------------------------------------------------------- SEPTEMBER 2, 1972 ------------------------------------------------------- Source: Billboard Magazine YES: Long Beach Arena, Long Beach, California Far removed from the mainstream of contemporaneous rock lies a musical oasis so unlike anything preceding it as to be termed revolutionary. The group is Yes and they put on a show that is an overwhelming affirmation of the potentialities of rock as an art form. Each member of the group is a virtuose performer and the fusion of their unique talents is indeed a rare and beautiful thing. From the moment they ascended the stage bathed in the mini-glow of thousands of matches, until their departure an hour later, there was not a moment that was not filled to overflowing with the glorious texture of their melodies. Jon Anderson's small boy's voice is winsomely plaintive, weaving enchanting harmonic patterns that weave into a rare oneness with the instrumental passages. Bassist Chris Squire (cloaked in an amazing multi-tiered cape) leads a magnificently flamboyant visual note, while guitarist Steve Howe plays in an irresistibly meticulous fashion. Rick Wakeman's extended moog introduction to "Roundabout" provided the audience with a glimpse of that rare edge of excellence that so distinguishes the group as a whole. Special note should be made of the more than capable percussion work of Alan White who has been with the group barely two weeks. The set includes flashes from the "Fragile" and "Yes" albums and two songs from the soon to be released "Close To The Edge" LP. Close Window YesInThePress.com For site comments, inquiries, corrections, or additions, contact yitp@yesservices.com