Classic Yes music came to the Center for the Arts at the University at Buffalo in the form of ARW. Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin, and Rick Wakeman, all former Yes members, make up the latest incarnation of the band . Drummer Lou Molino III and bassist Lee Pomeroy round out the lineup. As the older crowd filled in, many were wearing vintage Yes t-shirts. You can sense there was an air of anticipation. Yes made some of the most popular music from the 70’s to the 90’s. The crowd was abuzz and chatter was at high volume. Fans were ready for a night of Yes music and ARW did not disappoint.
The band took the stage with Rabin and Wakeman (the latter in his traditional flashy floor-length cape) both leading an instrumental overture intro that set the tone for the evening. The familiar first notes of “Perpetual Change” from the classic 1971 “The Yes Album” filled the room as Anderson strolled onstage and took the mic on a small platform. Anderson has a voice that is as good now as it has ever been. A soaring, clear soprano, Anderson was right on, sounding like he has not lost anything since the early days of Yes.
An evening of some of the best progressive music ever recorded followed as the band weaved its way through their catalog, sampling from early and later songs. “All Good People” had a mid-song drum solo from Molino and “Lift Me Up” saw a rotation of lead singers in Anderson, Rabin and Pomeroy, all with similar voices.
“And You And I” had Anderson in top form, belting out the chorus with the strength of a younger self. Wakeman’s mastery of the 11 keyboard instruments in his array was evident all night. His crescendo at the end of this tune was nothing short of a masterpiece. The song ending brought the first of many standing ovations. This was an appreciative audience, well-schooled in the Yes tradition. “Heart Of The Sunrise” played out in an extended version with a bass solo by Pomeroy that brought another standing ovation. “Changes” was next, which saw Wakeman do 10 minutes of salty stand-up comedy while his keyboard was repaired. He actually has great comedic timing and had the audience roaring with a few choice jokes. He also pointed out that Buffalo, NY was very important to him, being the birthplace of the Moog Synthesizer. He thanked Robert Moog and then went on to tell another funny story about Buffalo being the place he first encountered the charms of a woman, which evidently didn’t go to well for him. It was a bit of Rodney Dangerfield moment which had the house broken up with laughter.
Former Yes bassist Chris Squire was honored during the playing of “Long Distance Runaround” and “The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus) by Pomeroy’s bass solos. It was a touching moment as Pomeroy did a tribute to the man who formed the backbone of the Yes sound.
“Awaken” was a 22 minute Rick Wakeman showcase. He played 7 different keyboards and absolutely showed why he is thought of as one of the best in rock history.
The closing “Owner Of A Lonely Heart” saw Rabin and Wakeman trading leads as Anderson sang with perfection. An energetic encore of the smash hit “Roundabout” brought the night to a close. If ARW passes through your town and you ask yourself, “Should I go?” The answer is a resounding “Yes!”
Setlist:
Perpertual Change
Hold On
Lift Me Up
And You And I
Rhythm Of Love
Heart Of The Sunrise
Changes
Long Distance Runaround
The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus)
The Meeting
Awaken
Owner Of A Lonely Heart
Encore:
Roundabout
We would like to thank Dave Wedekindt for the credentials to review the show.
