Yes is a band that has had more ups and downs than
an elevator operator. Albums such as “Close
to the Edge,” “The Yes Album,” and “Going for the One” represent the heights of
progressive rock, but the group has also had its share of low points too (as
bargain bin albums like “Open Your Eyes,” Big Generator,” and “Tormato” demonstrate). On their 2013 tour, however, Yes is very much
a band very much on the upswing.
Yes is celebrating their 45th anniversary
as a group this year. To mark the
occasion the band is performing three of its most popular and critically
acclaimed albums (“Close to the Edge,” “The Yes Album,” and “Going for the One”)
in their entirety and original running order on tour. This approach has proven a hit with fans as
Yes is playing to capacity crowds and rave reviews. The acclamation is well-deserved. Put simply, right now Yes is playing like a
well-oiled machine firing on all cylinders.
Epics like “Awaken” and “Close to the Edge” are executed with musical
precision, but there is also a freshness, vitality, and soul in the
performances.
Newcomer Jon Davison is especially impressive and an
exceptionally good fit for the band. His
voice may lack the uniqueness of the inimitable Jon Anderson, but he has a very
attractive timbre, an innate musicality, an ease with his upper-register. Time and again, Davison embellished familiar musical
codas with novel inflections in ways that were surprising and inspired. You’d have to be deaf (or a music critic at
Rolling Stone) not appreciate the grace and beauty he added to Yes’ classics.
This is the first time I’ve been at a Yes concert
where the crowd was on its feet following each and every song. However, the band created many spine-tingling
moments and the spontaneous applause and standing ovations were more than
merited. As is customary, Guitarist Steve
Howe was in superb form. If there is a
more tasteful, imaginative, and dexterous six-stringer out there, then I haven’t
heard him. Geoff Downes may not be the
kind of keyboardist to don a cape, but he was excellent throughout. Indeed, his jazzy improvisation on the
overlooked gem, “A Venture,” was a highlight.
The Squire/White rhythm section was crisp, powerful, and dynamic as
well.
Yes as long been ridiculed by critics at Rolling
Stone and snubbed by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but as the 2013 tour
progresses it is clear that Yes will let the music speak for itself. Right now, as a live act Yes is on Everest.
