Those of you familiar with Yes will know what to expect. They are a progressive rock outfit known for their employment of complex harmonies & rhythms. Somehow they manage to merge their monumental musical structures with mainstream rock & as a result have been a driving force for nearly four decades, surviving numerous lineup changes & band breakups only to re-emerge invigorated time & time again.
What they seem to do best is to perpetually re-invent themselves, so it should come as no surprise that this is precisely what manifests in Live At Montreux.
Some of the older chestnuts like Siberian Khatru & Heart of the Sunrise are included in this offering & comparing these newer versions to the original live 70's versions shows just how much the Yes sound has evolved. Whereas the older versions were more driving, even a little harsh, these newer renditions are more steadily paced & sonically more clear. Thanks to modern technology & surround sound, at last we can hear every note. It's not only the picture that exhibits high definition here but also the music. Maestro Steve Howe's guitar sound is superb. The keyboards, still banked around Wakeman like so much magical paraphernalia, sound bigger than ever. And amongst it all are sprinklings of delicate percussion from Alan White & Jon Anderson's harp playing. Chris Squire is no slouch either & his bass solo - The Fish - shows just how much he has evolved as a showman & artist. It literally rocks the house.
The ambiances are gigantic. And when you get to 'Awaken', later in the set, be prepared for a soundscape so lush & ambitious in scope as to literally take your breath away.
Well, as you can see, I really liked this Blu-ray presentation. If you're a Yes fan then it's a must see. If you aren't a fan but would like to see something skillfully crafted & a little different, then check it out.
But be warned, you may wind up becoming a fan.
What they seem to do best is to perpetually re-invent themselves, so it should come as no surprise that this is precisely what manifests in Live At Montreux.
Some of the older chestnuts like Siberian Khatru & Heart of the Sunrise are included in this offering & comparing these newer versions to the original live 70's versions shows just how much the Yes sound has evolved. Whereas the older versions were more driving, even a little harsh, these newer renditions are more steadily paced & sonically more clear. Thanks to modern technology & surround sound, at last we can hear every note. It's not only the picture that exhibits high definition here but also the music. Maestro Steve Howe's guitar sound is superb. The keyboards, still banked around Wakeman like so much magical paraphernalia, sound bigger than ever. And amongst it all are sprinklings of delicate percussion from Alan White & Jon Anderson's harp playing. Chris Squire is no slouch either & his bass solo - The Fish - shows just how much he has evolved as a showman & artist. It literally rocks the house.
The ambiances are gigantic. And when you get to 'Awaken', later in the set, be prepared for a soundscape so lush & ambitious in scope as to literally take your breath away.
Well, as you can see, I really liked this Blu-ray presentation. If you're a Yes fan then it's a must see. If you aren't a fan but would like to see something skillfully crafted & a little different, then check it out.
But be warned, you may wind up becoming a fan.
