An Evening of Yes Music Plus!

[Full Tilt Boogie]

Simply OUTSTANDING!!!

I've had this CD for about a week now and it's simply the 'Nads! Play it everyday whilst working.

Crisp live sound, the musicians are on top of their game and Anderson's voice more than manages to carry all the Yes numbers without Squire (a pity he wasn't in the band actually!) and the ABWH material really shines!!

'The Order of the Universe', Brother of Mine', 'Teakbois', 'Birthright', 'Second Attention & Soul Warrior' all refresh your mind, bring new, varied and 'get-up-n-dance' rhythms to the sound of what could/SHOULD have been a proper Yes line-up obviously enjoying themselves on stage. Note-perfect, expansive and a damned fine performance all round. Makes you think 'what could have been?' had YES wondered about what they wanted to be remembered for in terms of continuously and prolifically good music.

The current Line-up (2004) could quite happily slip, without pause or apology, any of these numbers into the coming live sets and both please the audience and enjoy themselves on stage; knowing that they are not singing about/boring us with "beanfields", "generators" ('big' or otherwise) and "in the Blue Sedan we didn't get much further" (who cares?) type arse.

Dare I say, it's how YES should have been (the ABWH material) immediately after DRAMA, instead of the abomination that was the AOR-Rabin-era incarnation?

If you don't already own it, buy this CD today - if you are a true YES fan, you will not be disappointed and will end up loving it as I do.

Enjoy!!

[brismike]

I've got it, AEOYMP, and think its great, no argument.

I've also got "Big Generator" and "90125" and think they are great too!

and I know i'm a True YesFan too :))

Arse or no Arse lol.

[Purple Wolfhound]

I have to agree, Bren - this has to be one of the finest Yes live recordings ever, whether anyone think it's Yes or not. Technically, no, it isn't Yes - musically, spiritually, etc., etc. it most certainly is! It also has one of the most exacting versions of Close To The Edge I've ever heard. Now you have to get the video of this amazing show from somewhere, because I believe it's out of print. I was fortunate enough (or maybe not, some say) to have been given (!) an unofficial Brazilian copy on dvd that nevertheless isn't complete. It does contain a beautiful rendition of The Meeting that wasn't on the cd, though...

[BrianD]

I agree - if Yessymphonic is their best video/DVD performance, this is number 2. When I got this - long before KTA came out - it reminded me of everything I had been missing for so many years.

[BredYes]

It's good, but... I don't like the bass. I miss Chris Squire.
Birthright is really great with an amazing Rick.

[R'tanys]

This is an exceptional recording of an amazing performance, but sadly, it's a puzzle with a missing piece. Not to dis Tony Levin. He's obviously quite gifted, but there's only one Fish, and were his participation part of the package, this performance would surely have launched from terra firma to the heavens themselves. Still, all in all, a tremendous offering.

[brismike]

This is an exceptional recording of an amazing performance, but sadly, it's a puzzle with a missing piece. Not to dis Tony Levin. He's obviously quite gifted, but there's only one Fish, and were his participation part of the package, this performance would surely have launched from terra firma to the heavens themselves. Still, all in all, a tremendous offering.

Yes . . there is a missing piece on this otherwise fine recording . . and that is Tony Levin is not even on it!

On Bass is a certain Mr Jeff Berlin who absolutly botches HOTS. I actually can't stand to hear him play this song. Squire nails this one every time and is the master & commander of this song.

Berlin just sucks on it. It's a pity that they couldn't get Chris to stand in just for this concert when Tony was ill. But then he and Jon weren't exactly speaking to each other at the time except through their lawyers of course.

I have seen footage of Tony Levin playing with ABWH and he is head and shoulders above Berlin's lame excuse for Bass playing.

Mike

[BrianD]

Agree with Brismike - the Stockholm Soundboard of ABWH just shows how much extra Levin added over Berlin. I read somewhere that Berlin even commented that he had found bass lines that 'Squire had got wrong' from playing with ABWH. Given Berlin's own rather pale performance I doubt that Chris got them wrong!

[the'YES'kid]

It's a shame Tony didn't get to play on "An Eyening...". His work on Union was incredible.

Anyways, I still think this is a great show.

