----------------------------------------------------- NOVEMBER 4, 2001 ----------------------------------------------------- Source: Warsaw Voice http://www.warsawvoice.pl/v680/Buzz05.html Yes in Warsaw By Magda Kuszewska "It's so wonderful to be here in Warsaw," stated Jon Anderson, vocalist of prog-rock legend Yes. During the concert Oct. 27 the group was accompanied by The Yes Symphony Orchestra. The performance at Torwar arena lasted over two hours and began with the entire piece "Close to the Edge." The UK band has been around for 30 years. At present, the four members of the group are: charismatic vocalist Jon Anderson, guitar virtuoso Steve Howe, bassist Chris Squire and drummer Alan White. They have released over 30 records, which have sold 28 million copies worldwide, including the unforgettable Fragile and 90125 as well as their best album-Close to the Edge. Yes is famous for elaborate pieces played with energy and the ingenious lyrics of Anderson. In Warsaw the musicians proved that they were still in good shape. Thanking the fans in Polish, the vocalist captivated the audience throughout and after the third song was also willing to joke-singing the chorus of "Don't Go" through a speaking-tube. But "The Gates of Delirium" and "Owner of the Lonely Heart" proved to be the most popular songs. Other songs which received ovations included "Mood for a Day," "The Clap," and "Ritual." Howe's solo guitar performance, dedicated to his wife, turned out to be quite a show of virtuosity. The band played for the first time in Poland in 1998 at Kongresowa Hall. They returned this time as part of their Yessymphonic tour, which started its European leg in Vienna. A day before the concert in Warsaw, Yes played at Spodek stadium in Katowice. Faithful fans turned out at Torwar arena and although the audience consisted mostly of the musicians' peers, there was also quite a number of listeners younger than many Yes songs. The concert confirmed the group's taste for rock and classical fusion. Yes also presented a few songs from their latest studio album Magnification, recorded with a symphony orchestra and released this autumn. Yes's output has the qualities of a good wine-it gets better with age. Anderson contributes a great deal with his characteristic voice. He has also recorded solo albums and has been a guest performer with numerous artists such as Mike Oldfield and Vangelis. Close Window YesInThePress.com For site comments, problems, corrections, or additions, contact YesinthePress@aol.com