Here's a link to the review of last night's gig with photos by me:
http://www.bristol247.com/channel/culture/music/reviews/review-yes-colston-hall
Never mind that. What we want to know is how much you enjoyed it! ;) Great photos, especially Mr Howe, BTW 8)
I was working, I was concentrating on my job. We were only allowed to shoot for the first song. Ok it was Machine Messiah so I had enough time. Colston Hall was all seated so there's no photo pit. Which means we can't shoot from in front only from the sides or from the back of the first blocks of seats and if you want to swap sides you have to go around the long way you can't walk in front of the first row of seats.
Once the first song was over, I left. Headed to train station had a 20minute wait so I looked at my photos and rated them in camera. I got to Cardiff and had a 45minute wait for my next train so I went for a pint. I got home at 11:30. Imported my photos into Lightroom which reads the ratings I gave the photos in camera and so I can organise lightroom to only show me those photos (32 photos in total (https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4bz8lUhkbLbYlBQcG8zbFNZckU)). I then apply a 16x9 crop (the website requires the photos at 800x450) and other generic adjustments ( clarity and noise reduction) to all those photos. Then I check each photo individually and do further adjustments if needed. After that I exported the photos at 800x450 and checked them. I deleted a couple either because I didn't like it (there was one where the mic stand was out of focus in the middle of the frame and was distracting, other got deleted because they were too similar to ones I kept) . So I sent around 25 photos to Robin who writes the review at 00:36 this morning. I then went to bed and got up at 06:25 for my day job.
So how much did I enjoy Yes. I didn't really see Yes. I heard one song while I was moving around taking photos I didn't really take it in.
Fair enough!
If you're on twitter you might have seen Yes tweet out the link to the review 5 times using a different photo my me each time. They also followed me and Re-tweeted my link to the review and the photo I posted on instagram of my photo pass (https://www.instagram.com/p/BFBS7EPGiAo/?taken-by=mikeevsphoto) from last night
Cool. Great way of spreading your rep
Quote from: MikeEvs on May 05, 2016, 04:02:02 PM
I was working, I was concentrating on my job. We were only allowed to shoot for the first song. Ok it was Machine Messiah so I had enough time. Colston Hall was all seated so there's no photo pit. Which means we can't shoot from in front only from the sides or from the back of the first blocks of seats and if you want to swap sides you have to go around the long way you can't walk in front of the first row of seats.
Once the first song was over, I left. Headed to train station had a 20minute wait so I looked at my photos and rated them in camera. I got to Cardiff and had a 45minute wait for my next train so I went for a pint. I got home at 11:30. Imported my photos into Lightroom which reads the ratings I gave the photos in camera and so I can organise lightroom to only show me those photos (32 photos in total (https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4bz8lUhkbLbYlBQcG8zbFNZckU)). I then apply a 16x9 crop (the website requires the photos at 800x450) and other generic adjustments ( clarity and noise reduction) to all those photos. Then I check each photo individually and do further adjustments if needed. After that I exported the photos at 800x450 and checked them. I deleted a couple either because I didn't like it (there was one where the mic stand was out of focus in the middle of the frame and was distracting, other got deleted because they were too similar to ones I kept) . So I sent around 25 photos to Robin who writes the review at 00:36 this morning. I then went to bed and got up at 06:25 for my day job.
So how much did I enjoy Yes. I didn't really see Yes. I heard one song while I was moving around taking photos I didn't really take it in.
That's a convoluted way of not upsetting TA ;D ;D
.......& up to your usual standard, but we've come to expect that
I spotted that!
Other thing in the article was that Steven Wilson is doing a remix/5.1 job on Tales. It's not for me I'm afraid, but he did a good job of Relayer: much clearer, you could hear what they were doing more: there's a needledrop to compare and both Squire and Moraz come out very well
TA won't like it anyway, Geoff Downes is playing with them
Great photos as ever Mike! 8)
And good review too - obviously exactly the same set as I saw in Glasgow.
