Yes - Symphonic Live
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Movie Reviews of Yes - Symphonic Live
Movie Review: The pinnacle of latter-day Yes.
Summary: 5 Stars
I could go in depth about how Yes has lost their youth and innocence since The Yes Album, or about how they hit a self-proclaimed rock bottom just a few months before this show, or about how the band has been altered so many times with the revolving door at the keyboard position. When you hear the first overture of the orchestra, and the sounds of nature that open up Close to the Edge, none of this will matter to you.This was the second of two shows played on back-to-back nights in Amsterdam featuring Wilhelm Keitel and the European Festival Orchestra, and the programme features Yes playing on a particularly good night for them. Beautiful song selection and sequence, coupled with the depth and presence of the orchestra, make for a very exciting listen.
Epics, there are a few. The aforementioned Close to the Edge, had it been sans symphony, would have been nothing in particular to cheer about. Add the forty or so musicians behind then (many of which are cute ladies!) and a beautiful arrangement of strings, horns, and percussion, and you've got the makings of a truly breathtaking opener. Steve's clean guitar tones and a mildly slower tempo give the song a mellower feel, albeit with reduced attack.
Gates of Delirium is another song that greatly benefits from having an orchestral arrangement behind it. The substitution of synthed horns for a real horn section in the hectic middle section makes for a moving experience. And just wait until you hear Soon with real strings behind it!
Both these songs, however, take a backseat to the night's magnum opus, Ritual. Being a big fan of percussion, and having heard that the song featured not only an extended Alan White drum solo, but also a very Ritual-istic performance of the remaining band members banging on various drums, I could not help but sit at the edge of my seat throughout the thirty-minute performance. I won't spoil anything, but this song will move you. There is a part in the song where the camera angles purposely cut Steve out, and when he finally does come back in, it may bring you to tears!
Other highlights of the programme include a lilting version of In the Presence of, from the new Magnification disc, and a funky orchestra-driven Long Distance Runaround. And You and I, though it has been a staple of most every Yes concert for the past thirty years, deserves a second listen with the orchestra behind it.
And I haven't neglected to mention Steve's guitar interlude in the middle of the evening. We are treated to a live Mood for a Day, and a Steve Howe arranged version of Vivaldi's Lute Concerto. Just watching Steve's fingers gracefully and precisely move about the fretboard is enough to inspire any prospective guitarist.
Low points, few as they may be, must be mentioned for the sake of contrast. Owner of a Lonely Heart and Roundabout, the two songs that Yes typically closes EVERY concert with, have been done better on other live albums, notably House of Yes. At some points the stereo mix favors the bass or vocals over guitar and keyboard. Sometimes I find myself straining to hear Tom Brislin, tour keyboardist, above the symphony.
And about Tom: He seems like his life depends on an over-enthusiastic performance. He bangs on his poor keyboards during Gates, and is overall too melodramatic. Of course, this is given with the fact that he was probably just some kid who loves Yes, who was sitting in his basement plugging away at Wakeman's riffs when he got the call.
This concert shows Yes at its most grandiose, yet between songs at its most down to earth. The documentary included is also a welcome reminder that Yes aren't just music making machines, they're just four (five) mortal men with incredible talent who put on a hell of a great live show.
Movie Review: Yes _ A New Level In Perfection!
Summary: 5 Stars
On November 21st and 22nd 2001 Yes visited the Heineken Music Hall in Amsterdam and gave 2 concerts ... the 2nd one ... was filmed and is now available on video and DVD. ... the DVD version [has] a beautiful mix of band and orchestra ... The DTS sound gives it all an extra dimension .The concert starts with an overture by the orchestra, that is not visible at that moment. The background is a Roger Dean-like landscape.
After the intro the band starts with the epic Close to the Edge and, immediately, you sense the asset the orchestra is for this song. It brought tears in my eyes from emotion to see young orchestra members with such dedication to music that was written before they were even born. Also on screen there appear icons for animation in the background and there are multiple camera-angles in this song possible.
Next is Long Distance Runaround from the Fragile album with a beautiful orchestra opening that is really an asset to the song.
From the new album Magnification they played Don't go first. I think it's not their most powerful track of the album and it surprised me the song did it live very well.
In the Presence Off, also from their latest album, are, together with Dreamtime, my favourites. In arrangement and length it's a 2001 Yes semi-epic.
Then, oh my God, finally, after all these years, Gates of Delirium is been introduced. Together with C.T.T.E this is the mother of all Yes epics. Tom Brislin really showed his craftsmanship in the "war" part of the song. This is a perfect song to play with an orchestra and you can hear that they do a perfect job in the changeover from the "war" part to the "peace" part of the song .Soon oh Soon let's the song end in a sea of tranquillity. Multi-camera angles and animations of war are also visible during this song.
After this epic we are attended by maestro Steve Howe and he entertains us with his guitar virtuoso by playing two songs of his solo albums.
