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Yes - Yes 50 Live CD (album) cover

YES 50 LIVE

Yes

Symphonic Prog

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VladAlex
3 stars Yesmagic still remain?

It was very interesting for me to listen to how the next reincarnation of Yes played a concert. From the classic lineup, only Steve Howe and Alan White remain; other veterans include Geoff Downes, keyboardists Tony Kaye and Patrick Moraz are also mentioned in the credits, but their contribution is unclear. They are probably involved in performing compositions that were recorded with the group in the studio (Patrick Moraz in Soon, Tony Kaye in Sweet Dreams, Yours Is No Disgrace and Starship Trooper). I don't know, it wasn't clear during the concert, but I don't have the record or disk, I took this concert from the Internet.

So, my impression is not bad. But not perfect. Jon Davison is mostly convincing as a vocalist, but doesn't compare to Jon Anderson. (I remember that David Benoit sang almost like Anderson at the Live from Lyon concert, nevertheless, participation in the tribute band came in handy). I feel Jon Davison doesn't have the same vocal range as Jon Anderson, and if it sounds organic in studio recordings, not in classical yessongs.

I can say much the same about Geoff Downes. He's a great keyboard player, but he's no Rick Wakeman. And it's Wakeman's magical keyboard passages that are sorely missed in Close to the Edge and Starship Trooper (as well as Jon Anderson's transcendentally heavenly clean vocals). Although Steve Howe is very impressive. He does incredible things at his age. He weaves his incredible twisted guitar solos from song to song, lots of improvisations. Alan White's give solid drumming job without standing out too much. I think Billy Sherwood played a good show, but I miss Chris Squire's expressive bass guitar.

The playlist a pleasant surprise. I hear classic songs and old rarities Sweet Dreams, Soon, Madrigal - we rarely heard them at Yes concerts. I'm glad that the band didn't concentrate on the material from their latest album, Heaven and Earth. Instead, we have a decent overview of five decades of their creativity. The concert is not perfect, but worthy of attention. Solid three stars

Report this review (#2966126)
Posted Thursday, November 2, 2023 | Review Permalink
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3 stars Hmmm..... I like this live album; for what it is. It's obviously intended to be a 50th anniversary (half of an actual century!!) celebration of YES music. And that it certainly is. But. But. While it's quite an enjoyable listen, the only reason that it is so is because it's comprised of established YES music, that is specifically delivered as such, in order to commemorate the 50th year of the band. So, all in all, I like it. I really do like it. But then I compare it to the "other" 50th anniversary celebration of YES music by ARW (Anderson Rabin Wakeman), Live at The Apollo. And, in all truth, there's no comparison. The latter is just superior, in every respect. That's because it's played and delivered by more than just one of the original and early creative musicians/vocalists who are just more accomplished all round performers (assisted by a stunning rhythm section), who are better placed to deliver this music. So while I rate this officially released YES album as a standalone three star effort, it must be said that it falls way short of the ARW release.
Report this review (#3198213)
Posted Wednesday, June 25, 2025 | Review Permalink

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