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Topic: Yes, at Westbury, New York, July 14th, 2012Posted By: jplanet
Subject: Yes, at Westbury, New York, July 14th, 2012
Date Posted: July 15 2012 at 23:06
I've never taken the
time to write a detailed review of a live show, but in light of some
uncertainty on the part of Yes fans due to recent, and somewhat
uncomfortable personnel shifts in the band, I found this particular
performance a good candidate for some detailed consideration.
Having
seen the last lineup with Oliver Wakeman and Benoit David a number of
times, my overall impression of those shows was something along the
lines of: Oliver Wakeman was a session player - he played all of the
keyboard parts accurately enough, but lacked any passion, and didn't add
anything to the chemistry of the band. Perhaps that was all they wanted
or expected of him - maybe he was just a hired gun who didn't have
anything "Yes" to say musically. Benoit David was making his mark for a
while. His first performances with Yes showcased his vocal skills on
some of Yes' most challenging material. But, over time, apparently he
lost the stamina to keep up with a rigorous touring schedule. Despite
his meaningful contributions to some songs on Yes' latest studio
release, Fly From Here, the band appeared to be precariously walking on ice during their last tour.
Without
personally knowing the band, and having only media reports to rely on,
Yes seemed to struggle for a bit, and the unceremonious firing of Oliver
Wakeman appeared to be a rude surprise. Reports from Benoit David that
he discovered he was replaced by Jon Davison came off as even more
callous. My overall impression was that Squire, Howe and White saw a
short window of opportunity to capitalize on financially lucrative
touring, and so ruthlessly rushed to form a lineup that would enable
their strategy.
So, it was not without some baggage and
reluctance that I took attendance in Westbury last night to see this
latest iteration of Yes. Some preliminary reports from attendees of the
first few shows on this tour held some promise, and knowing a little
about the set list changes, I had just a bit of optimism.
I
cringed, at first, when I learned that their opening numbers included
Yours is No Disgrace and Tempus Fugit. Not because I don't love these
songs, quite to the contrary, I love them so much that I couldn't stand
watching the band trudge through them at painfully slow tempos, as they
did during the last few shows.
Much to my pleasant
surprise, these songs were performed with gusto and aplomb. Howe wows
with his wha guitar workouts on the opening number, and Tempus Fugit did
not belie the Latin meaning of its moniker, with the instrumental
portion of the Drama lineup intact tearing through this
energetically-paced song.
I've Seen All Good People evoked
an affectionate nostalgia from the crowd. Davison, with tambourine
in-hand, also brought to mind visions of a young Jon Anderson, with his
long hair, and somewhat retro bell-bottom look, convincingly portraying
an early folk-influenced Yes. Of course, this aspect may seem shallow,
but one cannot help but to sense some rejuvenation - that this singer
was more than merely capable, but a good fit in a broader sense. Three
songs in, and three standing ovations, we're 3-for-3, and the night is
going quite well.
The inclusion of America in the setlist
was a pleasant surprise for many, and it was performed with fantastic
energy. I won't go into great detail on this, as I know and love the
original too much to favor this version, but it's a rendition that many
Yes fans love.
Now we get to the risky part of the set,
with the Fly From Here suite performed in its entirety. Can you follow
such classic material with something so new without it making apparent
whatever the band might have lost from their 70's peak? To me, not at
all - hearing it in this context told me the most important thing that I
learned from this show: this is a band that still has a lot to say
musically. I searched for hints of Drama, but where Drama was a new-wave
departure for the group in its time, Fly From Here may be much more
like a natural progression from Going For the One, with just enough of
Downe's quirky pop sensibilities effectively blended with the band's
established style. Perhaps this is what Yes would have sounded like
post-Tormato without the affectation and deliberate efforts to modernize
that they, and so many other artists, fell victim to in the eighties.
Howe's
acoustic solos are always entertaining, and usually in a "dear God, how
many decades does one have to practice to play like that?" sort of way.
But this time, he played his more contemplative "Sketches in the Sun", a
piece centered around a pastoral melody played over a simple dropped-D
continuo. This piece sounds the way Yes covers look - like something
from a floral landscape speckled with dream-like colors. Followed by a
quick rendition of The Clap, perhaps just to make sure that everyone had
not been lulled into a trance, it was a short, tasteful, and
entertaining interlude by Howe.
Wondrous Stories was a
welcome addition. Here is where I appreciated for the first time Geoff
Downe's genuine affection for Rick Wakeman's playing, as his
interpretation was faithful to Wakeman's sounds and arrangement, which
would also be evident later in the set.
