Cashbox / Talent On StageYES
ACADEMY OF MUSIC, NYC - The problem with most rock bands today is that they insist on playing music of the late 60's when the calendar reads 1972. Many rely on their original interpretations of unoriginal rock 'n roll songs to get them by. Others never even bother to become original at all. But, in a time when more than ever, rock music must make substantial,gains and progress to stay alive there has emerged a handful of groups who have paved the way. Groups who have blazed a trail all their own. Amongst them are Jethro Tull, Deep Purple Mountain, Emerson, Lake & Palmer and now, Yes.
Not too many months ago, I sat listening to 'The Yes Album' for the very first time. When it was over, I smiled. It was obvious to me. They played music of the 1970's. And they played it like it's never been played before. Yes could do it all! Then came 'Fragile,' and apart from it being representative of the markings on their equipment, it describes the sensitivity of their music. For Yes music is fragile!
From their opening selection, "Roundabout," through their encore "Yours Is No Disgrace," Yes completely captivated their audience by blending their brilliant vocal harmony with an equally brilliant display of thoroughly precise musicianship. While each performed solos on his particular instrument, the group worked basically as a total unit.
Individually, the group consists of lead vocalist, Jon Anderson; drummer Bill Bruford; guitarist, Steve Howe; bassist Chris Squire, and Rick Wakeman on all keyboard instruments including organ, piano, hapsichord, mellotron and moog synthesizer. Even more interesting is the fact that three of the five Yes members sing and all contribute in the songwriting department.
Apart from "Roundabout" and "Yours Is No Disgrace," Yes performed "I've Seen All Good People," "Your Move," and "Perpetual Change" from their Yes album, and "Heart Of The Sunrise" from their current bestselling "Fragile" offering.
Somehow, Yes is what I've been waiting for. And they have arrived in a big way. If you've been wondering whether or not rock music can survive in a time when more and more acts are going acoustic the answer is YES!
k.k.
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