Quote from: Mikey on May 05, 2016, 04:59:24 PM
TA won't like it anyway, Geoff Downes is playing with them
That is not and has never been my objection to NuYes.
Yes is not Yes without Anderson: his voice is unique and utterly integral to the soundscape of so very many of the classic songs.
A keyboard is a keyboard to some extent, and while the way that it's played is down to the musician, things can be reasonably impersonated. I'm sure that Downes is doing a decent job of impersonating Banks, Wakeman, Moraz, and Downes (!), as much as Sherwood is apparently playing the bass well like Squire.
But no-one, no-one can impersonate Anderson and indeed shouldn't. I have no doubt that Davison is a good vocalist, but he's not Anderson.
OK, one of the albums being played this time around is Drama and Anderson wasn't on that. But Davison isn't Horn either, so ...
I dunno: it's not entirely logical. After all, cover versions can be good, and in opera, different artists can bring different things to the roles.
But this is Yes, the band I have followed since 1975 or so, not a cover band. Those songs, those amazing songs, need that singer, that amazing singer, with his amazing voice.
Quote from: Trapezium Artist on May 05, 2016, 11:15:38 PM
I'm sure that Downes is doing a decent job of impersonating Banks, Wakeman, Moraz, and Downes (!), as much as Sherwood is apparently playing the bass well like Squire.
Peter Banks was the guitarist so I guess you mean Tony Kaye. Unless you are referring to that strange comedy Yes / Genesis hybrid of Peter Kaye and Tony Banks... ;)
Quote from: D S on May 06, 2016, 06:36:26 AM
Quote from: Trapezium Artist on May 05, 2016, 11:15:38 PM
I'm sure that Downes is doing a decent job of impersonating Banks, Wakeman, Moraz, and Downes (!), as much as Sherwood is apparently playing the bass well like Squire.
Peter Banks was the guitarist so I guess you mean Tony Kaye. Unless you are referring to that strange comedy Yes / Genesis hybrid of Peter Kaye and Tony Banks... ;)
Bleagh ... you're right. And I shall resist the temptation to edit that post and make myself look less stupid.
Anyway, off to the UK now: will anyone pitch for my Lush ticket, I wonder?
Former Yes members Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin and Rick Wakeman confirm world tour, with album under production
Former Yes members Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin and Rick Wakeman are working on an album, and they'll tour together for the first time since 1991, they've confirmed.
The trio, who last collaborated during the band's Union tour, say they want to "restore the standard of excellence" they set at the time, when the then-current Yes lineup merged with Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe.
The trio, working as Anderson, Rabin & Wakeman, will deliver a run of North American shows in October and November this year, followed by dates across the world, while songwriting continues on the untitled ARW studio project.
Singer Anderson says: "To be able to perform with Rick and Trevor at this time in my life is a treasure beyond words. I'm so excited to create new music and revisit some of the classic work we created many years ago, It's going to be a musical adventure."
Keyboardist Wakeman adds: "Trevor and I have wanted to play Yes music together since the Union tour. And for so many of us, there's no Yes music without Jon. The 'holy trinity of Yes' is, for me, very much a dream come true."
So Steve Howe's Yes are doing a 50th anniversary tour, a best of plus sides 1 & 4 & a bit of 3 from Tales. Still not biting TA? ;)
I saw that too, checked the ticket prices, thought about it for 2 minutes and then thought nah, I'll leave it. But I also thought that someone else might be tempted... ;)
(But probably not without JA)
Geoff Dowens like my reply to Keith D who was complaining about no Cardiff gig to Geoff (who lives in Wales)
https://twitter.com/MikeEvstog/status/904991036707143681
Quote from: owen on September 08, 2017, 04:05:54 PM
So Steve Howe's Yes are doing a 50th anniversary tour, a best of plus sides 1 & 4 & a bit of 3 from Tales. Still not biting TA? ;)
Hmmm, obviously I'd love to hear more than half of TFTO live, quite apart from everything else. And of course it wouldn't hurt me to go along and give them a chance, as well as going to see Anderson's Yes again, as I did in London earlier this year.