Into the Storm is
noteworthy for several reasons. It was the first time this song was
included in the setlist for this tour, so no spoilers could have
prepared us for it. Howe's pedal steel playing explored some new sounds
that I have never heard from Howe, at times evoking a haunting sound not
unlike a theremin. More importantly, the band connected with each other
as they explored some improvisation, showing once again: this is a band
that has something to say musically. Perhaps just as important, is that
they have something new to say musically that does not discount nor simply repeat what they have had to say before..
Heart
of the Sunrise was naturally a hit, and other than the fact that it was
performed with the gusto of a much younger group, it needs no special
note. But, it was the evening's performance of Awaken that marked the
high-point of the night. Downes performed Wakeman's masterful piano and
pipe organ arrangements with deft skill and appreciation for its
composers intentions - it was easy to tell that Downes must have been a
big fan of this piece, as so many keyboard players are, but few
qualified to present it so well. The performance was, in a word,
passionate, and that plainly resonated with the crowd, earning the most
enthusiastic ovation of the night. The last time I saw Yes connect with
an audience on that level was at their 35th anniversary performance of
And You and I at Madison Square Garden, where Jon Anderson could not
even be heard singing the final outtro over the roaring crowd.
Roundabout did not disappoint as the de-rigeur
encore. No slouching tempos here, nor any sign of a band tiring of
playing its best-known song, as may have been the case during the last
few tours with Anderson and Wakeman, where they opted for a swinging
acoustic rendition, not unlike Clapton's unfortunately unplugged
reinvention of Layla.
So, it was not a flawless
performance by any means, but it would be a shame to go in to such a
show expecting it to be, as the essence of what makes music good was all
there. There were certainly no signs of a very under-rehearsed band. It
now appears that there is a genuine artistic motivation for Yes to
fight to continue, and this fan is certainly thrilled that they have
persevered. I cannot stress enough, the most important element, in my
opinion, is that this is a band that still has a lot to say musically.
The only thing you need to decide for yourself is, do you want to hear
it?
------------- https://www.facebook.com/ShadowCircus/" rel="nofollow - ..::welcome to the shadow circus::..
Replies: Posted By: cstack3
Date Posted: July 15 2012 at 23:50
^Thank you for your heartfelt, sensitive and very comprehensive review of the show! Yes may yet have enough fuel in the tank for one more studio CD!
I'd wonder about the future of vocals, as Jon Davison is returning to Glass Hammer when they will tour with the new GH concept CD "Perilous." It might be an opportunity for Yes to do something brilliant, such as recruit a woman with a stunning voice! I think of Annie Haslam's treatment of "Turn of the Century"....
Posted By: jplanet
Date Posted: July 16 2012 at 13:51
Thanks for the kind words about the review!
Who knows what will happen next, though I would like to think that the most likely scenario would be a studio album with Jon Anderson. Maybe Davison will remain for a while - I'm sure that Glass Hammer's schedule won't be more rigorous than Asia's, and two members of Yes are able to multitask with that band as well...
------------- https://www.facebook.com/ShadowCircus/" rel="nofollow - ..::welcome to the shadow circus::..
Posted By: lazland
Date Posted: July 16 2012 at 15:43
Although my views on the Yes "soap opera" are well known, I have to say that this is an excellent, heartfelt, and educational review. Thanks a lot for this
------------- Enhance your life. Get down to www.lazland.org
Now also broadcasting on www.progzilla.com Every Saturday, 4.00 p.m. UK time!
Posted By: Dellinger
Date Posted: July 16 2012 at 18:47
I haven't yet bought my tickets for next month... but it seems I must not miss this show. If only for Awaken. I love that song (if only they would play Gates of Delirium too!!!).
Posted By: jplanet
Date Posted: July 16 2012 at 19:08
Dellinger wrote:
I haven't yet bought my tickets for next month... but it seems I must not miss this show. If only for Awaken. I love that song (if only they would play Gates of Delirium too!!!).
Gates is the top song on my Yes set-list-wishlist! That was very much an Anderson creation, at least in initial concept, so I wonder if they might save it for a reunion with Jon. I am always disappointed when they only do "Soon"...
------------- https://www.facebook.com/ShadowCircus/" rel="nofollow - ..::welcome to the shadow circus::..
Posted By: cstack3
Date Posted: July 16 2012 at 19:44
jplanet wrote:
Dellinger wrote:
I haven't yet bought my tickets for next month... but it seems I must not miss this show. If only for Awaken. I love that song (if only they would play Gates of Delirium too!!!).
Gates is the top song on my Yes set-list-wishlist! That was very much an Anderson creation, at least in initial concept, so I wonder if they might save it for a reunion with Jon. I am always disappointed when they only do "Soon"...
I don't think I'd hold out high hopes of a Jon Anderson/Yes reunion, based upon my read of his comments made during his "Music of Yes" solo performance in Chicagoland some months back.
