----------------------------------------------------- JANUARY 2002 ----------------------------------------------------- Source: Rock et Folk (France) Yes, November 26th, 2001: Olympia Theatre, Paris By Denis Dorel Translated by Isabelle Hevras Yes are back at the Olympia hardly more than a year after their previous concert there. Jon Anderson, Steve Howe, Chris Squire and Alan White present their new album" Magnification" and are accompanied by a new keyboardist, a classical orchestra, and a conductor. The concert begins with "Close to the Edge", one of their purple passages, which covers the entire side of a vinyl record. The group successively play their "pièces de résistance" -- "Long Distance Runaround," "Ritual" with its flood of percussion, "The Gates of Delirium," "And You and I." Their amazing skill would probably irritate lovers of " garage" music, but here it strikes the middle-aged and even senior audience dumb with admiration. People burst into applause and give the group a standing ovation even before the end of each piece. Steve Howe treats the audience to a solo piece on his acoustic guitar and Jon remembers that Yes first played at the Olympia Theatre in 1968. The orchestra blends discreetly with Yes's classic and new repertoires since the mixing sets it back from the group. Yes achieve what Deep Purple have failed to do for thirty years: a harmonious fusion between pop music and classical music. Their progressive rock combines naturally with a symphony orchestra. As a curtain call and a conclusion to almost three hours of music, Yes give " Roundabout" without the orchestra, just to regain rock credibility. Close Window YesInThePress.com For site comments, problems, corrections, or additions, contact YesinthePress@aol.com