------------------------------------------------------- AUGUST 19, 2004 ------------------------------------------------------- Source: “Le Journal de Montréal, p. 50 Contributed and Translated by Guy Chevrier, Montréal, Québec. Intact, YES goes back very well through time By Philippe Rezzonico After The Doors and Deep Purple, that we’ve seen the last couple of weeks, here is another group from the past, Yes, who were at the Bell Center, yesterday, to go back through time. Contrary to the aforementioned bands though, Yes was in town with its 1973 formation, TFTO era: Jon Anderson (Vocals), Steve Howe (Guitars), Chris Squire (Bass guitars), Rick Wakeman (Keyboards) and Alan White (Drums). Yes having no new recordings to defend, the fans got a bunch of classics, primarily coming from Going For The One and The Yes Album. After the Stravinsky’s Firebird opening, which permitted the deployment of big inflatables balloons, evoking the sky (the big bird), the earth, waves and the sea, the veterans opened with a beautiful melodic trio (Going for the One, Sweet Dreams, I’ve Seen All Good People). Even more than in 2001 - then accompanied by a symphonic orchestra - Anderson’s voice went very high, without effort. If Wakeman’s comeback gave depth to a lot of titles, especially in the formidable South Side of the Sky, it was Howe who was in olympic shape, even if he looks more and more like a living dead. His slide lick during Going for the One and his brilliant solo in Yours is No Disgrace, wonderfully reworked, were staggering. The sympathetic bearded man from the first row, completely ecstatic, couldn’t stand it. Modified Past Yes has even modified its past. Installed downstage, they offered themselves some “acoustic” versions, says Anderson. If Long Distance Runaround found a new breath offered this way, it’s the Roundabout version, “Montreal Blues Shuffle” way, as described by Squire, that was the most astonishing. Effectively full of roots inspiration, the classic almost looked like coming from a Clapton’s drawer. Yes, a progressive band, who permits itself those kinds of excursions? We’ve seen everything. Very sucessful. Close Window YesInThePress.com For site comments, inquiries, corrections, or additions, contact yitp@yesservices.com