1) the best Rick solo ever!!!

2) IMO - the best live version of "Heart of the Sunrise"

3) Brother of Mine, sounds much better live (because or Rick's part at the end)

4) Order of the Universe, also sounds better live, very wild!

I was very lucky to get the original version (the one with the ABWH logo, from Germany)

[brismike]

It's a shame Tony didn't get to play on "An Eyening...". His work on Union was incredible.
Anyways, I still think this is a great show.
1) the best Rick solo ever!!!

2) IMO - the best live version of "Heart of the Sunrise"

3) Brother of Mine, sounds much better live (because or Rick's part at the end)
4) Order of the Universe, also sounds better live, very wild!
I was very lucky to get the original version (the one with the ABWH logo, from Germany)

Errrr .. you gotta be kidding with your Number 2 don't you ??

Berlin botches up the bass lines and you call it the best live verson of HOTS?? Crikey!

That's a pretty big call that I'm sure Chris Squire would like to take you to task on .. never mind some of the other Yes Fans on here.

I have heard many more live versions of HOTS that are so much better than this one.

I agree that the rest of the ABWH lineup did a pretty good job of it, but Berlin just absolutely ruins it. I can't even bear to hear him do it any more.

Get the Union Tour DVD and check out that version. Squire is the master on this one, He knows it, the other 7 guys know it, the Freaking audience knows it. There is just no comparison IMHO.

[the'YES'kid]

Berlin botches up the bass lines and you call it the best live verson of HOTS?? Crikey!

I knew someone would dislike my opinion and I don't blame you. I totally agree with you, Belin's playing on that show really sucked. But here's the thing, when you judge a song as your favourite you have to consider 5 diffrent parts (5 musicians) and choose the one you care about the most.

For example "And you and I" (ABWH), I love Steve's solo (the best ever) but I don't like Jon's singing that much on that one. So I have to choose between Jon & Steve and I choose Jon. So my fav AYAI version is the one on Yessongs (video) 'cause I love the way he sang there.

The same with HOTS. Belin's playing sucked, but Jon's singing kicked ass more than in any other version. Here I have to choose between Jon's singing or "do I wanna hear Chris". Again, I choose Jon.

On top of that, I really loved the percussion Bill added there.

PS - what I ment was "best LIVE version", 'cause the very best version for me is the original.

[BrianD]

Have to agree with Brismike on this one. Berlin stuffs up what otherwise would have been a great version of HOTs. Bass is so crucial to this song that I can't bear to hear this version.

[Earl Grey]

Have to agree with Brismike on this one. Berlin stuffs up what otherwise would have been a great version of HOTs. Bass is so crucial to this song that I can't bear to hear this version.

Yup. I agree Brian.

Chris is always preferred. And if not Chris, Tony Levin.

But Chris is preferred! :ele: Berlin did well in a pinch, lead-sheets in place.
But ANOYM+ has the mushiest sounding HOTS I've heard...

You can't read HOTS. You must feel it.

JIMO Earlie-G

[Faceintheplace]

Yeah they should have done a live album with Tony there for sure. (I've heard some of the boots from the leg of the tour he was there for and its a mindblower.) But reguardless, its a good live album. I have the gold cd version that adds in a nice Starship Trooper. I don't much like Rick's solo here, but Jon and Steve's are great and the live perfromances of the ABWH material are quite good especially Birthright. But I don't view this album as having the best live HOTS, I prefer Yessongs, Wembley '78 and any '97 tour recording.

[gt76yesman]

I have to agree that Jeff berlin does not come close to Chris on HOTS, however, Wakey and Howe are on fire on this CD. There are some great songs on it. I wish Chris would put his touch of a few of them, Fist of Fire, Themes, Brother of Mine.
Tony Levin is damn good, The songs that he is one are smokin'!
Glendo

[stevepenn]

Nobody's mentioned the drums. I have a video of the '89 tour at Jones Beach and my God does Bruford rock. He's so clean with the synth drums. I love that sound.

[gt76yesman]

sorry I did not mention that. Bruford rocked! I love listening to him and watching him. He does the most complex things and makes it look simple. He is a master!

