------------------------------------------------------- JUNE 2, 2004 ------------------------------------------------------- Source: National Public Radio: All Things Considered http://www.npr.org/display_pages/features/feature_1920058.html Prog-Rock's Return: The Lasting Appeal of Yes Contributed by Steve Brittenham The U.K. progressive rock band Yes is celebrating 35 years together. Members have come and gone and come again, but the band has a signature sound, full of time changes, electronic keyboards and a tight mix of guitar bass and drums. Music writer Tom Terrell says the white band from Britain had a strange attraction for black kids -- like him -- from New Jersey. [Note: At the URL above, there is a link to listen to the radio coverage of this story. The link was active as of 06/25/2004. We cannot guarantee how long the link will be available online.] TRANSCRIPTION of NPR AUDIO Transcribed by Michele Moore ANNOUNCER: In the winter of 1972, the song, "Roundabout," by Yes was a smash single in America. The song was unusual for top 40. It was full of shifting rhythms and tempos, as well as instrumental breaks. But that was not unusual for the growing progressive rock scene in England. Songs by other progressive rock bands, such as Pink Floyd and Genesis, would soon find their way onto the radio, their paths made easier by the success of Yes. Well, this year marks the band's 35th anniversary, and a new collection of their work sparked these memories from music critic, Tom Terrell. TOM TERRELL: They weren't the first progressive rock band. But thanks to the 1972 single "Roundabout," they were the first to conquer America's pop mainstream. I thought Yes's classical rock fusion was as white as pop music could get, until my Jersey homeys, Travis and Johnny, turned me on to "I've Seen All Good People," with its jazz, swingin', funky soul groove. Back in the '70s, a whole lot of Black college students were into Yes. As a matter of fact, every time Yes came to Philly, me, Travis, Johnny, and 40 other brothers and sisters would buy two rows on the floor. And when Yes played our song, "Heart of the Sunrise," we'd be high-fivin', Black-power salutin', and air-guitarin' until it was over. Forget Pink Floyd. Forget Genesis. The new triple CD set, "The Ultimate Yes 35th Anniversary Collection" proves beyond a doubt that Yes was... I mean, is... the funkiest, jazziest, deepest... the blackest U.K. prog rock band ever. Listen to "Owner of a Lonely Heart," and you'll understand why Sherman George Jefferson Hemsley, House Music Godfather Marshall Jefferson, and legions of Black fans have nothing but love for Yes. No question. Thirty-five years after they began, Yes is still giving up the funk! Close Window YesInThePress.com For site comments, inquiries, corrections, or additions, contact yitp@yesservices.com