But Anderson's voice lies at the very heart of Yes for me: with all respect to all of the other brilliant musicians involved in both bands, his voice is simply irreplaceable. It seems as though others can pick up the various instruments and come almost imperceptibly close to emulating any chosen Yes configuration live, such as the classic (for me) Going for the One era band. (Indeed, I'd love to hear a good young cover band who could bring the same energy Yes brought to their live stage performances in the 1970s: much of the more recent live gigs tend to be more stately, ponderous.)
But trying to copy Anderson's voice is doomed, in the way that CGI characters fall into that uncanny valley of close, but creepily wrong. Davison's voice is like that for me.
That was the relevation of ARW; Anderson's voice still shines brilliantly. It made the evening completely.
Plus, and perhaps slightly less seriously, what is it with Steve's C. Everett Koop beard?! :o
https://www.bristol247.com/culture/music/review-yes-colston-hall-2/
12m on and the tour has targeted. This is the review of the first night with pics from some bloke called Mike Evans. He looks a decent photographer. They didn't give you much time to send them in!
Thanks Owen, I've now seen a total of 3 Yes songs live, I got to shoot two songs last night :)
I left straight after and headed for the train station, caught the next train to Cardiff. Got my laptop out on the train and imported my photos, had a bit of wait in Cardiff for my next train so did my editing in the waiting room at the station.
Emailed the photos to the reviewer after I got home at around 23:40.
He had the review online before I'd got out of bed this morning (I had the day off).
Thanks to Yes RT my link to the review my twitter notifications have been quite busy for me.
excellent, Mike!!
Thanks Rog :)
Quote from: owen on March 14, 2018, 02:57:48 PM
with pics from some bloke called Mike Evans.
Who's he then? ;D
Just back from Bridgewater Hall Manchester. Fab show. Visuals phenomenal too. TA, I know Jon Davison is not Jon Anderson. But he was very good. But Trevor Rabin is not Steve Howe. And when will you see 2/3 of Tales again?
Quote from: owen on March 18, 2018, 01:28:52 AM
Just back from Bridgewater Hall Manchester. Fab show. Visuals phenomenal too. TA, I know Jon Davison is not Jon Anderson. But he was very good. But Trevor Rabin is not Steve Howe. And when will you see 2/3 of Tales again?
You make good points and ask good questions. I will hopefully see "Yes featuring ARW" this summer again, but as you say, will they play much of TFTO, if anything? Nope. (Although why does the YesWorld site say "This is the last chance for fans to see YES perform sides 1 & 4 (and an excerpt from Side 3) of iconic 1973 album Tales from Topographic Oceans"? And why does it say "It is the much-anticipated return of the "Drama" line-up", when yes, Mr Horn will be there, but Mr Squire obviously will not.)
And is Mr Rabin as good a guitarist as Mr Howe. Nope.
Can I get to Tilburg next Tuesday, 27 March? In principle, yes. Should I go? Should I give Mr Davison the benefit of the doubt, as I did Mr Horn in 1980?
Quote from: Trapezium Artist on March 19, 2018, 10:57:44 AM
Quote from: owen on March 18, 2018, 01:28:52 AM
Just back from Bridgewater Hall Manchester. Fab show. Visuals phenomenal too. TA, I know Jon Davison is not Jon Anderson. But he was very good. But Trevor Rabin is not Steve Howe. And when will you see 2/3 of Tales again?
You make good points and ask good questions. I will hopefully see "Yes featuring ARW" this summer again, but as you say, will they play much of TFTO, if anything? Nope. (Although why does the YesWorld site say "This is the last chance for fans to see YES perform sides 1 & 4 (and an excerpt from Side 3) of iconic 1973 album Tales from Topographic Oceans"? And why does it say "It is the much-anticipated return of the "Drama" line-up", when yes, Mr Horn will be there, but Mr Squire obviously will not.)
