Simon Barrow

Sunday, June 1, 2014 4:25 PM

Not having been able to get to any of the more recent shows outside Europe, it was over two-and-a-half years since I had seen Yes (several gigs on the UK leg of the ‘Fly From Here’ Europe tour). A late decision to squeeze in this Southend gig was facilitated by Colin Wain, who had a couple of spare tickets. Many thanks, Colin.

Negotiating the tube strike in London, where I had meetings earlier in the day, meant arriving just in time for the start of the concert – so I thought. I rushed in at 7.50pm, only to discover that the concert had begun almost bang on time at 7.35pm, and I’d missed a good chunk of Close to Edge!

My seat was at the front of the upper circle, which provided a good, unobstructed view of the whole stage. The set, lights and projections work well. The sound lacked a little dynamism from where I was sitting and Geoff Downes keyboards seemed rather muffled in the mix. Perhaps because of the stress of getting to the venue in time, it took me a little time to feel fully absorbed in the music – but this was a well-staged, well-rehearsed and well-performed show. The Yes Album comes across particularly well and with the almost obligatory ‘Roundabout’ encore provides a fitting finale.

Following comments from previous tours, the band have picked up the pace of numbers like Yours Is No Disgrace and paid careful attention to the sound modelling and structure of each song from three classic albums – introducing, for example, a modulated down ending to ‘All Good People’ which draws on the original album version while adapting it to the needs of live performance.

Chris Squire and Steve Howe were on decent form musically, with the big bass man also seeming to have lost at least a couple of pounds over the past six months. Geoff Downes handled a variety of parts thoughtfully, adopting a characteristically textural approach with flourishes where needed. Jon Davison was well on top of the vocal parts technically, and has an obvious love of the music as well as a calm and confident stage presence. Alan White continues to keep things moving in a solid and unobtrusive way, though he looked exhausted at the end.

People have commented on the quiet audience this evening. That was true. I have no problem with this, as I’m there to listen to and watch the band, rather than be distracted by yelling and dad-dancing. Overall, a really good concert from a band who continue to defy their jaundiced detractors and who can still deliver not just memories but creativity in their later years.

Squonk

Friday, May 2, 2014 12:50 PM

The crowd is quiet, not out of respect, but because the band has no energy to get anyone excited anymore. Plus the crowd is afraid Steve Howe will yell at them for making noise during the quiet parts. Use to be total pandemonium. This show is YES music, not YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In 1977 during the quiet parts of Close to the Edge the crowd was going nuts!!! Steve Howe was into the pandemonium. Now he tells people to shut up.

A Venture

Thursday, May 1, 2014 6:47 AM

Enjoyable show in an intimate setting, with a 'polite and respectful' audience (i.e quiet).

The show followed the same sequence as Oxford ; CTTE, GFTO, TYA. Personally, I would start with TYA - with a 7.30 pm start , the crowd aren't ready for the emotion of CTTE, they need to liven up first and YIND would get things moving.

The band were excellent. Lots of comments have been made over recent years about tempo. It wasn't slow, it wasn't fast, it was right ! I put this down to Alan & Chris who were quite superb all night. I sat a couple of rows back in front of Chris and , ignoring the obligatory eyeful, his playing was fantastic - the best I've seen and heard him for quite a while. He seemed up in the mix, a delight to me. Alan was driving hard and looked completely knackered at the end.

Geoff seemed happier with TYA and CTTE , still more familiar I guess. I do wish he'd slow it down a little from time to time, sometimes he seems in a rush to get through what should be fantastic opportunities for him to shine/show off - particularly when he so loves the camera!

Steve - 'as good as always' is a huge compliment, still energetic and enthusiastic with a few icy stares to keep crew and band in check. For me, this was the best rendition of Clap I've ever witnessed - clean, crisp, great sound that filled the room.

OK, this was the first time I've seen Jon D. I understand everything that's been said - he has a passion for the music and a great relationship with the band. Unlike others who have been 'mesmorised' watching him, I wasn't - but, that's not a negative. His vocal ability was such that I felt we had a safe keeper; it inspired confidence in the rest of the band. It may sound daft, but there was something 'exciting' about Benoit (and Trevor H) - like playing jeopardy! Jon D is note perfect which, for me, meant that I could concentrate on the music and the playing. However Jon D did manage a little nod to JA by forgetting the lyrics in Awaken ! That's the stuff we want - not too perfect please !!!

All in all, a good night. If I tell you that only 2 people (including moi) stood for Roundabout, you'll get the drift about the atmosphere. Very respectful, but a bit quiet!