|
Yes :: 09.10.04 :: Red Rocks Amphitheater :: Morrison, CO
Anderson & White :: 09.10.04 Red Rocks
By Tony Stack |
Yes, the band synonymous with the advent of progressive rock, made a stop at
Red Rocks Amphitheater on their Fall tour. The band that quite simply invented
the use of synthesizers and sound effects in modern music is still alive and
well. After more than 35 years of playing music and going through
a host of lineup changes, vocalist and visionary Jon Anderson once again
found himself playing alongside guitarist Steve Howe before a sold-out
audience.
It was a chilly evening in Colorado, with temperatures in the low 50s and a
strong wind that made its presence felt throughout the show. After a couple
opening numbers, Anderson addressed the crowd: "We came to Red Rocks... and
were blown away!"
 |
 |
| 09.10.04 Red Rocks by Tony Stack |
The first song that brought the crowd to life was the classic "I've Seen All
Good People," which showcased the band at their finest. Each musician created small patterns that fit neatly into the grander scheme,
resulting in powerful transitions and progressions in the sound. The
diverse crowd was clearly appreciative, with middle-aged folks grinning
knowingly alongside the younger audience members experiencing Yes
for the first time.
Jon Anderson :: 09.10 Red Rocks
By Tony Stack |
For those less familiar with the band, certain stretches of the performance
weren't as captivating. Rick Wakeman's work on the keys and synthesizer--a
novelty in 1971--sounded a bit dated at times. Anderson's usually precise
vocals suffered as well (notably during "Long Distance Runaround"), due to
his current bouts with asthma, bronchitis, and exhaustion. Also a stretch
was the cover of Simon & Garfunkel's "America," set to different music,
which proved to be more ambitious than successful. The musicianship itself
was generally beyond reproach, however, with Howe shining the entire
evening.
The unexpected highlight of the evening was actually the moment with the
fewest musicians onstage. Under a lone spotlight, Steve Howe showed his
prowess on the six-string with a medley of musical thoughts that had the
concertgoers captivated for a solid five minutes. Oscillating between
nimble plucking and powerful strumming, Howe was both playful and tasteful
in his approach. Another top-shelf performance from a top-notch musician.
Keyboardist Rick Wakeman finally made his presence felt during a rousing
rendition of the fan-favorite "Roundabout." Wakeman laid low for the
majority of the evening, however, and with Anderson battling health
problems, Howe found the burden largely resting on his shoulders. He
fortunately proved more than up to the task.
 |
 |
| Steve Howe (left) Chris Squire (right) 09.10.04 Red Rocks by Tony Stack |
There are few things better than going to a concert at Red Rocks
on a cool September night. When you add in a band that broke new musical
ground and paved the way for hundreds of other bands to follow, it's really
something special. As Anderson himself remarked, "This is what it's all about--this is the spirit of America right here, right now!"
Nathan Rodriguez
JamBase | Colorado
Go See Live Music!
|
