YESSHOWS

Yes: John Anderson (vocals); Steve Howe (guitar); Rick Wakeman, Patrick Moraz (keyboards); Chris Squire (bass); Alan White (drums). Recorded at Ahoy-Halle, Rotterdam, Netherlands on November 24, 1977; Empire Pool, Wembley, England on October 27, 1978; Festhalle, Frankfurt, Germany on November 18, 1977; Cobo Hall, Detroit, Michigan on August 17, 1976. Digitally remastered by Joe Gastwirt (Ocean View Digital). Recorded at various performances around the world between 1976 and 1978, YESSHOWS features the work of both longtime Yesman Rick Wakeman and his successor Patrick Moraz. Consequently, it's more an overview of the band's mid-period work than a document of a particular tour or performance. The lion's share of the tracks are drawn from GOING FOR THE ONE, arguably the best of Yes' late-'70s recordings, and "Wonderous (sic) Stories," "Parallels" and "Going For the One" all sparkle with the energy and invention that marked said album. The most important aspect of YESSHOWS is its display of the live interaction between the musicians. While Yes was never accused of being a "jam band," their elaborate, sophisticated arrangements require their own kind of musical telepathy between participants. That connection is apparent throughout the epic "Gates of Delirium" from RELAYER. The pleasure Squire, Anderson, Howe and company still get from playing together is especially apparent on their old chestnut "Time and a Word," a simple but very effective ballad.