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

This is the live version of the Anderson/Wakeman album The Living Tree, enhanced by stripped-down versions of classic Yes songs. The songs from The Living Tree sound somewhat better to me in a live setting, they feel somehow more alive. And the fact that they are interspersed with well-known Yes songs like And You And I, Long Distance Runaround, and South Side Of The Sky, as well as the lovely The Meeting from the Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe album, makes this live recording overall more interesting than the studio album.

Like on the studio album, the only performers here are Jon and Rick, so don't expect a band performance. The focal point is Jon's distinctive voice and Rick's characteristic playing. Since there are no electric guitars, no drums, bass, or harmony vocals, these versions are rather "naked". Jon sings and plays acoustic guitar while Rick's primary instrument is the Classical piano. However, it is not a completely acoustic performance as there are also some other, non-acoustic, keyboard instruments being used. The latter are given a somewhat stronger presence here than on the Living Tree studio album, which adds a somewhat greater variation in sounds.

Why this album is subtitled Part One I don't know. Can we expect a second part I wonder? This live album is thoroughly pleasant and you can feel that both performers enjoy themselves on stage. However, though better than the studio album, these undemanding performances are by no means essential.

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