And is Mr Rabin as good a guitarist as Mr Howe. Nope.
Can I get to Tilburg next Tuesday, 27 March? In principle, yes. Should I go? Should I give Mr Davison the benefit of the doubt, as I did Mr Horn in 1980?
I'm ashamed of myself.
I have caved in to peer pressure.
I have bought a (bloody expensive) ticket to see an Anderson-less Yes for the first time in 38 years.
It had better be good, you lot.
I doubt you'll regret it ;)
For me Tales was the highlight. I think the website says that because the USA has already had that and want something else for the rest of the 50th anniversary
Quote from: Trapezium Artist on March 19, 2018, 10:57:44 AM
And is Mr Rabin as good a guitarist as Mr Howe. Nope.
Indeed - he's better! :P ;) 8)
Enjoy your TFTO experience TA. I was just listening to the live Topographic Drama album today & it's not bad and that's from a non-TFTO fan. It takes the bits I dislike out i.e. most of Side 3.
Since the Bristol gig, I've tried a few times to listen to Yes. I still don't like Anderson's voice.
I did make it all the way through this version of Awaken that TA tweeted to someone:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_Va3e_52TE
I'd previously tried listening TFTO but only managed to get about half way through side 1 before turning it off.
I did find his voice less grating than I usually do so maybe I'll give it another couple of years and try again.
heh
Not sure I'd try Tales as a lead in. It's taken me years and, like DS, I think judicious editing (cut the first 2/3 of side 3 and the percussion solo on side 4) would enhance the experience. Maybe try Rabin era Yes as a start.
No, TA, I didn't say any of that, it's all in your imagination. :P
Someone did lend me Yes Songs years ago, and again it did nothing for me and I couldn't listen to it all the way through.
Well Yessongs was buggered up from the start. They didn't notice that they'd set the recording up wrong. Prodigy is the same thing only with the Dolby seti gs done right. But try telling the people on the Yes fans site that. Yessongs is the holy grail according to them, even though it's worse than a 3rd rate bootleg. Rabin era is way more catchy. A bit like chlamydia. :o
Quote from: owen on March 23, 2018, 10:21:23 PMRabin era is way more catchy. A bit like chlamydia. :o
With their classic hit, Owner of a STD...
Although, to be fair Steve Howe wrote The Clap long before Rabin joined
Quote from: owen on March 24, 2018, 08:54:18 AM
Although, to be fair Steve Howe wrote The Clap long before Rabin joined
Touche ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: D S on March 24, 2018, 08:52:20 AM
Quote from: owen on March 23, 2018, 10:21:23 PMRabin era is way more catchy. A bit like chlamydia. :o
With their classic hit, Owner of a STD...
heh
Back to Bristol I go and to Thekla were I've previously brought you photos of Frost* and Lonely Robot. Tonight it's Myles Kennedy.
so nothing from TA. Which means either they were good, in which case he isn't showing up to eat humble pie :P, or they were really bad, in which case he isn't talking to us :o
Based on his tweets, he went and seemed positive about the first half, he hasn't posted since
Quote from: MikeEvs on March 28, 2018, 10:40:40 AM
Based on his tweets, he went and seemed positive about the first half, he hasn't posted since
Sorry, chaps, long drive home afterwards and have been catching up at work today.
So, where to begin? The good news is that I'm very glad I went, fundamentally because the material they played from Tales from Topographic Oceans was stunning and really moved me. Keep in mind that I've been a Yes fan since 1973 or so and have seen various incarnations of the band play perhaps 20 years, but AFAIK, never anything from Tales, probably my all-time favourite album across all genres. So I owed it to myself to overcome my objections and go hear that, and I'm unreservedly happy that I did.
They played The Revealing Science of God and Ritual fully, along with the last section of The Ancient, and while I would love to have heard the entire album, this was a very good selection. They played it brilliantly and I was genuinely moved and emotional at points, that silly thing where you find yourself smiling, close to laughing, and yet simultaneously on the edge of tears. Is that just me? I doubt it.
