm section. With only two tracks left, it isn't all that surprising the band chooses to perform both Roundabout and Starship Trooper as the closing tracks. Both Roundabout and Starship Trooper receive phenomenal live renditions with extended segments and unbelievable musicianship. The ending of Starship Trooper titled The Würm is nothing less than breathtaking. Interestingly, the band would repeat a similar live rendition of Starship Trooper during their first Keys to Ascension album which remains to be the band's definitive live version in my judgment. The live album then ends with applause from the crowd, celebrating this fantastic live performance.

An Evening of Yes Music Plus remains to be one of the most unique live performances "Yes" has done to date. The album encompasses a wide range of musicians in addition to a solid setlist containing a multitude of highlights from Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe's self-titled album and Yes' vast catalogue of music. For reference, anytime I purchase a copy of Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe's self-titled album as a gift for someone, I always purchase a copy of An Evening of Yes Music Plus to go along with it. I believe that should demonstrate the quality of music found within this album appropriately. An excellent addition to any progressive rock collection! "You don't need anybody in the complicated life... you crossed over the river."

Review Nº 490

"An Evening Of Yes Music Plus" is the debut live album of the musical project of Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman And Howe. It was recorded live at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, in California USA, in 1989, when they toured their eponymous debut and only studio album "Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman And Howe". However, it was only released in 1993. Like as happened with almost all Yes' albums and with their self-titled studio album, the art cover for the album was also created by Roger Dean. It features a painting from him which was titled "Floating Islands".

The line up on the album is Jon Anderson (lead vocals), Bill Bruford (drums and percussion), Rick Wakeman (keyboards) and Steve Howe (backing vocals and guitar). But, the album has also the participation of three other musicians, Tony Levin, who performed bass on their eponymous studio album as well as on the most of the live tour. Still, he fell sick during this tour and was replaced by Jeff Berlin, a bassist very well known by them because he had already worked with some of band's members. Julian Colbeck, a well known former professional keyboard player that usually collaborates with several bands and musicians such as with Yes and Steve Hackett, the ex- guitarist of Genesis. He participates on this album with some additional keyboards. Milton McDonald, a very well known session guitarist who plays with many artists and that participates on this album with some additional vocals and extra guitar work too.

"An Evening Of Yes Music Plus" contains material from their self-titled studio album, songs from past Yes' albums and excerpts from Rick Wakeman's solo albums. The album opens with "Benjamin Britten's Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra" which is based on a classical oeuvre of Benjamin Britten, and represents the introduction of the live show that substitutes the popular Igor Stravinsky's "Firebird Suite" usually used by Yes to open their live shows. From their self-titled studio album we have "Birthright", "Themes", "Brother Of Mine", "Order Of The Universe" and extracts of "Teakbois". From "Time And A Word" we have extracts of the title track. From "The Yes Album" we have "The Clap", "I've Seen All Good People" and "Starship Trooper". From "Fragile" we have "Mood For A Day", "Long Distance Runaround", "Heart Of The Sunrise" and "Roudabout". From "Close To The Edge" we have "And You And I" and "Close To The Edge". From "90125" we have extracts of "Owner Of A Lonely Heart". From Wakeman's albums we have extracts of the albums, "Gone But Not Forgotten" of "Coast Of Living", "Catherine Parr" of "The Six Wives Of Henry VIII" and "Merlin The Magician" of "The Myths And Legends Of King Arthur And The Knights Of The Round Table".

If you've seen Yes all over the years, most of these songs will be, no doubt, be very familiar to you. The performance of the entire band is spot on, Anderson especially in fine form and Howe, as always, giving a virtuoso performance. Although Wakeman's choice of modern keyboard tones at times borders on cheesey, the guy still blazes through these new and classic tracks. In addition, the set opens up with some great solos spots which are always very fun to hear.

This album certainly has that Yes sound mostly due to the fantastic vocals of Anderson. He sounds great all over these CD's. Wakeman is also a dominant force here. Still, his keyboards and synthesizers have a more 80's sound which stands to reason as the album was originally released in 1989. Of course, I can't forget about Howe. Still, his playing is quite restrained, there are many beautiful acoustic moments to be found and he does let loose occasionally like on the rocking "Order Of The Universe", a feel good, up tempo tune with a heavier section featuring fiery work from Howe and Bruford. Other highlights include the poignant "Brother Of Mine" featuring Anderson's patented soaring timbre and the some super and catchy tracks where Howe's acoustic guitar is quite sublime. Remember, the album as a whole is a relaxing listen. Still, you will find no "Gates Of Delirium" here which is completely understandable given the decade this was made. The bottom line is the band sounds tight and progressive and made many Yes fans happy with this album.

Conclusion: We can consider this live album divided into three parts, the solo tracks, the ABWH's tracks and the Yes' tracks. The solo tracks are in my opinion very good and much better than the solo tracks on "Fragile". The ABWH's tracks represents some of the best musical moments of that album and are for me much better performed live than performed on studio. The Yes' tracks include some of Yes' best works, and the live version of "Close To The Edge" is absolutely great and surprising and is probably, in my opinion, the best live version released by them. When I reviewed ABWH's album I agreed with Easy Livin, when he said that the album was a missed opportunity. On this album I agree with Gatot when he says that this is an underrated live album. This is one of the best live albums of Yes and is also one the best live albums I've heard in my life. The individual live performance of Steve Howe, Rick Wakeman and Bill Bruford are completely irreproachable and absolutely unforgettable. The live album has also an amazing sound quality.

Prog is my Ferrari. Jem Godfrey (Frost*)