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His brilliant solo interpretation of "To Be Over" proves that musicality and virtuosity need not conflict. My only quibble is a rather abrupt and arbitrary transition back into "The Fish" at the end, especially when all of the other segues had been handled with much more subtlety. I am happy to report that, for me, this mostly lives up to the hyperbolic enthusiasm of the other reviewers. This was a very focused performance, with a lot of subtlety, precision and improvisation seemingly inspired and elevated by the spirit of jazz which infuses the setting.Don't expect the blistering rock of "Yessongs" or "Yesshows". I would have to go back and check to see if they had ever previously included the beautiful extract from the seldom heard and under-rated "On The Silent Wings of Freedom" as part of "Whitefish". If any Alan White doubters remain, they need only watch and hear this concert. Even then, Jon's vocal performance on the new song "Show Me", without a lot of previous history to form specific expectations, was beautiful, and was far from his only shining moment in the show.I believe the night belonged to Steve Howe most of all.
His best solo set can be found on "An Evening of Yes Music Plus", which featured a solo piano take on "Madrigal" that I found myself wishing had been included in this show.This was perhaps my favorite "Whitefish" performance of all time, although the 9012Live CD version is a close contender. Wakeman was no slouch in this regard either, disappointing only in his by-the-numbers solo set, which while flawlessly executed, did not carry the sense of vitality that was the hallmark of most of the evening's performances.
A singular album in it's relatively light touch and rhythmic intricacy. Throughout the evening, Steve maintained the perfect balance between hitting the licks we are programmed to crave, while providing enough improvisational creativity to make every song seem new again.
More importantly, this show impressed me in ways I had not even been led to expect.I think there must be something special about Montreux as an event, with it's legacy of historic Jazz and Rock performers and performances, that inspires those honored to participate to perform at their very best.This was not the usual tired and goofy end-of-tour Yes that usually ends up on video. He impressed technically, without seeming showy or hammy, because every effort was devoted to the music, rather than the musician.
This was preceded by perhaps the most delicate and precise live performance of "Long Distance Runaround" heard to date.Instead of trying to out-do or re-create previous live performances, Yes somehow managed to play it all like they had just written it yesterday, and that is a refreshing and unexpected gift. For the first time in my memory, the live Yes most sonically resembled the Yes of "Fragile".
White is a consummate drummer with a range of style and touch that encompasses that of even Bruford, and his dedication to a mostly acoustic kit has proven the better choice over the long run.Every band member was in top form, with the inevitable exception of some required vocal forgiveness which is inescapable at this late date.
Believe me, I'm a musician and I have a lot of Yes DVDS.Funny because the good thing about it is also the problem: The guitar is too loud, and Alan White and specially Chris Squire are almost forgotten by the cameras and the sound mix.My 2 favorites Yes DVDs are Symphonic Live and Live from the House of Blues (Alan White is killing in this one) Hope it helps. For someone who want to figure out the guitar parts in Yes songs, this is it. I strongly recomend this to the Steve Howe fan becase the sound mix AND the camera work is all with Steve and his guitar all the way. You can hear and see with great close ups all the guitar parts.
The show was well put together, the playing was incredible, and each band member showcased their talent in their solo spots.The photography, sound and quality of the DVD is great, the show moves along at a good pace.If your a YES fan, I'm sure you already own this DVD, if you're not, and are interested in viewing and listening to an amazing show - GET THIS. YES, being the true professional musicians as always, put on an amazing show that night. If you were only given one choice to pick a YES DVD, this is the one.
1080p beats 1080i every time. Awesome disc.I had seen this concert, in HD, on 'Rave', about a year ago & wanted a copy to keep. Awesome band. Awesome concert.
Also there are a bunch of other songs I have never seen live (e.g. So if you agree then just buy it and you won't regret it.I skipped "Fish" for a while because I didn't feel like hearing it again but after finally watching it is a must see for all Yes fans. Turn of the Century, Ascend) which make it worth buying. If your favorite Yes song is Owner of a Lonely Heart stop now.I have nothing against Rabin (or Kayne, Buford, etc.). but the real Yes is (in alphabetic order) Anderson, Howe, Squire, Wakeman and White.
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