On only their second performance of their newly launched world tour, the recently formed ARW showed a roomful of elated fans that their glory days are far from behind them and that there’s still plenty of inspiration and innovation left in what they do. Ex-Yes members Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin and Rick Wakeman assembled this new band in order to faithfully deliver the spirit and the essence of the music of the band from which they derived...and they did so in grand style on Friday night at Ruth Eckerd Hall.
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Without the aid of an opening act, the band took the stage promptly at the ticketed start time of 8 p.m. and proceeded to waste no time in whipping up their magical, sometimes mystical blend of orchestral-inspired, intricate rock pieces. Opening with the sweeping instrumental “Cinema” from their multi-platinum 1983 smash album 90125, the band sounded sharp thanks in part to the spectacular sound captured within the hall.
Backed by a series of unusually shaped projection screens at the rear of the stage, lights and patterns flooded the backdrop and the walls of the venue to add visual accompaniment to the sometimes trippy, ethereal mood of the music being played.
In an instant, any doubts or questions regarding lead singer Jon Anderson’s vocals were put to rest as he delivered a breathtakingly faithful and flawless performance to open the first vocal number of the night, the Yes classic “Perpetual Change”. Anderson’s health and absence from a concert stage of late might have given some fans reason to be skeptical; however, he made it crystal clear that his trademark high-pitched, soaring, sprawling voice is still in fine form and can fill up a room. Looking youthful and dapper, clad in elegant black jacket and slacks and white shirt, Anderson, perched upon a small platform at the front of the stage seemed as elated to be there as the crowd was to welcome him back. Swinging his arms, sometimes flailing them resembling an orchestra conductor, Anderson seemed energized and eager to deliver. Comfortable and poised, Anderson wished “love and blessings to all those who survived the hurricane” and introduced a stunning version of “And You and I” by saying that it was “a song from many many years ago…I think we were all children then!”
As promised by keyboard wizard Rick Wakeman during an enjoyable chat I had the pleasure of partaking in recently, the set list for the evening was varied and contained its fair share of surprises and jaw-droppers. Donning his long, bejeweled cape as he has for many years, Wakeman stood at his semi-circle bank of keyboards and synthesizers and added his own magical touch to every selection delivered throughout the two-hour performance. Whether perfecting the original material on which he played and performed during his stints with Yes, or adding in his own flavor to the stuff he wasn’t originally part of (most notably, the added flash and flair he gave to mid-80’s smash “Owner of a Lonely Heart”), Wakeman’s additions to the intricate mesh of sounds and textures the band unleashed can’t be understated. A huge part of what made progressive rock so distinct during its heyday was the creativity and the soundscapes a masterful keyboardist was able to add to the mix; you’d be hard pressed to find one as valuable and commanding as Rick Wakeman. Based on the roar of applause he received when being introduced by Anderson at one point, it’s pretty safe to say a substantial portion of the audience was there to see him and welcome him back into his rightful place in keeping the music of Yes alive.
Likewise, ace guitarist Trevor Rabin, although present only for the successful stint Yes enjoyed in the 1980s, did plenty to bolster and enhance the material in the catalog that preceded him. Rabin’s finesse and articulation during the night’s encore, 1972’s FM radio smash “Roundabout” was nothing short of awesome. Switching gears, tempos, time signatures and styles all night, Rabin made the heavy lifting of swimming though a meticulous catalog seem breezy and carefree and he delivered the goods with quiet style and panache all night long. His delivery was as comfortable as his look; sporting a Hawaiian shirt and track pants, Rabin’s style was obviously more effectively spoken through his guitar work than his onstage garb.
And the contributions of the other members of the ensemble, bassist Lee Pomeroy and drummer Louis Molino, can’t go without mention. Pomeroy’s complex basslines were true and faithful to those of original founding Yes member, the late Chris Squire. And Molino’s steady beat and tricky time keeping were the perfect foundation for a catalog as sophisticated as this one. To add to their value, both did plenty to add to spotless vocal harmonies throughout the night, most noticeably and aurally satisfying on a rousing rendition of 1971’s “I’ve Seen All Good People”.
A personal highlight came when Anderson and Wakeman alone delivered a gorgeous version of the plaintive ballad “The Meeting” from the 1989 reunion-of-sorts album Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe. Backed solely by Wakeman’s tasteful piano work, the richness and warmth of Anderson’s vocals really shone through on this one and were somewhat of a showstopper...even with the gabby, intoxicated fellows seated in my row who were more than once reprimanded and shushed by nearby audience members.
A triumphant night for these musical veterans who are committed to keeping the music of Yes alive and relevant came when Rabin and Wakeman (sporting a bona fide Keytar) gingerly walked from their places onstage to saunter through the seats and rows of the hall, all the time not missing a beat or a note during the night’s encore.
For those who love the music of Yes and the musical gifts these three integral members bring to the table, this brand new tour is definitely not one to be missed. The love and the reverence the band has for the music is matched only by the heartfelt and passionate responses they were greeted with by this adoring crowd.
Set List:
Cinema
Perpetual Change
Hold On
I’ve Seen All Good People
Lift Me Up
And You and I
Rhythm of Love
Heart of the Sunrise
Long Distance Runaround/Fish
The Meeting
Awaken
Owner of a Lonely Heart
—
Roundabout
