Onto the show. First up its Roger Hodgson. We all know the hits, ‘Breakfast in America’, ‘Logical Song’, ‘Dreamer’, etc. but I saw a different side tonight with his prog rock credentials. Second track tonight ‘School’ could have been taken from the early Marillion albums and its clear now who one of their influences were. It’s a short sharp set and ticked the boxes without being spectacular.
That’s not a criticism that can levelled at Yes. Celebrating 50 years in the business together, Jon Anderson, vocalist from the beginning, newbie (well 1971) Wakeman on many keyboard variations and configurations and absolute novice with just 36 years in and out of the band Trevor Rabin on guitar are supported by Iain Hornall on bass and Lou Molino III on drums.
From the opening instrumental ‘Cinema’ seguing straight in ‘Hold On’ both from the comeback album ‘90125’ the band are on it. What is immediately obvious is that even after all of these years Anderson’s voice is still so strong reaching the very top of that his alto tenor range. Tonight’s set strikes the right balance picking tunes from across the bands lengthy on and off career with the more hook laden songs from 90125 sitting comfortably with the older tunes.
This was one of those nights that didn’t need a fancy light show and it was all about the music. Wakeman moved effortlessly between his vast keyboard setup that surrounded him and his hands seem to float above the keys without touching them. Rabin is an exceptional guitarist and purists will say that he’s not Steve Howe and they’re right he’s not but what he is is an understated but terrific player as demonstrated many times tonight. I think he also brings a freshness and renewed energy to the sound.
The two hours fly by and despite the length of some of the tracks no song outstays its welcome and the music just envelopes you, wraps you in a prog comfort blanket and takes you back to a time when it was about substance over style. Highlights for me were probably ‘‘Heart of the Sunrise’ from the old stuff and ‘Changes’ from the ‘newer tracks. There’s time for Wakeman with his portable keyboard and Rabin to go walkabout in the crowd before we finish with ‘Roundabout’.
A thoroughly great night with these old timers who can still put on a great show and move you aurally to another place.
Keep on prog rockin y’all