Another golden oldie is Starship Trooper from the Yesalbum. During this song the orchestra has leave of absence and immediately you get an "unplugged" feeling when they are not there. The harmonies are perfect in this song and the only drawback is the shifting from the 1st layer to the second layer on the DVD and the lack of the Wakeman solo on his moog during the end of the song because Brislin played it a little thin in my opinion.
Anderson states that the day before they played the next song for the first time live and he introduces the title track of their last album; Magnification. One of the highlights of their album and played perfectly on stage.
It's back to 1972 with And You And I. Played live a zillion times but never lost it's charisma. In the multi-camera angle you can see animation with 2 robots.
If you haven't seen this, you ain't seen nothing yet ; Ritual, from the "Tales" album is one of the four tracks of this double album and one of two, for me, accessible tracks. The drum part in the middle with Anderson, Squire, Brislin and White makes it an attraction of the first order. What an energy pours out of that song!
From the time of it's first release on the Yesalbum "I,ve Seen All Good People"has always been a great rock song that survived decades of rock history. So get up and boogie: as Anderson says in the intro to the audience.
... with all the cameras rolling, Steve had to make concessions and "Owner" was played before the last song from this evening; Roundabout from the Fragile album. During this song the stage is filled with all the members of the orchestra waving and dancing on the music and expressing their joy of being part of performing in timeless music by a timeless band.
Yes, what a wonderful, magical evening it was. Every bit of it captured on a perfect DVD.
Movie Review: THE true definition of 'music'
Summary: 5 Stars
Now THIS is what DVDs are all about. This disc looks and sounds beautiful. I'd give the audio 4 out of 5, and the visual maybe 3.5. However, the most important part of this DVD is the concert itself. This one evening's performance could be the definitive statement of Yes's music. Forget that Steve Howe's guitar tone isn't very good, and just concentrate on the sound of these musicians as a whole, creating magic in your living room. Words can not describe how amazing this concert is. I really regret that I didn't make the trip to Toronto to see them when they come around with the symphony.Now, for criticism(which is what people really want in these rewiews). The orchestra sadly is not loud enough in the mix (in my opinion) there are times when you see horn players blasting away, but can barely strain to hear the notes they are playing. I have to admit, Steve Howe is one of the great guitarists of the past century, but I don't like the way his guitars sound on this recording (with the exception of the acoustics). Overall, he's got the treble too high, and while he really stands out in the mix (which was probably his intention), high notes are piercing at loud volumes. That being said, the DTS track sounds great (obviously superior to the dolby). Nice low end on this disc, and the bass solo in Starship Trooper will knock your socks off!
Which brings me to another point of complaint: the layer switch on this DVD is right in the middle of Starship Trooper!!! Why this happened is beyond me. They could have easilly put it at the start of the track. This song may be one of the strongest of the night, but the layer switch gets really annoying. However, the point of the song where it occurs if probably the best place for it.
oh well. Other low points on this disc are "And You and I" and the same 3 encores that they've played at every show for the past 40 years or so. I've seen all good people, Owner of a lonely heart, and roundabout (while all great songs) fail to impress. Perhaps because the orchestra is not encluded on thse songs. Personally I was looking forward to hearing roundabout with a nice string arangement, but no such luck.
I've been HIGHLY critical of this disc. Keep in mind that I've outlined probably the ONLY negative features of this amazing performance. The vocals are AMAZING, all the harmonies are bang on. It's incredible to see these old men singing so prcisely. In response to a review that I just read of this disc, I actually really enjoy the keyboardist's jumping around and rocking out. He (and the orchestra) added a very youthfull energy to the show. Jon Anderson gives me chills during Close to the Edge. Chris Squire rocks out as usuall.. vocal harmonies amazing, but bass playing less precise than in the past. It's ok though, you can tell that he's having the time of his life (and maybe getting into the drink a little much... watch the Dreamtime documentary on the 2nd disc, then watch what chris is doing in between songs, and let me know what you think) but we all know he's maybe the best bass player perhpas ever.
I think the guy that wins my "coolest dude" award has got to be Alan White. Sure he's wearing spandex, but sometimes you gotta be who you gotta be. His playing is so emotionally powerfull, it's like he's putting his heart and soul into every beat. Just look at the expression on his face and you'll understand.
all in all, this disc could be the highlight of your music collection, even if you don't consider yourself a Yes fan.
Movie Review: YES - SYMPHONIC LIVE... A YESSENTIAL VISUAL EXPERIENCE !
Summary: 5 Stars
Yes - Symphonic Live is a videotaped presentation of a wonderful 2001 Yes concert in it's entirety at the intimate Heineken Music Hall in Amsterdam. The European Festival Orchestra provides the symphonics, and their stimulating sound complements Yes' music in no less than perfect form. What a night this was for the Yes fans who were there!
And what a concert DVD this is!
