Jean-Jacques Massé

Monday, December 16, 2019 5:22 AM

My fifth Yes gig

The best by far, so far. Tiny Theatre in Monaco, built by Garnier, the first one I saw with windows opening up to the sea. Magical.
The gig is intense, though the intermission contributes to lower it down before TYA. I am completely shaken by CTTE & GFTO and particularly the latter & the opportunity to hear some of my favourites for the first time (“Parallels”) within the original, automatic memory sequence. Overall (but the first ten minutes) the sound is loud and excellent, particularly guitar and bass (with fretting noise when the bass IS too loud) and some guitar sounds too low (“SK”), too fuzzy (the pedal steel) or metallic (the acoustic), The Strat is exceptionally clear and strong.
The bosses : SH is in outstanding mood and form, his playing impeccable but the odd mismatch (one entire bar astray for the acoustic intro of “TOTC”, the “SK” riff not so precise & slightly off the rhythm pace !) CS of course, evident, prominent, the roots and the branches, everywhere (backing vocals, sub basses, rhythm, solo, all very loud and precise). AW is nice, not as powerful as could be, perhaps. Not a great sound either, plus a (too) small drum kit. Davison is good, no Anderson, but no problem. The melodies are so evident and he touches the high notes. One is bad, always the same, GD. Sorry but at every glitch (the piano intro of “Awaken”, ouch !) I cringe. Why on heaven or earth do they keep him ? Far from a founding member, maybe he is easy and goes along well with Howe’s decisions ? Too bad any Yes buff or session man could play better. Am I one of the few to see it that way ? Apart from him (and a limited light show) an overblowing concert ! Three albums and encores is indeed the best formula for me.