------------------------------------------------------- OCTOBER 9, 1971 ------------------------------------------------------- Source: Sounds, p. 28 (from the Legendary Roxi Collection) A Powerful Performance By Martin Kirkup Starting their twenty-five-city tour in Leicester, Yes has revealed all the qualities that have led to their rise in stature over the last year. Having rehearsed in the De Montford Hall since ten in the morning, the band were fully prepared to give their best, and facing a packed audience which had been much more than just warmed up by the amiable Jonathan Swift, they extended themselves in a powerful 90-minute performance. Musically they were devious but always dynamic, unique in their ability to combine music which is often so complex and intricate, with an approach so full of zest and attack. Their sense of drama combines with their instrumental ability to maintain excitement, which is given a lasting quality by the expressive lyrics and vocals. It says a lot for the band that their performance of old songs excelled the recorded versions, and it says even more that their five new numbers with the best of the evening. The new songs showed how Rick Wakeman's addition has broadened a Yes's scope; sitting among a cluster of keyboards he always contributed strongly, especially to the long new work "Heart Of The Sunrise". For his solo he played a beautiful Brahms piece, using all three instruments, while Steve Howe's acoustic excursion on "Mood For A Day" matched it in virtuosity. Their work on the other two long pieces from the-coming LP "Fragile" fitted perfectly into the structures determined by Chris Squires (sic) ofand Bill Burford, while Jon Anderson's vocals have acquired a new strength. An evening of fine music which fully deserved the five-minute standing ovation it received after the encore. Close Window YesInThePress.com For site comments, inquiries, corrections, or additions, contact yitp@yesservices.com