Jean-Jacques Massé

Monday, December 16, 2019 5:15 AM

My first Yes gig

Mmm, the venue is a large place specialized in fairs and exhibitions. Metal and concrete walls that send back the sound after a second. I can’t think of a worst setting. Well, here we go. Tex Avery (Señor Droopy, 1949). Don’t get me wrong, I love Avery, but I was expecting Stravinsky (or Britten). First disappointment. Then, remember, in 83 we all thought Yes was dead, then reborn and forced ourselves to like, even to love this 90125. And this Rabin could play and said he would cover Relayer or any other old piece… The fact is, he’s not Howe & 90125 is second rate Yes that allowed them to get hits, go rich and go on. OK. That said, I am impressed by the sloping scene and the quality of vocals, nearly perfect (certainly not their clothes...). The tracks are long, sometimes tiresome and the old numbers, as it would become the norm, an easy unsurprising best of.
Kaye, replaceable by anyone, delivering some Bach. Rabin over fretting, always showing off. The three wise men, impeccable, especially the tremendous bass, of course.
OK, loud and clear but a bit frustrating, overall with the worst sound I ever heard onstage (till then and since).