He did laugh and tell quite a few funny stories that included Chris Squire, but when he tuned up his acoustic and an audience member yelled "Steve Howe!" in jest, Jon's face went....dark.
I've never seen such a look on Jon's face before...maybe Howe is the "fly in the Yes ointment," not Squire, as many have surmised over the years.
That sort of flies in the face of the ABWH project!! Yes is as complex as any family....
Anyway, I think Jon is quite happy to maintain his low-key schedule and recording work with Wakeman. He is supposed to have some surprises up his sleeve in terms of new material, we'll just have to wait.
Posted By: Epignosis
Date Posted: July 16 2012 at 21:19
I read your review in full and I thank you. Excellent.
Regarding Yes. Here is my opinion of them as a man under 30 who has played with a few bands:
They are old. They have a history. They have disagreements. They have money issues. They have desires to perform. They have members with health issues. They have members with egos. They have rabid fans wanting more. They have rabid fans wanting them to retire. They have Squire.
None of these in and of themselves are bad things. But when you put all of it together, it can weigh on a unit. Yes is one of my favorite bands and has been for some time. Whatever they do now will not diminish from past laurels. I don't know these men personally, and I don't know their situations.
Do we lose our wits about plumbers in the same scenario? Yes is a business as much as it is a band. Hopefully they will work it out and do great things still. But if they don't, they have done "wonderous" things with "toilet" so to speak.
Posted By: micky
Date Posted: July 21 2012 at 07:00
excellent review John! You really should write more! Perhaps your own blog!
Posted By: Dellinger
Date Posted: July 30 2012 at 19:20
I just got my tickets. I'll be there in just over 20 days
Posted By: Dellinger
Date Posted: July 30 2012 at 19:35
I just read in a site that suposedly (and read all before anyone gets excited) Annie Haslam attended one of Yes's shows... I understand it was just as part of the audience, because there's no mention of her performing anything with them (on 22 July).
Posted By: cstack3
Date Posted: July 31 2012 at 13:22
This is a nice audio clip (no video) from that performance. I can't say I am all that impressed with Geoff Downes, and I wish they had kept Ollie Wakeman on board for continuity with the prior generation. Oh well, Yes never DO listen to my suggestions!
However, Jon Davison smokes Benoit David! Pity that he won't be with Yes on a permanent basis, as he'll be rejoining Glass Hammer when they tour to support the upcoming CD "Perilous." Maybe Annie Haslam will get a shot at the vocalist slot?
Enjoy, I think Davison's voice is absolutely angelic in this clip! Part 2 is also on YouTube.
Posted By: Dellinger
Date Posted: August 01 2012 at 18:57
Yeah, knowing that they would play Awaken was one of the facts that helped me decide to attend this concert (as a matter of fact, it almost made me need to got to it)... plus of course the positive review on this thread, and a pair of videow you posted, in which Davison sounded really great. However, as a matter of fact, I didn't like him so much on this one, sort of too weak, I guess. Perhaps I shouldn't expect to hear Anderson in it, but it's difficult not to remember his excellent performance on this song.
Posted By: cstack3
Date Posted: August 02 2012 at 00:40
Dellinger wrote:
Yeah, knowing that they would play Awaken was one of the facts that helped me decide to attend this concert (as a matter of fact, it almost made me need to got to it)... plus of course the positive review on this thread, and a pair of videow you posted, in which Davison sounded really great. However, as a matter of fact, I didn't like him so much on this one, sort of too weak, I guess. Perhaps I shouldn't expect to hear Anderson in it, but it's difficult not to remember his excellent performance on this song.
I saw Yes play "Awaken" on the first GFTO tour, it was unreal! Howe used a Rickenbacker 12-string and Squire played that 3-necked monster of his!!
Then, I saw them play it on the "Union" tour, with Howe playing a Steinberger 12-string! The big "Yes In The Round" stage was really crowded - Wakeman and Kaye, Rabin and Howe, Bruford and White, but only one Anderson and Squire of course!!
I believe I saw them play it on their 35th Anniversary tour as well, it all blurs together.
Davison's voice fits quite well, I like him better than Benoit David. I don't know what they will do when Davison moves along with Glass Hammer, but I'd enjoy having them bring Annie Haslam in! Her "Turn of the Century" performance is remarkable!
Sounds like we enjoy the same slices of Yes, my friend!
