Yes - Symphonic Live
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Movie Reviews of Yes - Symphonic Live
Movie Review: Beautiful Picture, Superb Sound, Awesome Band!
Summary: 5 Stars
I am perhaps a bit biased, being a lifelong Yes fan. However, it is a simple fact that this DVD is just about flawless in every respect. The band turns in an excellent performance (how they manage to play material of this complexity, with essentially zero mistakes, all the while knowing that they can't blow it because they're being filmed, is beyond my understanding). The video quality is superb (essentially as good as the "House of Blues" DVD, which was impeccable in its video quality), and the sound mix, especially the dts track, is extremely well done. A previous reviewer stated that the band lacks energy -- I submit that the important thing is for the music to have energy, and that is certainly there in abundance. Let's please remember that these guys are all in their 50's, and it is a blessing and a gift to all of us that they still have the creative drive to put out music of this quality after all these years. The fact that they don't jump up and down on stage is, if anything, a refreshing change from the frenzy-heavy and talent-light drivel that seems to fill the airwaves these days. These men are true virtuoso musicians, and they channel the energy where it belongs -- in their minds, in their arms and fingers, and in their creativity. A paricularly positive aspect of this DVD is the presence of the orchestra. Being a "classic Yes" fan, I had misgivings about the addition of an orchestra to what is, arguably, already very "orchestral" music in its own right. I was wrong -- the orchestra added wonderfully to the sound, and detracted nothing from it. Plus, it was comprised largely of young, enthusiastic players, who genuinely seemed to love the music and rightfully acted as if it was an honor to be there. Plus, I LOVED the "Roundabout" encore, when the orchestra-girls (of which there were many, and quite nice-looking) stepped out onto the stage and proceeded to dance up a storm with the band -- you could tell that Alan White loved this, and even the ever-serious Maestro Howe couldn't help but grin -- it was a memorable moment, and a powerful testament to the positiveness and the wonderful life-spirit of Yes music. As to the rest of the concert, the personal highlight for me was "Gates of Delirium" (played flawlessly) -- this is an extremely complex piece of music (aren't they all?), and the orchestra, especially in the percussion section, was very, very tight and locked in with the band -- fantastic job.
All in all, a must-have DVD for any Yes fan, and a perfect introduction to the band for any novice. Buy this, folks, especially you younger ones that were raised on Grunge and Rap --this is the way rock music was written and played before it became a crime to play one's instrument well, and before it became unfashionable to actually have a positive outlook on life.
Movie Review: Well worth the money
Summary: 5 Stars
Yeah, its kind of late to be entering a new review, especially since I bought this DVD the day it was released. But hey, I got inspired. This DVD isn't perfect, for all the reasons that others have noted (Steve's lack of stage presence, his weak electric guitar tone, less-than-perfect sound mix), but as a visual and aural record of an amazing tour, and as a statement of what Yes has accomplished during its career, this is absolutely perfect.
And that's what one wants out of truly artistic music, right? When the sum somehow magically transcends the individual parts? Yes has managed to make a career out of true transcendance. Or, "Ascension" rather.
Other reviewers have mentioned other highlights ("Starship Trooper", "Gates of Delirium", "Close to the Edge", etc.), but I wanted to point out two others. The first is "In the Presence Of." When I saw the band on this tour in Atlanta, I didn't particularly care for this song at all, except for the fourth section (the "sacred ground" part). When the album came out, I liked this song even less. But for some reason I kept listening to it. Eventually, I got used to it and started liking it quite a bit. But when I first heard (and saw) the version on this DVD, I was blown away. This song truly does transcend. There are parts where the orchestra and Steve's guitar reach this peak where you feel like you're soaring. This song now never fails to sweep me up when I hear it, whether it be the version here or on the album (MAGNIFICATION).
My other highlight is "Ritual". This of course originally came from TALES FROM TOPOGRAPHIC OCEANS, and is sort of the culmination of that album. It's an astounding piece of music, compositionally speaking. Originally 21 minutes, their live arrangement has always been closer to 30. The most inspired and exciting moment of any Yes concert is when the band breaks out into the percussion feature, and the orchestra comes in with that chord that just keeps building and building as the band is wailing away on various drums...and then it all comes to this great crashing climax where everything stops while Steve comes in on guitar with this single note...that constrast between the thunderous excitement and then that almost bittersweet loneliness of Steve's guitar is a crushing moment, and literally brought tears to my eyes on the "Masterworks" tour.
And that's another thing that one wants from truly artistic music: something that has the power to move the listener emotionally, spiritually...to make one's spirit leave the physical world for a little while and soar to another plane...
*That's* that reason to buy this DVD.
