Aural Moon - Progressive Rock Discussion - Yes: Boston, July 21, 2012

Yes: Boston, July 21, 2012

Setlist:
Yours is no disgrace
Tempus fugit
All good people
America
Steve solo -second initial, leaves of green
Fly from here
Wondrous stories
Heart of the sunrise
Awaken
Encore- roundabout

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Julie and I went to the show with another couple on Saturday night.

First impression -- pleasantly surprised.
After the last couple shows which included Oliver and Benoit. I was so disappointed by what I saw that didn't care if I saw them again.

Second impression "Steve Howe with Yes"
Steve absolutely CRANKED all night. I am glad the other guys found the time to back him up.

Third Imprression - the Singer-- did OK. Approve.
The guy playing Jon this tour was good. He was clearly comfortable singing in that (Jon's) range. And, although he is no Jon Anderson, he did an admirable job being himself, singing Jon's vocal parts. I am now convinced he comes from the same Elven tribe as Jon.

The show:
Yours is no Disgrace - Steve. need I say more?...
The band was tight and The Professor shone as the guitar master he is.

Tempus Fugit - Oh the Drama
Good song played moderately well. Expected better keyboards from Downes Downes Downes Downes he just didn't seem to have it.

All Good People
Good rendition-- nothing spectacular to note.. no glaring failures to report

America - Steve!
After the intense opening number who would have thought they would subject the 65 year old guitarist to another shredder. Steve tore through America like a blistering assault.

Steve Solo spot
Interestingly enough the only Band member to get a solo during the Steve Howe with Yes tour.
Second Initial and then Leaves of Green. (sung nicely by Davidson --Damn you ;-) )

Fly From Here - Flies on this
I did not enjoy the 20 minutes of this song. As much as i listen and want to like it... there is just nothing there for me. not a recognizable lyric, hook or melody that makes me say "Hey!" It did give me the opportunity to look around and check out the crowd. There were a few people grooving to the tune... but most were sitting quietly.

Wonderous Stories
This song was good. Davidson did a nice job.

Heart of the Sunrise - Good Times, Bad times
An oldie but a goodie. A lackluster performance by Downes made this a poor performance of HOTS. Many times, Squire used the intro part to really showcase his Bass skills... This time... not so much. A bit of the usual Spinal Tap looking poses and then into the body of the song.

Awaken - Awaken another Keyboard player
This is one of my favorite Yes songs. Some of my best Yes Concert experiences have been during this Epic.
This night, I could tell by the tripping finger train-wreck keyboard intro that I was in for a disappointing ride.
Davidson did a fine job and Steve was brilliant. In the mid section, Davidson played the 'harp' part on a keyboard. (Good job being yourself) and Downes tried to play Wakeman's part and only accomplished about 80%. Rambling, muddled keyboards made this part unimpressive.
But wait.. coming up is the most impressive, goose-bump inducing, chest rumbling pipe organ ever put in a Yes song. Here it comes... keyboard run right up to.... Pedal steel?
What? They took out the GIANT organ part! (Listen to 12:29 on the original GFTO Awaken)

Also, WTF with playing this song/part slower and slower?
Someone asked Chris one time and he said something about it enhancing the Grandeur of the song.
No, it sounds like you are old and can't play the song correctly.

Encore
Roundabout - ComminBackOut
A usual, unremarkable of the inconcert version of Roundabout.

End - House lights up and time to go.

Really?... one song for an encore? no StarShip Trooper? ... no Jamin solos in Wurm? No... just no.