Posted By: Dellinger
Date Posted: August 02 2012 at 19:09
Indeed, I hope seeing them live will give more "life" to the song. I wish I had seen/heard it live with Anderson himself... but I was a bit too late. If I had got into them one or two years earlier, Imight have ended up going to the 35th anniversary tour. However, having heard (I think) all the "official" live version (plus the studio one), the one I like the most is, easily, the Keys to Ascension one. Though as a matter of fact the 35th anniversary one was almost as good (I think the vocals do sound a bit "older"), and the Unios one is really good too, with some added cool sounds and instruments, but the sound quality was a bit bad, and perhaps some of those added instruments were just a bit too much. And ideed, I wish Annie Haslam would end up joining Yes for a little while... she would indeed be a peer to Anderson, no step down on quality at all, but somehow I feel that's just wishful thinking, and extremely unlikely. However, you were right when you were thinking about Jon Davison as a possible replacement... so we might just as well keep our hopes up, just in case. May your wishes be profetic once again.
Posted By: Gooner
Date Posted: August 07 2012 at 21:13
"Awaken" played at Pine Knob in Michigan was probably the best version I've heard of it live. Davison was just great!
Posted By: Dellinger
Date Posted: August 09 2012 at 11:31
I hope you are right. By the way, I just read some fragments of interviews with members of Yes, and it seems Squire is optimistic about the posibility of Davison staying with Yes, and recording a new album on 2013. A good sign about this is that Squire likes the fact that Davison is also a song writer, as oposed to Benoit, which means that he would give him space to contribute... and indeed I believe Yes could use the extra inspiration in writing songs. However, Howe doesn't seem so optimistic, and feels that doing a new album so soon would just rush things and end up being not as good as it could have been.
Posted By: Dellinger
Date Posted: August 22 2012 at 21:31
OK. I at last I got to see the newest Yes line-up. Of course, the show was great, though I'm afraid most of the set didn't inlcude my favourite songs, but it did include Awaken, which was the main reasong I wanted to see the show (plus, the Fly from Here songs were very enjoyable for me). Still, I feel they have played better... sometimes I felt Howe wasn't playing as fluidly as he could (but when he got on fire, he could rock big time), and Alan, well, I could barely notice him. Also, I'm not so sure I really liked Davison's singing better than Benoit's (though he certainly had more personality and a better stage presence). And also I feel Oliver could have done a better job on Awaken than Downes did (though I do feel that Geoff is a better showman than Oliver).
Posted By: AEProgman
Date Posted: August 24 2012 at 21:46
I just saw Yes (and Procol Harum-very good) within the past month and was pleasantly surprised with singer Jon Davison, who I later found out sang on the last couple of Glass Hammer albums. He sang effortlessly and sounded on par if not better than Anderson. I am not one who views Yes as "not" Yes without Anderson.,p>
The Fly From Here suite was excellent as they nailed it and I knew the material before hand and do like it. Awaken blew me away as that was the last song before the encore of Roundabout. Howe seemed to be "on" that night and enjoyed himself. Downes was awesome IMHO.
-------------
Posted By: Gerinski
Date Posted: August 25 2012 at 03:11
Excellent review, thanks for posting it.
Nice set list with the inclusion of songs like Tempus Fugit (I would have preferred Machine Messiah but OK...), America, Wonderous Stories or Heart Of The Sunrise.
My biggest surprise is the praises for Downes, I have not seen him live with this Yes line-up yet but I have with Asia and I was not too excited with his playing.
I like Davison too, better than Benoit David.
Alan White always plays good but is IMHO the one who seems to miss the spark already for a few years.
Posted By: captain2man
Date Posted: August 29 2012 at 12:57
I was at the Westbury show back in mid-July.....and there's no doubt the band was leagues better than they were last summer when they toured with Styx (which was a borderline embarrassment.....even the most loyal Yes fan - if truthful - would have to admit that Styx blew them off the stage).
The performances were better & the set list was better (i.e., less predictable while still playing some of the songs they "have" to play).
However - after having seen the band on each of their New York area tours in recent years - there is absolutely no doubt that the band will never be truly spectacular live again until and unless Alan White is no longer drumming for them.
It absolutely kills me to say that.
I LOVE Alan White's drumming.....and although I've never had the honor of meeting the man, by all accounts, he's a class act.
Additionally, in recent times - with Yes's line-up being in a state of perpetual flux - it's comforting to see one of the classic era members of the band remain consistently in place for 40 years at this point.
But the hard truth of it is that age has probably caught up with him....and he is very clearly not the drummer he once was. Age takes it toll on vocalists and drummers more than any other instrument.......it's the nature of our muscles.....and a good drummer is so key.
This isn't to say that Alan isn't still good.......but he's no longer great. He no longer plays with the power he once did....nor the speed. Listening to him cheat his way through Heart of the Sunrise over the past 10 years is painful - and I'd rather them just not even play it.
I truly mean no disrespect towards Alan.......he's awesome and I will forever enjoy his drumming on past Yes records.........and I'm not even suggesting that Yes consider replacing him or that he retire......perhaps fans would rather see a less-than-perfect performance WITH him than a perfect performance WITHOUT him.
