Quote Originally Posted by Olorin View Post A great time was had by all at the Copernicus Center in Chicago last night. First, a few words about the venue. It was beautiful, with a blue night-time sky effect with stars on the ceiling and behind the colonnades that flanked the walls. Also, there was free parking, something unheard-of at Chicago venues. The show started with a video montage of album covers, band photos, and past tour posters telling the history of the band, set to A Young Persons Guide to the Orchestra. The band then came on and opened with Siberian Khatru. They played the CTTE album in reverse order (the first time it had been done, said Chris). I guess they couldnt resist opening w/SK. This was followed by Believe Again and The Game from the new album, and then Fragile played in album order. The two encores were All Good People and Starship Trooper. The band played very well, I thought, and the vocal harmonies were very good. To me, though, the real star of the show was Jon Davison. He effortless filled the role of vocalist, showing real strength, and was well received by the audience. And the audience...you would have thought The Beatles were on stage. Chicago Yes fans did themselves proud and really pleased and impressed the band by being on fire. I cant remember the last time I saw a show where there was that much energy in the audience. What else....I thought the light show was good, and the visuals they projected for the songs were great. Ive had a lot of misgivings about Yes in the past few years, and havent seen them live since 2008. I read a lot of bad reviews, and saw a lot of bad YouTube clips, of the later David period. However, JD seems to be the real deal. Simply put, if you are a Yesfan and have enjoyed seeing them play in the past, you owe it to yourself to give them a chance with JD at the mike. I dont think youll be disappointed. To whatever extent I still miss JA, its tempered by knowing that he could not perform like this any more. Anyway, if you get a chance to see these guys perform, go! Brian Imig response: Great review. The audience really was a huge factor. So much so, I really felt it affected each band member - right from the first standing ovation after Siberian. Some random thoughts: *Squire moved all heaven & earth on Close To The Edge. His bass was fluid, meaty, and nimble all at once. * If Howe has sometimes seemed unhappy onstage, last night the audience loved him into a place where he seemed VERY pleased. * Its been up & down for the last several years - last night was all UP. * It was obvious Davison was very touched from the response to the 2 new tracks: especially Believe Again. * White was energetic, solid & again, fluid. *Downes was perfect in the mix most of the night and really has a cool aura. He really has mastery of the various keys. It did not occur to me, all these months until Long Distance Runaround last night, how much Wakeman music Downes is interpreting on this particular tour. That says a lot about Geoff & his commitment to Yes. Its been a little hard & sad with Yes for me at times over the long 41 years Ive been seeing shows & listening. They mean a lot to me. Very confused by some of their decisions. Had a hard time with Heaven & Earth over all at first. Last night changed everything for me. They were that good. Words dont convey the feeling in that room last night. After buying the last 2 albums & seeing the last several tours ( since 1997 actually ) I have slowly abandoned the idea that Yes could be great again. Fine. Many memories of greatness to draw from. But after last night, I now know they are still a vital force. I want that from their records. I really love a lot of FFH & H&E has some very strong moments, so its not as though I am not into this line-up. Jon Davison has saved this band. You have to see this tour. I play music & know some nights are better than others. Catch these guys on a good night & you will have the experience too. Wow.
Posted on: Mon, 28 Jul 2014 02:31:33 +0000
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