Glendo

[Robert Shupe]

First of all this is 4/5 of the lineup that brought us the incredible Fragile and Close To The Edge album. I loved the ABWH CD. I thought it was fresh and crisp. It did not carry the name Yes but it was a second version of Yes for me. Certain albums really click with my wife (girlfriend at the time of release). This is the one Yes related album that she really hit a chord with her and we share our love of it to this day and I always smile when she asks me to pull it out.


At the time it was as close to the classic lineup of this group of guys as I thought I would ever get. I was thrilled when they announced the tour. I would finally get to see Wakeman and Bruford and I would get to see Howe with some Yes guys. Squire would be missed but I was pumped. I got third row center seat to the Dallas show. The day arrives and driving to Dallas from Commerce it was announced that the show was cancelled due to Levin going ill in Houston the night before. Man was I crushed and I honestly thought I would never see Wakeman and Bruford.

I do not know how many shows were cancelled. I can tell you Dallas, Texas was. The band had to find someone to finish the tour for Levin and Jeff Berlin it was. I imagine it was a daunting task for him and he probably did not have much practice to master all of the parts. It was kind of like Pino Paladino having to fill in at the last minute for John Entwistle during The Who's 2002 tour.

I imagine that the live CD of AEOYM+ was scheduled ahead of time with the intention of having Tony on bass. When Jeff had to come in they most likely decided to go on with an official live release featuring Jeff on bass. I am glad the tour did not end in Houston and of course I wish I had seen the lineup.

Anyway, I have both CD versions. The original release under the ABWH name and the gold CD set with Starship Trooper under the Yes name. I bought the video when it was released and I am glad now. I don't understand why it has been given an official DVD treatment.

I thought the guys were tight. I absolutely thought Wakeman shined. The electronic drums was different and different can be good. Steve was clear and the lineup really gelled as a whole.

I am very glad they documented the tour on CD and on video. It made it easier for me to stomach not actually seeing them. The studio and live album should be in your Yes music collection if you do not have them.

We missed Chris. I am sorry for Tony's behalf that he took ill and I am grateful that Jeff came aboard so the tour could continue. For ABWH, I am sure it was tought discussions and touch and go for a while but the music did survive the reality and for that we can be grateful.


Cheer

Robert Shupe

[1yesfan]

My least fav "Yes" line-up. Ok stuff but I rarely play it. Funny thing I just thought of. I never see anyone asking for or offering WEEDS for this tour. I have a feeling many folks feel similar to me on this one. OK stuff but is just missing something, other then CHRIS!

[BrianD]

The Stockholm soundboard weed from this tour is very popular - and deservedly so with Levin on it.

[prem895]

Does Anyone Out There Have A Weed Of The Stockholm Show? I Would Be Very Interested In A Copy To Listen To And Re-weed. Please Let Me Know

[inside_out]

This one has stood the test of time for me. I go back often. I've had it since it came out. I grew up on Yessongs and have great affection for it. But, An Evening of Yes Music Plus is the one I reach for of the live stuff. I love the ctte version big time.

[Dale Cleary]

I only have the video version of this. I must say that it is great to hear CTTE with the correct drumming. I can't stand the version without Bill.

[Purple Wolfhound]

I only have the video version of this. I must say that it is great to hear CTTE with the correct drumming. I can't stand the version without Bill.

Hey Dale - as a girl at my work would say, "Here, here!" Nothing against Alan's drumming and even though I'm not exactly crazy about electric drums, I think that's one of the main reasons this is my second favourite version of CTTE (how can you improve on the original?). It doesn't sound the same to me without Bruford on :drummer:

Peace,

Phil

[Orbert]

Inspired by this thread, I pulled out my copy of Yes Music Plus and put it in the car (I have a 50-minute commute, but a 10-disc changer to help me cope).

Wow, I'd forgotten how hot this version of CttE was! Steve is just smoking during the intro. The harmonies aren't quite right, but that's to be expected. Rick's solo is great, better than the YesSongs version and nearly rivalling the original. Or maybe I'm just excited because it's not the one I'm used to, but still excellent.

Hey... no extra two chords before "On the hill we viewed the silence of the valley". So sometimes they're there, sometimes not? I've still never heard the straight scoop on those purpose of those extra two chords. Anyone?