------------- I am the ocean
Lit by the flame
I am the mountain
Peace is my name
I am the river
Touched by the wind
I am the story
I never end.
Posted By: dennismoore
Date Posted: August 29 2012 at 14:34
cstack3 wrote:
I don't think I'd hold out high hopes of a Jon Anderson/Yes reunion, based upon my read of his comments made during his "Music of Yes" solo performance in Chicagoland some months back.
He did laugh and tell quite a few funny stories that included Chris Squire, but when he tuned up his acoustic and an audience member yelled "Steve Howe!" in jest, Jon's face went....dark.
I've never seen such a look on Jon's face before...maybe Howe is the "fly in the Yes ointment," not Squire, as many have surmised over the years.
Anyway, I think Jon is quite happy to maintain his low-key schedule and recording work with Wakeman. He is supposed to have some surprises up his sleeve in terms of new material, we'll just have to wait.
W - T - F Chuck????
Wassup Chicago Chucky????
How ya been? I think based on Jon's comments... that "guarantees" we will see him in YES in a year or so.
If Artists are one thing it is that they are tempermental, say all kinds of "When Hell Freezes Over" stuff then they change their tune 180 degrees without even a "by your leave mate". So I say JA will be back w/YES sooner than later. Further evidence:
I met and talked with YES after the SLO show in 1996. All were quite happy to see the classic lineup back together,
first time since 1979... I was speaking with Chris Squire and then I asked him will there be more than these three SLO shows? He looked me straight and the eye, frowned dissapprovingly at me, waved his arms across his body like a baseball umpire making a "safe at home base" call, (which outside of baseball, means NO WAY!!!), and he barked at me. "No. Absolutely not. No way." Well those YES guys toured for like the next 8 years, doing hundreds of shows around Planet Earth. So..I learned never to listen to what comes out of an artist's mouth, only the music he plays.
------------- "Yeah, people are unhappy about that - but you know what, it's still Yes." - Chris Squire
Posted By: Dellinger
Date Posted: August 29 2012 at 19:02
captain2man wrote:
I was at the Westbury show back in mid-July.....and there's no doubt the band was leagues better than they were last summer when they toured with Styx (which was a borderline embarrassment.....even the most loyal Yes fan - if truthful - would have to admit that Styx blew them off the stage).
The performances were better & the set list was better (i.e., less predictable while still playing some of the songs they "have" to play).
However - after having seen the band on each of their New York area tours in recent years - there is absolutely no doubt that the band will never be truly spectacular live again until and unless Alan White is no longer drumming for them.
It absolutely kills me to say that.
I LOVE Alan White's drumming.....and although I've never had the honor of meeting the man, by all accounts, he's a class act.
Additionally, in recent times - with Yes's line-up being in a state of perpetual flux - it's comforting to see one of the classic era members of the band remain consistently in place for 40 years at this point.
But the hard truth of it is that age has probably caught up with him....and he is very clearly not the drummer he once was. Age takes it toll on vocalists and drummers more than any other instrument.......it's the nature of our muscles.....and a good drummer is so key.
This isn't to say that Alan isn't still good.......but he's no longer great. He no longer plays with the power he once did....nor the speed. Listening to him cheat his way through Heart of the Sunrise over the past 10 years is painful - and I'd rather them just not even play it.
I truly mean no disrespect towards Alan.......he's awesome and I will forever enjoy his drumming on past Yes records.........and I'm not even suggesting that Yes consider replacing him or that he retire......perhaps fans would rather see a less-than-perfect performance WITH him than a perfect performance WITHOUT him.
I'm afraid you are perfectly right, on just about everything. I do wish they would get a new young 20's great drumming promise to give a new fire to the band. Most of the very best albums have been done by guys still on their 20's, so instead of getting an already established and mature musician (such as Benoit, Davison, and Oliver Wakeman) they should get an unknown face with strong writing abilities. That's just about the only option they have for making a new Fragile or Close to the Edge for this time and age. And why couldn't that guy be a drummer?
Posted By: Jim Garten
Date Posted: August 30 2012 at 08:09
Absolutely superb review - well thought out, objective & entertainingly written.
Nice work
-------------
Jon Lord 1941 - 2012
Posted By: DiamondDog
Date Posted: August 30 2012 at 08:47
A nice and thoughtful review, but what this "band" has to do with the band originally called "Yes" is beyond my understanding or concern.
Posted By: cstack3
Date Posted: September 02 2012 at 12:24
dennismoore wrote:
cstack3 wrote:
I don't think I'd hold out high hopes of a Jon Anderson/Yes reunion, based upon my read of his comments made during his "Music of Yes" solo performance in Chicagoland some months back.
