SYMPHONIC LIVE (DVD)

Yes playing live with a real orchestra, that could be a real gem. But it could also be the ultimate disappointment as the band has already reached the status of legendary. So why bother about playing with an orchtestra with all the risks attached? This dvd gives a very clear answer to this question: they just liked it immensely! The concert was filmed in Amsterdam in front of an enormous enthusiastic audience who witnessed one of the most inspired and beautiful concerts Yes has ever given. A real legendary gig, with absolutely splendid orchestral arrangements in a breathtaking set of songs. Just imagine a gig opening with the 20+ 'Close to the edge' in which the harp cna be heard crystal clear during the very quiet end parts. Just imagine 'And you and I' played with the full forces of violins and cellos, giving this classic a treatment that brings it even over the level the song had already been given at the legendary live performance 'Yessongs'. And see the members of the orchestra (many beautiful girls, by the way!) swinging during the up-tempo parts of 'Starship trooper' or 'Gates of delirium'. But apart from the excellent song choice the band was just at its very best. Jon Anderson sings exceptionally well and is fortunately quite short in his announcing of the songs. He remains a strange guy but succeeds definitely in reaching out to the audience. Steve Howe is a bit weird too as the guy seems to prefer to play just on his own in a quite backyard. He still seems a little bit ambarrassed by the appreciation of the audience, although he deserves every bit of it. Chris Squire is the eyecatching member of the band as he wanders over the stage, jumping and dancing (!), grinning and amusing himself immensely. And playing his Rickenbacker as a beast, of course. Adam White seems to be in trance during the songs, playing like hell and thus laying a firm basis for the many breaks. They really show what a great band they are here. The concert is filmed flawlessly. The members of the band are of course prominently in the spotlights but their guest musician (Tom Siblin on keyboards) gets a fair amount of attention (and right so, he plays great) while the orchestra get their deal too, especially the females (...). The animation is quite irritating but it can be put off.

All in all, this is a real masterpice. In The Netherlands it can be bought for around $ 13 so there is no reason whatsoever to leave it in the stores. For anybody who loves symphonic rock this ia a real treat, simply a must-have!

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