------------------------------------------------------- DECEMBER 19, 2003 ------------------------------------------------------- Source: PRWeb http://www.prweb.com/releases/2003/12/prwebxml95122.php YES documentary DVD 'Yesspeak' set for Jan. 27 release on Classic Pictures VISIONARY CAREER OF ROCK PIONEERS YES HIGHLIGHTED ON DOCUMENTARY DVD 'YESSPEAK' SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE BY CLASSIC PICTURES ON JANUARY 27, 2004 35 YEARS OF HISTORY CHRONICLED ON 2-DVD, 3-HOUR SET NARRATED BY THE WHO'S ROGER DALTREY FREE POSTER DESIGNED BY ROGER DEAN IS AVAILABLE (PRWEB) December 19 2003--For more than 35 years, Yes has enjoyed a remarkable career as one of the most popular and innovative rock bands in the world. The British group pioneered the progressive rock movement and is the only one left from those original days that is still a truly relevant, vital, arena-filling attraction worldwide. The classic line-up of vocalist Jon Anderson, guitarist Steve Howe, keyboardist Rick Wakeman, bass guitarist Chris Squire and drummer Alan White is revered collectively by a musically diverse fan base, while each member is highly respected and honored for his individual talent. Yes' storied history is examined on the two-DVD documentary 'Yesspeak' scheduled for North American release by Classic Pictures on January 27, 2004. Written and directed by Robert Garofalo and narrated by The Who vocalist Roger Daltrey, a longtime personal friend of the band, 'Yesspeak' spans three hours and features exclusive footage filmed in Europe in 2003, the 35th anniversary of the band. All facets of Yes are explored including the members' thoughts on their music and their personal lives as well as a look at life on the road. Yes has long been studied and analyzed by rock historians and journalists, but never before has the band told its own fascinating story in such intimate and honest detail. Special features include an audio-only option capturing the entire 150-minute music set in both Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Stereo sound configurations. The DVD's video format is 16:9 widescreen and the audio configuration options are Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS and Dolby Stereo. Also, a free poster designed by Roger Dean (widely known for creating the Yes logo and several album covers for the band) is available from www.yesposters.com. The 10 chapter titles on 'Yesspeak' are: "Sacred Ground," "Full Circle," "There's Always Been a Yes," "Spotlight on Chris," "Spotlight on Jon," "Spotlight on Steve," "Spotlight on Alan," "Spotlight on Rick," "On the Road" and "Yes Music." Classic Yes songs included on 'Yesspeak' are: "Siberian Khatru," "Magnification," "Don't Kill the Whale," "In The Presence Of: I. Deeper, II. Death of Ego, III. True Beginner, IV. Turn Around and Remember," "We Have Heaven," "South Side of the Sky," "And You and I," "To Be Over/Clap," "Show Me," "Rick Wakeman Solo: I. Intro to Catherine of Aragon, II. Celtic Jig, III. Jane Seymour," "Heart of the Sunrise," "Long Distance Runaround," "The Fish," "Awaken," "I've Seen All Good People: I. Your Move, II. All Good People," "Roundabout," "Yours Is No Disgrace" and "No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed." In addition to Wakeman, the other band members have solo spotlight performances: "To Be Over/Clap" (Howe), "Show Me" (Anderson) and "The Fish" (Squire and White). Experimentation and artistic consistency often don't go hand in hand but Yes is the exception. Every stylistic phase of the band's career -- and every line-up -- has challenged and excited fans. The 35th anniversary activities will continue in 2004 in North America with two other major projects in addition to 'Yesspeak.' An arena tour is slated for April and May as is the January release of the two-CD compilation 'The Ultimate Yes - 35th Anniversary Collection,' already a bestseller in the UK. A special bonus CD will introduce five more songs into the stunning Yes canon: the brand new track "Show Me," never-before-heard acoustic rerecordings of "Roundabout" and "South Side of the Sky," Howe's solo piece "Australia" and Squire's adaptation of Antonin Dvorak's "New World Symphony." The raw statistics of Yes' career -- Grammy Award winner, sales of more than 40 million albums worldwide, endless accolades for virtuosos Anderson, Howe, Wakeman, Squire and White, etc. -- are important facts to know, but even more important is the totality of the band's broad appeal. Quite simply, Yes is revered by everyone from fellow musicians to music critics who might often not respect others painted with the broad "progressive rock" brush stroke. Here are a few telling quotes from Yes fans who are successful musicians in their own right: "To this day Yes remains totally unique in music history, with so many incredible songs and performances, gorgeously melodic and psychedelic" -- Matthew Sweet, solo artist and vocalist/guitarist of The Thorns. "Insane - beautiful - over the top, timeless music, what more could you ask for?" -- Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins. "So few groups celebrate musical freedom the way Yes did. The depth of their music is still as shocking to me today as it was to me as a little kid" -- Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante. 'Yesspeak' is that rare historical document that allows the subject to tell its own story more clearly and accurately than any outside observer ever could. Yes speaks, and we eagerly listen. Close Window YesInThePress.com For site comments, inquiries, corrections, or additions, contact yitp@yesservices.com