If the gig had ended on the fade-out of Ritual, I would have been perfectly happy: it would have been the perfect symbolic act for the memory of a band that's only still part there (more below). But I'm not sorry either that they came back for full-energy renditions of Roundabout and Starship Trooper; also good.
The good thing about Tales was that Davison didn't ruin it. I don't mean that as negatively as it sounds: he has a very good, pure sounding voice, certainly knows all the songs extremely well, and doesn't embellish things too much with his own interpretations. But he's not Jon Anderson, whose voice is synonymous with Yes for me, as you all know. Davison's voice lacks the slight weird intonations of Anderson's, the Lancashire accent sneaking through, and if anything is too pure, too "safe". Anderson sometimes sings on the edge and it's part of the charm; or at least, I'm so familiar with his quirks, it doesn't sound right when it's not him.
So in a sense, the highest praise I can offer is that Davison's voice blended very well during Tales to the point where I wasn't listening to him as such, but more to the band as a whole. That worked very well and, as I say, I was quite emotional at point during Tales, as were other around me.
The same can't really be said of the first half where they played a bunch of Time and a Word, Yes Album, Fragile, Close to the Edge, and Going for the One classics. They were all very well played, but it seemed as though Davison's voice stood out as being "wrong" just a little more. While I definitely enjoyed them, they never sparked those elusive emotions. Well, except during And You and I: that was special.
It might be better if the band looked like they actually enjoyed being there, to be honest. I simply don't get the lack of on-stage chemistry and I swear that Downes and Sherwood barely broke a smile during the whole gig. Davison seemed to be a bit more lively, while Schellen was hidden behind the drumkit, and Howe was his brilliantly focussed stick insect professorial best, totally focussed and utterly on form, but not very engaging personality-wise apart from between songs, when his humour came out. I was right at the stage in front of Howe and it was a pleasure to watch him play, but more for the technique and sound than because of his presence, if that makes sense.
Alan White came out to play the heavy section of Ritual and the encore songs. He played very well, but he looked shockingly frail when he came on stage after: very hard to reconcile the power of his playing with his very apparent weakness physically. I wish him all the best for continued recovery, but it did pull on the heartstrings.
Two final observations. First, I was disappointed by the number of people in the crowd who insisted on holding semi-shouted conversations during songs. I nearly got in a fight at a Yes gig in the US some 25 years ago because some idiots kept talking all the way through And You and I, but I didn't expect the same in The Netherlands (it's usually not a problem at the gigs I go to). Could it be that Yes fans are mostly old and deaf and need to shout now?
Second, it struck me that the whole Yes-without-Anderson vocalist issue might be better approached by having a woman as the lead singer. That is, while I love Anderson's voice, I generally feel a bit queasy about men singing counter-tenor, like Geddy Lee or the Bee Gees, and Davison's voice just seems a bit too high and weird at times. Obviously the songs need those high tones, but if a characterful mezzo-type female voice sung them, it'd get away from Anderson comparisons and perhaps bring something new and special to the songs. Annie Haslam's vocals on Turn of the Century on Tales from Yesterday were great, as were Christina Booth's on Magenta's version of Wonderous Stories. Just a thought.
Anyway, game of two halves: first part was good, second part was great. Glad I went 8)
Still looking forward to Yes featuring ARW this summer. If only we could replace the Master Shredder with Mr Howe, what a happy man I'd be.
I'd agree; no one in the band is a front man. JA most certainly is. But there isn't the same chemistry as ARW. They made up with it a lot with the visuals, I thought.
Re Downes. Pretty sure you said the same thing about Wakeman!
I had a quick listen to a sample from the last Drama Tales album. It sounded very light, especially in the keys. Much better sound at Manchester. I'd never been to the Bridgewater Hall before, really good acoustics.
Anyway, glad you liked it
Oh and ps, 2 bozos were doing the same at the start of the gig too. They stopped after 3 songs, fortunately. Bloody Yes fans :D