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6 Degrees Entertainment

'Yes - Symphonic Live' [Blu-ray]
(Yes / Blu ray / NR / 2011 / Eagle Eye Media)

Overview: 'Yes - Symphonic Live' (for the first time now on Blu ray) captures the band - accompanied by a full orchestra for the first time in their career - in support of their symphonic album, Magnification.

Blu ray Verdict: First released on DVD back in 2002, Yes - Symphonic Live is a videotaped presentation of a wonderful 2001 Yes concert. Filmed in its entirety at the intimate Heineken Music Hall in Amsterdam, Yes fulfilled their long held dream of touring with an orchestra. And so, The European Festival Orchestra provides the symphonics, and Yes did the rest!

And what we visually, and for that matter musically got was their stimulating sound complimented in fine form in what turned out to be a massive two and a half hour performance! Indeed, what a night this was for the Yes fans who were there; although sadly I was not one of them.

Featuring a classic line-up of Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, Steve Howe, Alan White and 'additional keyboardist' Tom Brislin, the bearded Anderson's vocal performance is excellent. Dressed like an aging hippie, his between-song stage banter is interesting and polite. Informative, even. Those that know and love the band, or simply fans of great guitar work will love watching the great Steve Howe expertly play a wide range of stringed instruments. Including a flat steel and classical guitars, he is at home on stage, backed by this orchestra, never dropping a note, never blinking an eye.

For his part, Chris Squire moves energetically all over the stage while playing his mighty bass, and a fit-looking Alan White works his drum kit with a smile on his face for most all of the night. And as for the 'additional keyboardist,' Tom Brislin, well, he was VERY capable on this wondrous night. Young, enthusiastic, and very animated re: arm motions, he definitely added showmanship to the production.

As songs such as 'Close To The Edge,' which just happens to be an incredible, and brave way to start any live Yes show; let alone one such as this, and the bellowing live horn intro included to 'Long Distance Runaround,' 'Don't Go,' 'In The Presence Of' and 'Gates Of Delirium' come forth, the professional multi-colored lightshow includes fog and animation galore. Indeed, combined the effects are captivating, for the most part. There are many different camera angles used, and sometimes it even feels as if you're right on the stage - if only!

And we should definitely talk about the 'backing band,' the wonderful, absolutely in sparkling form, The European Festival Orchestra musicians. Seemingly all quite young, mostly female and very attractive (!), they get plenty of camera time. Bobbing their head to the music, as if they grew up on it, I suspect they even spent a great deal of time planning the moments of supposedly 'spontaneous' choreography to go along with a few of the songs!

As we progress we get a tripping Steve Howe guitar solo, that also includes 'Mood For A Day,' before heading into the second half of the show with 'Starship Trooper,' 'Magnification,' 'And You And I,' 'Ritual' and the always-requested, 'I've Seen All Good People.' Unfortunately, and for all lovers of the radio-friendly 'Owner of a Lonely Heart,' the song is probably the worst-performed (musically) here tonight. Designed for an aggressive, richly-deep sound, here with Chris Squire's square white bass (which is not adjusted well sound-wise, as opposed to his Rickenbacker), the song - along with keyboards that are half the volume - just ends up, well, thinly weak.

However, the show closes in fine style with 'Roundabout,' which gives the young ladies in the orchestra a chance to set down their instruments and dance in a chorus line on the stage behind the band! It's a lot of fun and has everyone smiling on stage. This is a Full Screen Presentation (1.66:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs, and has been remastered into a crisp Blu ray production, and also comes with the Special Features of:

"Dreamtime" Documentary
'Don't Go' Video

www.eaglerockent.com





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