Yes is a band renowned for its longevity and its internal
instability. Recently, the dissension
that has always been part and parcel of the group has spilled over into the Yes
fan-base, which is rabidly at odds over the musical merits of the band’s 21st
studio album, Heaven & Earth. Some die-hard Yes fans are so disgruntled
by the new material that their fulminating reviews convey more distemper than
Dick Cheney would if he had his hunting license revoked.
The online reaction to new album has been so intense that I
had no idea what to expect when Yes was due to perform a song from Heaven & Earth on Wednesday evening
at Radio City Musical Hall in New York City.
Surprisingly, the new single, “Believe Again” came off quite well. As the
set order had it, the new track was sandwiched between “Close to the Edge” and “Roundabout,”
two of Yes’ most beloved masterworks.
Yet, “Believe Again” managed to hold up reasonably well; not exactly
music for the ages, but a song with some graceful touches and inspired moments nonetheless. Incidentally, singer Jon Davison sounded slightly
tentative at first but seemed to gain confidence as the song progressed. Surveying the crowd's reaction I’d say the song went down quite well.
The rest of the evening was devoted to the music of
yesteryear. The audience was treated to
two classic albums – Close to the Edge
and Fragile – and a side’s worth of
greatest hits. On this evening, the band
sounded tight, energetic, and confident.
Steve Howe came across best on the soaring coda to “Siberian Khatru” and
his signature acoustic piece, the ever tasteful “Mood for a Day.” Also of note, was a brief but wicked guitar/keyboard
duel during the finale of “South Side of the Sky.”
Chris Squire’s mesmerizing bass workout, “The Fish,” wisely preserved the economy of the
studio version.
The latest configuration of Yes has emerged as a formidable
live force. Several years ago, it seemed
that Steve Howe was supplying most of the musical sparks on stage. Today, Geoff Downes seems well-integrated
within the band and Jon Davison appears to have found a comfortable niche as
well. The Squire/ White rhythm section
sounds rock solid too. Whether this
line-up will prove more stable than past lineups is anybody’s guess. However, this configuration has me believing
again in Yes, at least live.
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