THE LIVING TREE IN CONCERT PART ONE (ANDERSON/WAKEMAN)

The whole 'going acoustic' from Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman isn't new. They did it back in 2006. Not just the concerts, they also released a new studio album after that called The Living Tree (2010). Both musicians don't need presentations. They were Yes pillars and every Progger know that.

In 2010 Anderson/Wakeman went on tour to support their studio album. They were basically playing Yes songs with new arrangements and also their new songs. The result of that tour is the live album The Living Tree In Concert Part One (2011). The album was released by Gonzo Multimedia and it's something quite unique. Rick Wakeman is the main man on the album, playing beautiful pianos and complementary keyboards. Jon Anderson fills his role quite well. Although his voice seems weak sometimes and his acoustic guitar playing isn't that great.

Old Yes songs like 'And You And I', Long Distance Runaround' (a big and positive surprise), 'Southside' and even a reggae version of 'Time And A Word' are really great and fun versions. In the other side we also have great original songs like 'Living Tree (Pats 1 & 2)', 'Morning Star' (this one's great) and 'The Meeting' (from Jon's first solo album). The rest of the album fall on the ballad side of things, which can be boring sometimes.

In general a 3.5 stars album with many great moments of two Prog legends. Just don't expect a lot of Prog in here, cause you'll not really find.

Key tracks: And You And I & Morning Star