It\’s hard to believe that YES has been making music for as long as they have. One of my all-time favorite bands, their syncopated rhythms with changing time signatures, frenetic bass lines, virtuoso-like guitar solos, dramatic keyboards and unmistakable vocals are instantly recognizable… and never duplicated.
From the earliest days of \”I\’ve Seen All Good People\” to the last great era in the 80\’s, they created some of the most epic music of our time. With the exception of Jon Anderson, Steve Howe and Chris Squire, the band had a number of drummers and keyboard players over the years.
While no longer touring as a band, and with the tragic loss of bassist Squire a couple years back, YES now tours as two bands… neither one completely YES. But still incredibly talented musicians doing what they do best.
I just came across this live performance of \”Heart of the Sunrise\” from the Fragile album, circa 1972, and am blown away at how good Jon Anderson (at age 74?) still sounds!
He\’s accompanied by Rick Wakeman, arguably one of the best rock keyboard players of all time, and Trevor Rabin, who gave YES a new sound in 1983 for the 90125 Album (which holds up surprisingly well).
This is challenging music for those accustomed to the 3-chord wonders of pop radio. I suppose on the level that classical symphonies could pose challenging to those who grew up on rock and roll.
But put aside whatever you are doing for the next 10 minutes and allow the masterful musicianship of this performance with its driving rhythms, soaring melodies, and still-incredible leading voice of Jon Anderson take you to a place that no music today dares to go.