------------------------------------------------------- JANUARY 9, 2004 ------------------------------------------------------- Source: The Courier-Post http://www.courierpostonline.com/news/entertainment/ecas010904a.htm Yes man Anderson launches solo tour By Chuck Darrow For years, if not decades, Jon Anderson "had this idea and dream about just going onstage and trying to entertain alone." But, admits the co-founder and lead singer of the British progressive-rock band Yes, there was something he didn't have. "Courage," says the 59-year-old Anderson who tonight opens a U.S. tour at Trump Marina. "I watched (fellow Yes Men) Steve (Howe) and Rick (Wakeman) and wished I could do it. "But I'm not such a good guitar player, so I had to wait until a couple of years ago, when this Roland MIDI-guitar came out. My wife got it for me, and it sort of got me going." According to Anderson, whose crystalline vocals and New Age-y lyrics are two of Yes' calling cards, the contraption synthesizes guitar parts to create soundscapes that seem to be emanating from multiple instruments. That, in turn, allows him to compensate for what he perceives as his instrumental deficiencies. Anderson's first solo tour should have happened a year or so earlier. But 13 months ago, he broke his back. Oddly, he credits the accident for giving him the physical and mental energy to pursue his solo-career dreams. "I've been told that the breaking of the back brings out a lot of powerful enzymes," he says. "I think that's true. I've been running around like a maniac." However, once he was able to get back to making music, he didn't reach for his guitar. "I started sitting at the piano, which I'd never done before," he recalls. "Before long, I said, `I think I have a show going.' " He describes that show as having "A lot to do with my musical history - and one or two crazy stories, of course." He adds that in addition to guitar and piano, he'll also play harp. For Anderson, whose lyrics have always emphasized uplift and optimism over cynicism and irony, his solo tour and upcoming work with Yes are meaningful beyond the realm of earning a living. Close Window YesInThePress.com For site comments, problems, corrections, or additions, contact YesinthePress@aol.com