Orbert

[Gabriel]

Having finally heard this CD I can see why people recommended it so much; truely fantastic live record; The ABWH tracks and CTTE are the best on this definatly, although to be honest I prefer the Keys versions of Roundabout, Starship Trooper and And You And I for some reason! In fact, Starship Trooper I found to be abit weak on this album...something about the bass although I did hear it late at night when I was abit tired which was a mistake so i'll give it another listen. Brilliant album nonetheless.

[SonicDeath10]

i've only heard this one once: maybe is hould relisten!

[SonicDeath10]

one thing i notice very abscent is chris's amazing vocal harmonies. it sort of ruins starship trooper... instead of chris's heavenly vocals you get steve's rough, wrong vocalization. and the bass isn't as good...

same thing with and you and i. i've only listened to the first disc so far... i also "miss" the fish.

[SonicDeath10]

man steve's guitar at the ending of starship trooper was amazing, one of his best in concert solo's i've ever heard... i take back negative things i said.

[True Believer]

I've got a VCD of the show - it's really amazing.

[BrianD]

Its a great show. Convinced me that there was still a Yes out there somewhere.

The only disappointment for me was Heart of the Sunrise - without Chris it just didn't make the grade

[Scooty]

I have the official VHS from Griffen..
And the DVD from Image..which goes for tons of money on Ebay nowadays...

[VanDerGraaf]

I was lucky enough to get the Box set of this show, with both the 2cd set of the show, and video, in an oversized book-style plastic casing.
And, i got Steve to sign it way back in 1993!

I'm ashamed to say that i haven't seen it for ages- i may just go and dig it out....

[Wakey's #1 Fan]

Why do I always find these old threads...hhhmmm...


I've got the box set with video and 2 CDs. The concert is great, a milestown in the history of Yes...or should I say ABWH? Rick's solo part is one of the best I've ever heard and seen. I think nobody in the whole wide world can play as fast as Rick. This is the best live version of Catherine Parr ever...wow! And that's why I love this album so much!

[AmyK]

Why do I always find these old threads...hhhmmm...


I've got the box set with video and 2 CDs. The concert is great, a milestown in the history of Yes...or should I say ABWH? Rick's solo part is one of the best I've ever heard and seen. I think nobody in the whole wide world can play as fast as Rick. This is the best live version of Catherine Parr ever...wow! And that's why I love this album so much!

I should say the same about old threads! I just got a copy of this set Thursday, and I was pleased to find the Rick Wakeman solo I had been looking for! (for several months since I had found the video of this solo on youtube). I'll never forget those chops on that old Ensoniq, and Roland D-50. That synth voice on the D-50 he plays real fast is called "Living Calliope". Rattling on, but I'm still amazed by that solo.


The CTTE on disc 2 is a gem as well !

[Surely! Surely!]

You can get the DVD on Amazon nowadays. I got it for my brother and what a great show to watch! They truly shined like our YES. It was a good crowd and there's that great bit where Jon starts the show being interviewed behind a barricade as he starts his walk throught the crowd to the stage. Fantastic solos too! Very satisfying as a YES show.

[pianozach]

I have to agree that Jeff berlin does not come close to Chris on HOTS, however, Wakey and Howe are on fire on this CD. There are some great songs on it. I wish Chris would put his touch of a few of them, Fist of Fire, Themes, Brother of Mine.
Tony Levin is damn good, The songs that he is one are smokin'!
Glendo

Again, here we are at a rock solid suggestion that I've voiced several times around here:

How's about they grab the master tapes of DRAMA and replace Trevor Horn's voice with Jon's

. . . and . . .

Take the ABWH masters and add Chris' vocals and bass?

This would be enough of a gift to inspire me to buy the albums all over again.



. . . CttE . . . Hey... no extra two chords before "On the hill we viewed the silence of the valley". So sometimes they're there, sometimes not? I've still never heard the straight scoop on those purpose of those extra two chords. Anyone?

Orbert

I don't know. But . . .

But I'd guess that the chords might be to cover a key change from the original in order for Jon to make it through some of the rigorous touring that they've done.

Why do I always find these old threads...hhhmmm...


