Cover band "issues"

[b***@gmail.com]

After experiencing what was perhaps the best Yes concert in 20 years, I take Jon to task on his "cover band" dismissal. I've lost respect for him for that.

I could go through a (very) long list of who has--and has not--played parts originally played by other musicians.

Considering that ARW has never composed music together as a unit, and will have third party drummer and bassist, how realistic is this comment?

OK, Jon has composed with Rick -- periodically -- but not as much as with Chris, Steve. Jon basically came in and "covered" 90125. The only serious writing he did with Trevor was "Talk".

I'm confident that the ARW show will be magnificent, and I look forward to "updated versions" or what may, at times, be medleys of better known song segments.

So, anyone want that very long list of "cover band" songs....

We can start with "Time and a Word" and create a very long list after that as to what formation of Yes played what, and who the original musician(s) were on the songs.

****When Alan returns, you will have 4 out of 5 musicians that have at been in Yes, and can list things from there.****

How long have Tony Kaye, Bill Bruford, Peter Banks parts been "covered"? And so on. How much of the 90125 tour was a "cover band".

I know, I've said the same thing several different ways. However, Jon, that was your Clinton/Trump moment.

Still like you, and you sounded great with Ronnie. Being "present" doesn't mean knocking the other guys.... OK, your feelings are hurt and you believe that you alone are Yes... but.....

[b***@gmail.com]

BIG OOPS. It was Rick who referred to "cover band". Well, he always spoke his mind......

[Adam]

Post by b***@gmail.com
BIG OOPS. It was Rick who referred to "cover band". Well, he always spoke his mind......

I can understand why he (or Jon even more so) would feel that way.
However, I saw the current lineup about two weeks ago, and I was amazed at
how good they were. Much has been posted here in the past, often very
harshly but perhaps not inaccurately, about slowed tempos and an aging
rhythm section. With Schellen on drums and Sherwood playing really
excellent Squire-inspired bass, this is a non-issue on the current go
round. I was skeptical myself, but the band was *much* better than when I
saw them in 2012. The show I saw this time out was on a par with their
best. Steve Howe appeared to have been energized by the challenge and was
visibly enjoying himself, something also not in evidence in 2012 and for
some time before then. I almost didn't bother going, but I am now very
glad that I took the chance.

Whether they call the current band Yes, or Circa, or Billy And The Bangers,
I would go see them again any time, provided that I had the $$ and the
opportunity. Especially if they continued playing such a large percentage
of material that has not often been done live.

[Simon Barrow]

Post by Adam

Post by b***@gmail.com
BIG OOPS. It was Rick who referred to "cover band". Well, he always spoke his mind......

I can understand why he (or Jon even more so) would feel that way.
However, I saw the current lineup about two weeks ago, and I was amazed at
how good they were. Much has been posted here in the past, often very
harshly but perhaps not inaccurately, about slowed tempos and an aging
rhythm section. With Schellen on drums and Sherwood playing really
excellent Squire-inspired bass, this is a non-issue on the current go
round. I was skeptical myself, but the band was *much* better than when I
saw them in 2012. The show I saw this time out was on a par with their
best. Steve Howe appeared to have been energized by the challenge and was
visibly enjoying himself, something also not in evidence in 2012 and for
some time before then. I almost didn't bother going, but I am now very
glad that I took the chance.
Whether they call the current band Yes, or Circa, or Billy And The Bangers,
I would go see them again any time, provided that I had the $$ and the
opportunity. Especially if they continued playing such a large percentage
of material that has not often been done live.

Quite agree. For me they have upped their game significantly compared to 2014. Jon D, Billy and now Jay have injected fresh vigour into the band.

[b***@gmail.com]

Thanks for the affirmation. They are very, very much "alive".

One can only hope they all get together in a room, as Steve seemingly insists, to write new music together. Personally, I thought that Jon D. was the major motivation to Heaven and Earth, and, despite the wonderful "Fly from Here" suite, that H&E is the better recording.

Steve and Jon, as well as Chris and Geoff and Alan, are masterful on the first two tracks. And there is no fluff, no matter how many bashed whatever song.

The band is vital, and is in top form. Steve will outlive cockroaches, so eventually it is a matter of how he, Billy, and Geoff congeal.

I just purchased Divided by 1 by Sherwood, and was _seriously_ impressed as to how he has progressed on guitar and keyboards. His singing as best as I ever remember from World Trade. The drums are coming up as well. I have serious respect for how anyone can have that many parts in his head at a time.

Better than Citizen, in a sense, because in that case he (well) utilized outside talent -- to the best degree ever.

Funny thing is, like the Ladder House of Blues tour and CD, his voice adds fullness, but is so perfect in terms of pitch and tonation, that he is sometimes hard to distinctify. I pointed out to my wife how he sounded when he was solo in "moment" during Tales. He is pitch perfect, at his finest, and playing a killer bass. Sound could have been a little better -- I missed nuances others pointed out, however, we should get the inevitable live album...... and it would be one that I eagerly await. (I missed most of Drama due to late arrival.... catching end of Into the Lens--a personal favorite-- but a well orchestrated "Into the Light")

Anyway, I'm really hot about this tour and what the band is. Better than anything in the past 20 years.

[Adam]

Post by b***@gmail.com
Thanks for the affirmation. They are very, very much "alive".
One can only hope they all get together in a room, as Steve seemingly
insists, to write new music together. Personally, I thought that Jon D.
was the major motivation to Heaven and Earth, and, despite the wonderful
"Fly from Here" suite, that H&E is the better recording.
Steve and Jon, as well as Chris and Geoff and Alan, are masterful on the
first two tracks. And there is no fluff, no matter how many bashed whatever song.
The band is vital, and is in top form. Steve will outlive cockroaches, so
eventually it is a matter of how he, Billy, and Geoff congeal.
I just purchased Divided by 1 by Sherwood, and was _seriously_ impressed
as to how he has progressed on guitar and keyboards. His singing as best
as I ever remember from World Trade. The drums are coming up as well. I
have serious respect for how anyone can have that many parts in his head at a time.
Better than Citizen, in a sense, because in that case he (well) utilized
outside talent -- to the best degree ever.
Funny thing is, like the Ladder House of Blues tour and CD, his voice
adds fullness, but is so perfect in terms of pitch and tonation, that he
is sometimes hard to distinctify. I pointed out to my wife how he sounded
when he was solo in "moment" during Tales. He is pitch perfect, at his
finest, and playing a killer bass. Sound could have been a little better
-- I missed nuances others pointed out, however, we should get the
inevitable live album...... and it would be one that I eagerly await. (I
missed most of Drama due to late arrival.... catching end of Into the
Lens--a personal favorite-- but a well orchestrated "Into the Light")
Anyway, I'm really hot about this tour and what the band is. Better than
anything in the past 20 years.

Glad to hear others are having the same experience that I did.