The picture and sound quality on this is as good as I've ever seen, and everything else about this concert DVD is just as good. No, wait... Perfect! This is perfect! The members of the band all look healthy and inspired, and they're playing their music as well as they ever have. The lineup for the this show includes:
Jon Anderson
Chris Squire
Steve Howe
Alan White
Tom Brislin
The lightly-bearded Anderson's vocal performance is excellent, and his between-song stage banter is interesting and gracious. Guitarists will enjoy watching Steve Howe expertly play a wide range of stringed instruments including a flat steel and classical guitars. Chris Squire energetically moves all over the stage while playing his mighty bass, and a fit-looking Alan White works his drum kit with a friendly smile on his face for most of the night. And Tom Brislin? He's the young and very capable keyboardist who's jumps and animated arm motions add even more enthusiasm and showmanship to the production.
The professional multi-colored lightshow includes fog and animation, and the effect is captivating at times. There are many different camera angles used, and sometimes it even feels as if you're right on the stage.
The European Festival Orchestra musicians are young, mostly female and very attractive. They get plenty of camera time, and it's fun to watch them lip-synch the lyrics and bob their heads in time with the music. They even worked out some choreography to go along with a few of the songs. Their sound adds plenty to the concert and everybody seems to be having a great time, especially the appreciative audience.
The music is mostly from the classic Yes years, but they also perform songs from their symphonic studio album, Magnification, which was new at the time. They open the show with Close To The Edge, and it sounds just as great as it always has. It's hard to single out just one highlight from this show of many highlights. For me, it's And You And I, but Starship Trooper, The Gates Of Delirium and Ritual are all fantastic, too. Steve Howe does a classical guitar solo that includes Mood For A Day, and that's also enjoyable. The show closes with Roundabout, and the girls in the orchestra set down their instruments and dance in a chorus line on the stage behind the band. It's a lot of fun, and the apparently surprised Yesmen love it.
Yes - Symphonic Live is a remarkable Yes visual experience. The song selection includes the classics and fan favorites that you would expect, and the performance is masterful and very professional. The feeling you get from watching this is the same feeling you get when listening to Yes' music or seeing one of their concerts. Perfectly Yes.
Movie Review: Ritual Nous Sommes Du Soleil...
Summary: 5 Stars
In this case, we love when they play! This is an accomplishment that will be appreciated in the highest way by real YES fans. Not just the bands performance, which is professional and powerful (Steve Howe shows his refined spirit and superb ability, despite the criticisms from some on here), but Tom Brislin the highly capable (and high strung) keyboardist along with Wilhelm Keitel and his orchestra take the songs to a very fine space. There is quite a mutual lovefest going on between the grateful fans and the musicians. Energy is pouring forth in both directions, as it should be when the atmosphere is this charged. Many of the long reviews below go in to appropriate detail and give the song by song highlights, and there are many! I have to say, it gets annoying when some people focus on form (or image) over substance and criticize Howe's demeanor (this is the same guy here we all know and love - he's all about the music, not show) or gripe that they think his guitar tone sounds wimpy (as if ANY of the detractors could touch the sounds he creates - his tone is spot-on for the occasion...his judgment seems good to me). Jon is Jon...his voice, song-writing ability and spiritual presence inpire many of us, he sounds as good as ever. If every singer had to have a super-cool, strutting stage presence to look like the perfect rock star, and screeched the obligatory Metallica death growl, how boring would that be? I don't have any idea how someone can be a YES fan and still be hung-up by Jon's voice or spirituality...this is fundamental to the YES magic, get over it! Saying that Squire seems to be imbibing??? What a load of crap - he obviously is there, that night, to lend his uncompromising musical ability and perfectionism to this event and pulls it off with a soaring performance, as usual! Other YES events with Squire missing ARE missing something fundamental - HIM! How many musicians perform under the influence of something? Why would his supposed use of anything even bring a comment? I wouldn't be surprised if someone decided they didn't like it because Chris Squire's pants are too tight or shoes too big! I might as well give kudos to Alan White's great and meditative performance as well. He is very in tune with the orchestra throughout. I know! Many of you go on and on how Dream Theater's drummer is way more impressive, or this or that new band shows YES a thing or two...like YES fans care??? They are not YES! This band does it's own unique and powerful thing, if others don't feel it or get it, go listen to Guns 'n' Roses. Let's give credit where it is due as they say and THANK YES FOR GOING TO THIS HUGE EFFORT to please the fans and take their wonderful songs higher with this very interesting arrangement. I have no doubt that lovers of this sort of prog-rock will be very content with this great dvd. Maybe the rest of the catalogue can be brought into the fold for a few other Symphonic YES cds (this music is very adaptable to further orchestration). The sound and production are very nice, and the camera highlights individuals at the right moments for the most part - I can't get enough! If you love this band, JUST GET IT, it is an excellent and inspiring event (and YES I'm thrilled that Gates of Delerium and Ritual made it on here, more of Topographic would have been even better). Lift a glass to the band, THEY ROCK!! P.S. I got the limited edition with the extra 75 minute cd included...NICE EXTRA!