The recent passing of Chris Squire represents a sad turn of
events in the story of Yes. His
inimitable bass and distinctive backup vocals were a signature element in the
band’s mix.
The respectable performances that make up the “Like it Is”
series do not capture the group at its glorious peak, but there may rewarding
moments nonetheless. Squire’s hypnotic
bass and heavenly singing during “The Fish” still manage to send a shudder down
my spine. “Heart of the Sunrise” may not
have the urgency and dynamic range it once had, but Steve Howe's limpid phrasing
shines within the slower tempo.
In “Close to the Edge” Geoff Downes seems to be
approximating Rick Wakeman during the climatic solo, but he acquits himself
quite nicely on “Cans and Brahms” and also the scintillating finale to “South
Side of the Sky.”
Jon Davison sounds
fresh and involved throughout, an important element in this concert document of
“Fragile” and “Close to the Edge” performed by a supernova of a group entering
its twilight phase. There are sparks and
shimmers of greatness, mixed along with mere adequacy too. But Squire’s thunderous bass and heavenly
vocals generate more than enough lightning on this outing to make it all
worthwhile.