He did laugh and tell quite a few funny stories that included Chris Squire, but when he tuned up his acoustic and an audience member yelled "Steve Howe!" in jest, Jon's face went....dark.
I've never seen such a look on Jon's face before...maybe Howe is the "fly in the Yes ointment," not Squire, as many have surmised over the years.
Anyway, I think Jon is quite happy to maintain his low-key schedule and recording work with Wakeman. He is supposed to have some surprises up his sleeve in terms of new material, we'll just have to wait.
W - T - F Chuck????
Wassup Chicago Chucky????
How ya been? I think based on Jon's comments... that "guarantees" we will see him in YES in a year or so.
If Artists are one thing it is that they are tempermental, say all kinds of "When Hell Freezes Over" stuff then they change their tune 180 degrees without even a "by your leave mate". So I say JA will be back w/YES sooner than later. Further evidence:
I met and talked with YES after the SLO show in 1996. All were quite happy to see the classic lineup back together,
first time since 1979... I was speaking with Chris Squire and then I asked him will there be more than these three SLO shows? He looked me straight and the eye, frowned dissapprovingly at me, waved his arms across his body like a baseball umpire making a "safe at home base" call, (which outside of baseball, means NO WAY!!!), and he barked at me. "No. Absolutely not. No way." Well those YES guys toured for like the next 8 years, doing hundreds of shows around Planet Earth. So..I learned never to listen to what comes out of an artist's mouth, only the music he plays.
I think the chances of Jon Anderson patching it up with Yes are nil, none, nada, sayonara baby! This is based upon what Jon said when I saw him in concert ("Voice of Yes") and various printed reviews.
If Yes got the nod for the R&R HOF, I think they would patch it up for a night. Otherwise, not so much.
From all indications, Jon Davison will be Anderson's permanent replacement in Yes, while sharing vocal duties with Glass Hammer. GH, like Steely Dan, are primarily a studio band who rarely play out & don't tour for a variety of reasons. I posted a GH interview on PA, search under cstack3 to find it (my last topic started).
One by one, the elders shall pass from Middle Earth, leaving behind the young and strong to carry on. I hope this is what happens to Yes, that they gradually bring in new talent to replace the geezers. I doubt that Ollie Wakeman will come back, as he's happy with his new family and band. However, there are many fine young emerging talents who can replace the original lineup and keep the flame going.
BTW, your description of Squire is spot on!! The guy is a big, gruff, knows-everything sort, I think that decades of hearing that he's "the best bassist in prog" have sunk in!! Hey, he's the Gov and captain of the Good Ship Yes, so he'd know!!
Nice to hear from you, DM!
Posted By: dennismoore
Date Posted: September 04 2012 at 15:08
cstack3 wrote:
I think the chances of Jon Anderson patching it up with Yes are nil, none, nada, sayonara baby! This is based upon what Jon said when I saw him in concert ("Voice of Yes") and various printed reviews.
If Yes got the nod for the R&R HOF, I think they would patch it up for a night. Otherwise, not so much.
From all indications, Jon Davison will be Anderson's permanent replacement in Yes, while sharing vocal duties with Glass Hammer. GH, like Steely Dan, are primarily a studio band who rarely play out & don't tour for a variety of reasons. I posted a GH interview on PA, search under cstack3 to find it (my last topic started).
One by one, the elders shall pass from Middle Earth, leaving behind the young and strong to carry on. I hope this is what happens to Yes, that they gradually bring in new talent to replace the geezers. I doubt that Ollie Wakeman will come back, as he's happy with his new family and band. However, there are many fine young emerging talents who can replace the original lineup and keep the flame going.
BTW, your description of Squire is spot on!! The guy is a big, gruff, knows-everything sort, I think that decades of hearing that he's "the best bassist in prog" have sunk in!! Hey, he's the Gov and captain of the Good Ship Yes, so he'd know!!
Nice to hear from you, DM!
Dude,
I gave you multiple cutsie-faces in my post to you. You didn't give me a single one in return.
Whassup with that???
Seriously, mark my words. Jon Anderson will rejoin Squire & Howe for one final tour before YES morphs into someting younger like you say...
Jon Davison filled a need which was to promote Fly From Here, which is what you do after you release an album.
Jon Davison has no real connection to YES, so no reason to think he remains in long term plans(as long as the lads can hang in there...) Once the Fly From Here cycle ends, the agents will all fight it out and JA will be back in the fold.
Singer's temper tantrums only last for so long.
Stay positive buddy!
Oh, yeah... Glass Hammer Rocks!!!! I love IF, but not so much Cor Cor-whatever-its-called...
Looking forward to the new GH record!