Alan
Movie Review: Masters of Time !!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
Magico,Increible, Maravilloso. Este es el Mundo de Yes y su musica se muestra mas vital que nunca.Puede pasar el tiempo, las modas efimeras tuvieron su minuto de gloria, pero ese mismo tiempo pone las cosas en su lugar, y solo lo verdadero y artistico perdura a traves de los años. Hoy este Yes es tan importante como el que grabo "Yessongs", con menos prensa , menos volumenes de venta, menos pelo PERO MUCHOS MAS SABIOS. Este Concierto de Amsterdam con la Orquesta es una muestra mas de la grandiosidad de su musica, aqui la Orquesta cumple su labor dando un nuevo color a los temas interpretados, sin intencion de reemplazar a los teclados, aqui ejecutados magistralmente pot Tom Brislim, un joven amante de la banda que toca absolutamente todo de una manera soberbia, la energia que emana en su interpretacion lo hace disfrutar como si fuera un fan arriba del escenario. Jon sigue con su misma VOZ, unica e inimitable, el es el maestro de ceremonia. Llega a los registros altos de una manera sorprendente, demostrando una vitalidad que muchos desearian poseer. Alan White es una maquina perfecta, su fuerza y exactitud llevan constantemente al grupo adelante. Steve Howe ya logro la categoria de "MAESTRO" de la guitarra. Cada dia toca mejor y su evolucion parece no detenerse, sigue abriendo caminos y no deja de sorprendernos con su virtuosiosmo.Y dejo para el final al "Jefe": Chris Squire. Su actuacion es soberbia, literalmente "rompe" el bajo y se hace fuego en cada interpretacion. Es un verdadero showman que se divierte en un escenario y transmite una energia contangiante. Asi como Jon es la VOZ, Squire es el "CORAZON" de la banda.Los temas para destacar son los tres epicos que se tocaron durante la gira de "Yesymphonic"; "Close to the Edge","Gates of Delirium (sublime)y "Ritual" ( estremecedora. La fuerza qe logran cuando tocan instrumentos percusivos toda la banda menos Howe es un momento conmovedor). Todo el repertorio es magnifico y la puesta en escena es simple y efectiva. El sonido de este DVD es excelente, el balance de los instrumentos es justo y permite apreciar con sutileza la labor de la Orquesta, la cual tiene pasajes espectaculares, brillando con luz propia.
En definitiva, este es el mejor DVD que saco YES, de un Concierto irrepetible y magico. Yo tuve la suerte de vivirlo en vivo en Milan en la misma gira y les puedo asegurar que el DVD capta perfectamente el clima vivido en el concierto. La labor de las camaras es insuperable y la calidad de sonido,insisto, es de lo mejor que se pudo haber logrado.
Por favor, no se pierdan este DVD. Es una absoluta Obra de Arte.
Movie Review: Amazing.
Summary: 5 Stars
This is, as many others have said and will continue to say, a terrific album and well worth the money. I get chills when I hear Alan playing innovative fills (for once) in Starship Trooper. Gates of Delirium just blows me away. I could probably watch this DVD 4 or 5 times without stopping. It's just that good. With that in mind, I'm going to pick out some of the details and blow them out of proportion for the sake of illumination. I'm an audiophile, so little things stand out to me.
1. Close to the Edge is my favorite song, but they need to put more energy into it; they keep slowing it down. This is mostly in the beginning, but later it gets better.
2. I do have a problem with the mixing. Although some people like it, Jon's voice is just too loud, and there needs to be more bass, keys, and symphony. After all, this is Yes Symphonic.
3. Owner of a Lonely Heart is the worst-performed song on there. The song is designed for a thick, aggressive sound (think House of Yes), and when you put Chris's square white bass (which is not adjusted well, sound-wise, as opposed to his Rickenbacker) in with, frankly, lazy guitar playing by Steve, along with keyboards that are half the volume they should be, or less, with Alan playing as tight-hattedly as possible, you end up with a very thin, weak sound.
4. There really needs to be more keyboard sound. Really. I know it's the third time I've mentioned it, but it's true. Guitar, vocals, and drums do NOT make up the entire group, they don't make up 80% of the group, they are 3 entities out of 5 (plus the orchestra). The other guys should have their say. After all, they're virtuosos, too.
5. I made a remark about Alan hardly ever playing innovative fills. I didn't really mean for that to sound negative or critical; it's more of a rejoicing that he put in something really cool rather than just supportive. I listen to a lot of Yes and I hear all sorts of places that he could just throw in a few beats of wildness and get away with it, but he very, very rarely does. Not a crack against his abilities (he's a friggin' genius), I just think he should break out of his box a little more.
As I said before, I'm making mountains out of molehills. This really is a great DVD and I would readily recommend it to anyone who likes Yes. Yes has always been an amazing band and they'll continue to be, if not in person then through their great legacy of recordings.
Movie Review: YES! SMPHONIC LIVE! ONE OF THEIR BEST!
Summary: 5 Stars
I am a little baffled by some of the bad reviews for this concert DVD. 'Yes - Symphonic Live' is without a doubt a winner all the way around. The orchestra only adds to the magic of this inspired performance that features some beloved classics as well as some very impressive newer songs. I kind of lost track of Yes in recent years as well as many classic bands during the early 2000 period. After watching this video, I have since gone back to fill in the blanks. When I watch stuff like this, I am saddened by the knowledge that bands like this are going extinct. There is so little out there in the world of music that will be remembered in 20 years. 'Yes' is a band that has stood the test of time and has only gotten their due from the legion of fans that know great music(and musicians)when they here it(them).
'In the Presence of' is probably my favorite performance on this DVD with it's sweeping melody and inspirational lyrics. Even someone who isn't very spiritual will find it hard not be moved by this beautiful piece of music. Being a bass and guitar player, it would be nice to see more of Squire, but most bass players get the short end of the stick when it comes to camera time on video anyway. We also get some good shots of the orchestra which seem to really be into the music and do a fine job enhancing, but not overshadowing the core band.
I recently saw an edited version of this show on HDNET which looked awesome. The DVD looks very good, but seems washed out by comparison to the HD version which is not available on Blu Ray....yet. These guys aren't getting any younger, but they play here with inspired feeling. Jon's voice is in great form, Squire is.....well he's Chris Squire, one of the greatest bassist ever....ditto for Howe on Guitar! While either plays like a teenager anymore, they both can still play with the best of them.
The sound quality on this set is very good, maybe a little brassy when turned up really loud, but the mix is even and I could hear everyone fairly well. The second disc is a bit of a disappointment as the feature is pretty lackluster and the video for Don't Go is almost like watching the concert version again....hardly enough to dedicate an entire disc to.
If you haven't seen this 'Yes' concert and you're a fan, then you should really like this one....just don't expect 'Yes' performing like they're in their 20's.