----------------------------------------------------- NOVEMBER 5, 2002 ----------------------------------------------------- Source: Albany Times Union Oh Yes, what a performance By David Malachowski With an air of grandeur and spectacle, classic rock band Yes offered a stunning display of musicianship and epic tunes at the Pepsi. For the past few decades Yes has been no stranger to the Capital Region, but this visit featured the highly notable return of keyboardist Rick Wakeman, for the first time in almost 20 years. Many fans will argue about what was the definitive configuration of the band, but Wakeman's tenure might win the majority of votes (and was commercially a success as well) and not surprisingly, it was the tunes from this era that hit the hardest in the show. The Pepsi show began in traditional Yes style; the lights dimmed during the faint strains of Stravinsky's "Firebird Suite," at the crescendo, the band appeared and slammed into a blistering take of "Siberian Khatru," which didn't take long to become airborne. It was the perfect place to start, as they incorporated nearly all of Yes' signature moves in one song. Here master guitarist Steve Howe burned off his first dizzying solo of the night, his piercing sheet metal tone serpentined around Chris Squire's neo-barbaric bass line and Alan White's enormous back-beat. And prodigal son Wakeman was provided dazzling counterpoint with unparalleled technique, while Jon Anderson's angelic voice floated above all this musical mayhem, still as airy and innocent as ever -- a high pitched, carefully modulated voice unlike any in rock. They all looked well and healthy, albeit a bit long-in-the-tooth, spryly moving about the stage during an urgent "Magnification" and "Don't Kill the Whale" (this band was politically correct way before its time). Anderson talked in new age tones about "the energy around us" before the enchanting "In the Presence Of," while "South Side of the Sky" ended with a wicked guitar/keyboard duel. The 20 minutes-plus of "Close to the Edge" was simply stunning. Though rhythmically and harmonically complex, it still rocked, mainly because of White's intense groove. The only problem was, there were precious few to witness this musical magic -- a mere 4,247. Solo spots were done by all, from Howe's sparkling acoustic guitar segment, Wakeman's quasi-classical excursion, to Squire (especially fired up) who rolled up his sleeves before tossing out giant bass bombs during his mind-boggling solo "The Fish." "Heart of the Sunrise," with its electric energy and sweeping movements, was staggering, as was the mystical and bigger than life "Awaken." "Roundabout" was a joyous celebration, while "Starship Trooper" just burned. Surprisingly still valid, and undeniably inspiring, Yes was just magnificent. In a business where the value of instrumental prowess is quickly diminishing, for one night in Albany, the musician was king. YES When: 7:30 p.m. MondayWhere: Pepsi Arena, South Pearl Street, AlbanyMusical highlights: Blistering "Siberian Khatru," stunning "Close to the Edge," intense "Heart of the Sunrise," celebratory "Roundabout."Length: 2 80-minute sets.The crowd: 4,247 diehard fans. Close Window YesInThePress.com For site comments, problems, corrections, or additions, contact YesinthePress@aol.com