Yes

[Rick and Roll]

Review from the show in Virginia the other night. Vaxman has just seen them, Zvinki also, and Keith and Jim have written reviews also (please paste them here if you can find them, it would be fun to compare).

I've seen Yes with Rabin, on the Union tour, synphonic, and the last time two years ago when they concentrated on the longer tunes (Gates and Ritual etc). This is first time I've seen them just plain play a rocked out show. It was nice.

Started out with "Going For The One", always a good lead in tune. "All good people", while not needed for these ears, was a crowd favorite, so who am I to argue?

Next was "Sweet Dreams". Never heard it live, talk about an oldie but goodie! The propulsion of Squire and White were very evident on this one. A good lead into "South Side of the Sky", one of my very favorite songs. Squire dominates this one, and he is my main reason for seeing Yes. Always has been a special musician for me. That song rocked. There was a goon who would point alternately to Wakeman and Howe during the ending solo trade offs, although annoying, kind of amusing in a way.

"Close To The Edge" was next....always consistent, always incredible. I was satisfied up to this point. Then, a friend took me down into the front section, where I watched the rest of the show a LOT closer (maybe not quite Vax closer, but who has that kind of dough? ).

The acoustic set was very cool. they did some songs I really did not want to see full length (Roundabout, Owner, and Long-Distance). The honky-tonk Roundabout was funny, and really showed the talent and versatility of the band. On Owner, I never saw Howe so good doing NOTHING. And the Wakeman piano solo (replacing the Rabin solo) was great. Although they don't like the tune, at least they had fun with it. "Wonderous Stories" was a welcome addition to the acoustic set.

"Awaken" was masterful. That song for me defines the total Yes package. Anderson was so youthful on that song, belting out notes and dancing around. When I approach 60 I just want to be alive, much less doing that! "And You And I" continued on the Anderson portion, again in top notch vocal mode. He's unbelievable.

"Starship Trooper" is always a good closer. Another chance for Howe and Wakeman to solo, and Squire to carry the tune.

I think that was all of the songs. No Tales, no Tormato tunes (same lineup, thought they'd put one in) and no newer ones)"Footprints" would have been fun). But I'm not one to begrudge a band for their set list. I did yell "Free Bird" and "Freebird Suite" between songs, but that was mostly being goofy.