THE Legends, The icons, my RoCK idols from youth, Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin and Rick Wakeman ARW, playing the music of YES roared loudly to the delight of a packed auditorium at the Borgata Event Center on Friday night, RoCKtober 28th!
The Music: From 17 to 70, a fan's delight. Jon Anderson, who first formed the iconic YES in 1968, was emotional, delicate yet a high energy presence covering nearly 50 years of compositions in song.
After a symphonic orchestral opening (Perpetual Change Theme), ARW launched into the Trevor Rabin penned Cinema from the 1983 release 90125. These players, ageless and graceful in their presentation allowed for a riveting ride in the time machine! Hold On, another diddy penned in part by Rabin and Anderson from 90125 made for a tasty "sandwich spread" between The Fragile Album sandwich which included Perpetual Change and I've Seen All Good People! WOW! Seat belt on. It was "white knuckle-grip" time in my personal time machine back to my youth. I had played the grooves off these vinyl classics. The musicians brought it home. A++
The Players: Jon Anderson was ageless and engaging! He did not disappoint with his musicianship and audience connection. He played acoustic guitar, tambourine, bells and harpsichord. Veteran keyboardist and YES band icon Rick Wakeman was ever present and was a driving force. AND You And I, from 1972's Close To The Edge was a highlight for me. The driving guitar prowess of veteran Trevor Rabin launched into Rhythm Of Love from 1987's Big Generator to loud crowd satisfaction. Changes, another absolute Rockin' track from the 90125 release was a great offering! Long Distance Run Around/The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus) featured a bass "clinic" of virtuoso proportions by skilled player an acclaimed sessions musician Lee Pomeroy. Lee has recorded, toured, and performed with a diverse roster of high profile artistes, including Jeff Lynne's ELO. Pomeroy really complimented the imagination in sound of a band who has had top billing for nearly 50 years! Drummer Lou Molino III, a Philly native brought much delight to his local following including his lovely, but tipsy niece sitting next to me all night yelling, "I love you uncle Lou!" It made for a fun Friday night and I did enjoy chatting with her throughout. A++ (Lou's Niece-C+)*
The Encore: Nothing short of spectacular! Roundabout from 1971's Fragile! While Uncle Lou's tipsy niece just looked at me and shrugged that she never heard this classic song, (She explained she was only 40), I screamed for joy. I discovered YES during the summer of 1972 at summer camp hearing Roundabout on the radio and have been a fan ever since! GREAT night for this old time Classic RoCKER!
Pre-show Soundcheck and Artist Meet & Greet: The artists were accommodating and friendly with contest winner VIP's A++
Overall: A+++
My one-on-one Interview: https://soundcloud.com/sr-1-rocks/jonanderson-arw-yeswav
Thank you Jon Anderson!
Check out the Remaining North American Tour Itinerary here. YOU will not be disappointed: http://www.arw-tour.com/