------------- "Yeah, people are unhappy about that - but you know what, it's still Yes." - Chris Squire
Posted By: cstack3
Date Posted: September 04 2012 at 19:52
dennismoore wrote:
cstack3 wrote:
I think the chances of Jon Anderson patching it up with Yes are nil, none, nada, sayonara baby! This is based upon what Jon said when I saw him in concert ("Voice of Yes") and various printed reviews.
If Yes got the nod for the R&R HOF, I think they would patch it up for a night. Otherwise, not so much.
From all indications, Jon Davison will be Anderson's permanent replacement in Yes, while sharing vocal duties with Glass Hammer. GH, like Steely Dan, are primarily a studio band who rarely play out & don't tour for a variety of reasons. I posted a GH interview on PA, search under cstack3 to find it (my last topic started).
One by one, the elders shall pass from Middle Earth, leaving behind the young and strong to carry on. I hope this is what happens to Yes, that they gradually bring in new talent to replace the geezers. I doubt that Ollie Wakeman will come back, as he's happy with his new family and band. However, there are many fine young emerging talents who can replace the original lineup and keep the flame going.
BTW, your description of Squire is spot on!! The guy is a big, gruff, knows-everything sort, I think that decades of hearing that he's "the best bassist in prog" have sunk in!! Hey, he's the Gov and captain of the Good Ship Yes, so he'd know!!
Nice to hear from you, DM!
Dude,
I gave you multiple cutsie-faces in my post to you. You didn't give me a single one in return.
Whassup with that???
Seriously, mark my words. Jon Anderson will rejoin Squire & Howe for one final tour before YES morphs into someting younger like you say...
Jon Davison filled a need which was to promote Fly From Here, which is what you do after you release an album.
Jon Davison has no real connection to YES, so no reason to think he remains in long term plans(as long as the lads can hang in there...) Once the Fly From Here cycle ends, the agents will all fight it out and JA will be back in the fold.
Singer's temper tantrums only last for so long.
Stay positive buddy!
Oh, yeah... Glass Hammer Rocks!!!! I love IF, but not so much Cor Cor-whatever-its-called...
Looking forward to the new GH record!
Oh, sorry!! Does this make it better?
Good, I thought so!
Glass Hammer posted this to Facebook, I think it is increasingly clear that Jon "Juano" Davison will be the new front-man, vocalist and possibly composer for Yes!! Check this out:
Plus, he is quite talented on bass guitar, so Yes gets a two-fer in case Squire cannot tour! Maybe the retirement of Squire would open a door for Jon Anderson to return? That seems to be the only way it could happen, as Squire seems to be the fly in the Yes ointment.
Good hearing from you, DM!
Posted By: JeanFrame
Date Posted: September 05 2012 at 09:42
I agree with earlier posts about the lack of validity when so many different lineups take the stage under the same banner name. I much prefer the idea that Joy Division had - when one member leaves, it becomes another band, in their case, New Order. Much more honest - and valid.
Posted By: dennismoore
Date Posted: September 07 2012 at 19:09
cstack3 wrote:
Oh, sorry!! Does this make it better?
Good, I thought so!
Glass Hammer posted this to Facebook, I think it is increasingly clear that Jon "Juano" Davison will be the new front-man, vocalist and possibly composer for Yes!! Check this out:
Plus, he is quite talented on bass guitar, so Yes gets a two-fer in case Squire cannot tour! Maybe the retirement of Squire would open a door for Jon Anderson to return? That seems to be the only way it could happen, as Squire seems to be the fly in the Yes ointment.
Good hearing from you, DM!
In case Squire can't tour??? WTF???? Who is the most arrogant, rude bass player you'll ever meet? CS. Who is the greatest bass player in the world? CS. YES is "NO" without CS. Though I know he and Johnnie-Boy are feuding at the moment and you are not even trying to hide the side that "you" chose.
Jon Davison on bass? Hmm, all that does is bring back memories of the evil Billy S. on bass. Talk about RUINING Yes!
BTW... I saw YES with Jon Davison last month, they were fantastic, even Downes seems to have taken piano lessons in the last year. They played Awaken, Downes was no Wakey-mon but he did OK, the song was done well.
Go see them dude! Don't be afraid.
We'll see Jon Anderson back in YES within 2 years, for their last tour together. You heard it here first.
------------- "Yeah, people are unhappy about that - but you know what, it's still Yes." - Chris Squire
Posted By: DiamondDog
Date Posted: October 16 2012 at 14:47
It's not Yes, it's No
Posted By: jplanet
Date Posted: October 16 2012 at 14:56
Yes was never a band for those queasy about lineup changes. There were people who thought Yes was over when Tony Kaye and Peter Banks left. And again when Bruford left. And again when Wakeman left. And when Jon left the first time. And then when Howe left. And then when Kaye returned. Blah blah blah blah....it's just a band, it's just music.
