Yes - Symphonic Live [2002]

Yes never needed a symphony to prove their sonic prowess. Even without keyboardist Rick Wakeman (replaced here by the skillful Tom Brislin), the veteran members (vocalist Jon Anderson, bassist Chris Squire, drummer Alan White, and guitarist Steve Howe) are masters of their prog-rock domain. And yet the addition of the young, photogenic European Festival Orchestra (for this Amsterdam performance in November 2001) offers a glorious expansion of the Yes sound, enhanced and fully integrated to create the Yes equivalent of Phil Spector's famous wall of sound. Three songs are included from 2001's Magnification, but it's the classics (including a spectacular, epic rendition of Relayer's "Gates of Delirium") that make this the best of several Yes DVDs on the market. A behind-the-scenes documentary is perfunctory, and the video of "Don't Go" (from Magnification) seems redundant, but the option to view alternate visuals is welcome, and the excellent DTS mix is best enjoyed loud.



Assisted by the Europian Festival Orchestra they played a tour supporting their then newly released Magnification album. That album already was a convergence between Yes's music with Orchestral arrangement. This concertseries and DVD reveals what already was known, Yes's music lends itself perfectly for orchestral interpretation. And the orchestra contributes an extra element to the sound of the songs, making it even deeper and more colourfull.

A new guy on the keyboards makes it's appearance, Tom Brislin, who obviously is up for the task, adding some good soloing and maintaining a high standart of playing throughout the set.



Mind you, it is not an orchestral recording as "Symphonic Music Of Yes" was, rearanging the songs in any matter, the orchestration is in full support of the songs, which are played as they should sound.

The DVD starts great from the beginning, the overture (orchestral theme from the magnification album) evolving into a strong version of CTTE followed by Long Distance runaround. Then two songs from Magnification, not my fav. songs but very well executed, feat. Allan White on the keyboard for the intro of "In the presence of.." After that the show begins to take shape with my all time favourite track "Gates Of Delerium" Guitar and Orchestra in perfect sync. with some stunning bass-playing by Chris squire and some great musical interplay between Chris and tom Brislin (though as Gatot Widayanto says, a bit overacting from Tom). Steve gets his chance to shine with two classical guitar solo's, the first is a new one (I believe) an adaption of a classical movement and mood for a day. Starship Trooper brings the show back into pace, again there is the advantage of the orchestra taking the song to new levels.



Magnification played for the first time live, with Jon on accoustic guitar, a great song and definetly my favourite from the magnification album. Followed by And You And I, which needs no introduction. And then...Ritual from TFTO, works absolutely brilliant, all elements fall perfectly into place, the orchestra strengthening the power of the composition, with a great solo from Chris (both visually as musically). Then it's time to close up with All Good people, Owner of a lonely heart and the obligatory encore Roundabout.

WHAT A GREAT SET THIS IS, AN ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECE; GREAT MUSIC AND A GREAT SHOW



Line-up
- Alan White / drums, percussion
- Chris Squire / bass, vocals
- Jon Anderson / vocals, guitars
- Steve Howe / guitars, vocals
- Tom Brislin / keyboards

Track Listings
Disc 1 - song selection
1. Overture
2. Close To The Edge
3. Long Distance Runaround
4. Don't Go
5. In the Presence Of
6. Gates of Delirium
7. Steve Howe Guitar Solo: Lute Concerto In D Major, 2nd Movement
8. Starship Trooper
9. Magnification
10. And You And I
11. Ritual
12. I've Seen All Good People
13. Owner of a Lonely Heart
14. Roundabout

Disc 2 - bonus material
1. "Don't Go" bonus video
2. "Dreamtime" documentary