------------------------------------------------------- AUGUST 22, 2004 ------------------------------------------------------- Source: Atlantic City Press, Leisure Section Contributed by Vic YES Reaffirms Status as Prog-Rock Titans in Borgata Concert By Scott Cronick Atlantic City -- Yes, they still have it. After 35 years, the godfathers of all progressive music showed Atlantic City that age is not a factor when it comes to playing quirky, innovative music that fans around the world adore. The lights and speakers weren’t the only things rocking on an extremely windy night at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa’s outdoor stage. Slightly fewer than 4,000 people were entranced as the five members of Yes proved they are worthy of the distinction of “finest group of rock musicians to ever assemble in one band” ­ even if Yes strangely has not yet been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Playing their first gig after a short Canadian jaunt, Yes shocked the audience by opening with a classic the band rarely plays, “Close to the Edge.” Not many bands could get away opening with a 25-minute version of any song, but Yes did just that as guitarist Steve Howe’s fingers massaged his guitar strings with dizzying speed and grace, and the rest of the band showed off their still-intact vocal harmonies and musical prowess. Another surprise followed as Yes ripped into a 10-minute, funky jammy version of Simon & Garfunkel’s “America,” which the band featured on the 1975 album “Yesterdays.” The crowd was beside itself. The rest of the night stayed pretty close to form to Yes’ 35th anniversary tour. There were many stellar moments, including “South Side of the Sky,” wedged between a rocking opening and closing of the fan-favorite “mind Drive.” Other popular highlights included a trippy, hippie rendition of “I’ve Seen All Good People” and the first-set closer “Awaken,” a solid song that suffered from an unusually boring solo session in the middle. Yes also offered a five-song acoustic set in the two-hour, 15-minute show, with Howe and bassist Chris Squire sporting acoustic version of their weapons, keyboardist Rick Wakeman on a miniature baby grand piano and drummer Alan White, wearing a kilt, on a small kit. Howe’s instrumental “The Clap” was mesmerizing. Three of Yes’ biggest hits, “Long Distance Runaround,” “Wonderous Stories” and a bluesy version of “Roundabout,” were all great -­ with the exception of “Stories,” which was a little off vocally. The acoustic set closed with “Owner of a Lonely Heart,” which was played well, but is truly a mediocre song. For some reason, the band decided to close with an unspectacular cover of The Beatles’ “Every Little Thing.” With such a huge catalog, a second cover in a 15-song repertoire was unnecessary, especially since the band left out some real gems, including “Starship Trooper,” “Going for the One” and “Yours Is No Disgrace.” Vocalist/percussionist Jon Anderson started off the evening with a little rasp in his voice that seemed to disappear by the second song. Still able to it some pretty impressive notes, the high-pitched singer possesses a dynamic stage presence that demands your attention despite the distraction of his bandmates’ skilled playing. Unfortunately, Yes’ second scheduled concert here Saturday was canceled because of weak ticket sales, showing the band may not be as popular as it once was. But Friday’s show displayed a classic band in peak form having fun showing no signs of calling it quits. That’s a good thing. If music fans think Yes is the most self-indulgent band to ever gain popularity, they should have checked out opening act Dream Theater, a prog-metal outfit full of spectacular musicians who often sacrifice the strength of their songs for overblown solos. Granted, Dream Theater may be as musically talented as anyone out there, especially guitarist John Petrucci and keyboardist Jordan Rudess, but the band’s eight-song 60-minute set was definitely hit and miss as the band leaned more toward showing off than presenting their great songs. Led by vocalist James LaBrie, a cross between Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson and Queensryche’s Geoff Tate, Dream Theater had moments of brilliance and moments of boredom. LaBrie particularly nailed “Learning to Live,” and the band really showed their skills during “Stream of Consciousness.” It was Dream Theater’s set list that was disturbing. Straying from the heavier tunes and oly playing one song off their last album, Dream Theater leaned heavily toward their “Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence” material and left out great songs like “Metropolis, Part 1” and “A Change of Seasons.” It would be nice to see Dream Theater return when they are able to play a full set of the material they have become known for. Close Window YesInThePress.com For site comments, inquiries, corrections, or additions, contact yitp@yesservices.com