------------- https://www.facebook.com/ShadowCircus/" rel="nofollow - ..::welcome to the shadow circus::..
Posted By: DiamondDog
Date Posted: October 17 2012 at 23:05
perhaps I'm one of the queasies; any change in a band lineup means it virtually becomes a different band, but arguably with the same project and goal if the changes are minimal. When the changes become wholesale, as in Yes or Jethro Tull, or King Crimson, then all you're left with is a label on a jar, with an entirely different content to your original purchase. The label itself becomes meaningless. If you still like the contents, fine, but the new musical unit needs a label of its own.
Posted By: jplanet
Date Posted: October 17 2012 at 23:50
Then just enjoy the part of the band's catalog that you enjoy - try to always listen to new releases on their own merits. The vast majority of Yes fans find their 2nd, 3rd and 4th lineups the creative highlight of their career, with only 2 out of five original members by the time they did Topographic Oceans, Relayer, GFTO...I don't think I've ever heard anyone longing for the original lineup. So, with Yes, it's never a question of how much of the original lineup is intact, but whether you connect with the music they're doing at any given point...I can honestly say that the new material they played at Westbury sounded much more like "classic" Yes than anything I've heard since GFTO, but it depends on what you expect.
Another thought - Something I've learned as I age into my 40's. The enjoyment of many things, including music, depends very, very heavily on how much you want to enjoy it.
------------- https://www.facebook.com/ShadowCircus/" rel="nofollow - ..::welcome to the shadow circus::..
Posted By: DiamondDog
Date Posted: October 18 2012 at 05:01
You're obviously very generous and open-minded, and that's to your credit. You make fair points about the enjoyment of whatever it is you're listening to, but the fact is, by the time you get to the Westbury gig you're listening to a cover band. Then again, perhaps I'm just a grumpy old git.
Posted By: Jim Garten
Date Posted: October 19 2012 at 06:24
DiamondDog wrote:
perhaps I'm one of the queasies; any change in a band lineup means it virtually becomes a different band, but arguably with the same project and goal if the changes are minimal
You should have followed Uriah heep in the 70s & 80s
-------------
Jon Lord 1941 - 2012
Posted By: lazland
Date Posted: October 19 2012 at 09:26
It was strange last night in the hotel I was staying in, I decided to look at Yes You Tube videos.
First up was Gates of Delerium in 1975, an incredible performance from a lineup I wish had stayed together longer.
By way of comparison, I then looked at Fly From Here this year. A nice track, perfectly adequately performed, but, by God, the contrast in energy between the two. The ravages of age, I suppose.
Age has not been kind to them, particularly White and Squire.
------------- Enhance your life. Get down to www.lazland.org
Now also broadcasting on www.progzilla.com Every Saturday, 4.00 p.m. UK time!
Posted By: JeanFrame
Date Posted: October 21 2012 at 11:58
The road to excess led to..........more excess
Posted By: cstack3
Date Posted: October 22 2012 at 22:51
lazland wrote:
It was strange last night in the hotel I was staying in, I decided to look at Yes You Tube videos.
First up was Gates of Delerium in 1975, an incredible performance from a lineup I wish had stayed together longer.
By way of comparison, I then looked at Fly From Here this year. A nice track, perfectly adequately performed, but, by God, the contrast in energy between the two. The ravages of age, I suppose.
Age has not been kind to them, particularly White and Squire.
....nor to me, my friend!!
I really wish Yes would develop younger talent as understudies, the better to take the reigns and keep the spirit of the franchise going. That was always their professed dream, anyway.
Back in the early 1970's, there were very few bassists I knew with the chops to keep up with Squire (I knew Gary Strater from Starcastle, he had the chops AND the Squire look!). These days, Yes trib bands are plentiful. No shortage of good talent around.
However, be careful what we wish for....I find that even the best trib band often falls apart when they have to compose! The founders of Yes could segue from front-line performers to behind-the-scenes composers. I think it would be interesting.
I would only hope they would not invite Benoit David back to the party! Cheers!
Posted By: Dellinger
Date Posted: October 23 2012 at 18:58
Yeah, that's why I think it would be nice if Oliver were to come back to Yes... as far as I understand he is a composer himself, as well as Davison, so they both could take the reins. Otherwise, they should get someone new, young and with great promise, specially on the composing department. Most of the artists have done their best work in their 20's, so I would think that's what they must look for.
Posted By: FunkyHomoSapien
Date Posted: October 24 2012 at 14:26
Yes burned bright for a while, then burnt out.
Posted By: DiamondDog
Date Posted: November 14 2012 at 12:09