MONTREUX 2003 (DVD)

The Montreux concerts are of considerable interest to me due to the rawness of the performances and plain concert stages - it is just the band and what they do - no frills. I wondered if Yes would suit this raw intimate stage environment. Yes, they do, I am pleased to state.

This DVD is excellent, though not as good as 'Tsongas Anniversary Concert'. The concert is captured in all its glory featuring some of Yes' best material. The best lineup of Yes play their greatest songs and it is a truly wonderful and remarkable achievement that they can sing and play so well at this late stage of their exceptional career.

Highlights include 'Siberian Khatru', 'South Side Of The Sky', 'And You And I', 'Rick Wakeman Solo Medley', 'Heart Of The Sunrise', 'Long Distance Runaround', 'Awaken', 'I've Seen All Good People' and 'Roundabout'. They are all sublimely played and a pleasure to watch these masters at their craft. I could have done without the environmental - save the whales, trees, bees - twaddle from Anderson, but he's doing what he loves. Selling the songs.

The concert clocks in at 2 hours 18 minutes and is a wonderful captivating and memorable Montreux event. Not a masterpiece but still worth serious consideration for Yes and symphonic prog fans alike, from the masters of prog.