I've got the box set with video and 2 CDs. The concert is great, a milestown in the history of Yes...or should I say ABWH? Rick's solo part is one of the best I've ever heard and seen. I think nobody in the whole wide world can play as fast as Rick. This is the best live version of Catherine Parr ever...wow! And that's why I love this album so much!

Yep, Nina, Rick was really on top of his game on the ABWH material.

But there is someone as fast as Rick, just maybe not on keyboards: Yngwie Malmstein, although more of a heavy-metaller, reminds me a great deal of Rick.

Here, I think you''ll enjoy this link to the fastest keyboardist alive: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbdVvH_0rCs

[pianozach]

Hey... no extra two chords before "On the hill we viewed the silence of the valley". So sometimes they're there, sometimes not? I've still never heard the straight scoop on those purpose of those extra two chords. Anyone?

Orbert
I don't know. But . . .

But I'd guess that the chords might be to cover a key change from the original in order for Jon to make it through some of the rigorous touring that they've done.


. . . And after several minutes of research . . . I do, indeed have the answer.

In my iTunes I have eight different version of CttE:


the original from CLOSE TO THE EDGE (1972)
the YESYEARS re-issue
the first live version from YESSONGS (1973)
The truncated 7 minute orchestral version featuring Bill & Steve and the London Philharmonic from THE SYMPHONIC MUSIC OF YES (1993)
The ABWH version from An EVENING OF YES MUSIC PLUS (1994)
The KTA2 live version (1996)
and two boots: 3/6/96 (San Luis Obispo) and 10/31/99 (Las Vegas)



In all but the original version they transition (and sing) the last couple minutes of the song a full two half steps lower (from A to Eb) than the original (A to F)

The ABWH version, however, just skips the two additional transitional chords and goes straight to the key of Eb.

[AmyK]

Again, here we are at a rock solid suggestion that I've voiced several times around here:

How's about they grab the master tapes of DRAMA and replace Trevor Horn's voice with Jon's

. . . and . . .

Take the ABWH masters and add Chris' vocals and bass?

This would be enough of a gift to inspire me to buy the albums all over again.



The Drama idea is not as far fetched as it sounds. At one time Jon wouldn't perform anything from Drama. In the more recent years there was talk of performing Tempus Fugit. I'm not sure where I heard this.

In this day and age he could record something like this in his home studio in a matter of hours.

[JL]

I would love to see the Stockholm show get an official release. It is one of my favorite Yes related (related Scooty, in case you read this) recordings.

Jeff Berlin's playing is adequate, I suppose, but Tony's is sublime! Besides, I guess it is not fair to Jeff Berlin to judge his playing too harshly, as he was a last minute fill-in for a sick Tony on shows previously scheduled to be recorded.

[gitsy]

Why do I always find these old threads...hhhmmm...


I've got the box set with video and 2 CDs. The concert is great, a milestown in the history of Yes...or should I say ABWH? Rick's solo part is one of the best I've ever heard and seen. I think nobody in the whole wide world can play as fast as Rick. This is the best live version of Catherine Parr ever...wow! And that's why I love this album so much!

My wife always tells me faster is not always better!

[soulsearcher]

Simply OUTSTANDING!!!

I've had this CD for about a week now and it's simply the 'Nads! Play it everyday whilst working.

Crisp live sound, the musicians are on top of their game and Anderson's voice more than manages to carry all the Yes numbers without Squire (a pity he wasn't in the band actually!) and the ABWH material really shines!!

'The Order of the Universe', Brother of Mine', 'Teakbois', 'Birthright', 'Second Attention & Soul Warrior' all refresh your mind, bring new, varied and 'get-up-n-dance' rhythms to the sound of what could/SHOULD have been a proper Yes line-up obviously enjoying themselves on stage. Note-perfect, expansive and a damned fine performance all round. Makes you think 'what could have been?' had YES wondered about what they wanted to be remembered for in terms of continuously and prolifically good music.

The current Line-up (2004) could quite happily slip, without pause or apology, any of these numbers into the coming live sets and both please the audience and enjoy themselves on stage; knowing that they are not singing about/boring us with "beanfields", "generators" ('big' or otherwise) and "in the Blue Sedan we didn't get much further" (who cares?) type arse.

Dare I say, it's how YES should have been (the ABWH material) immediately after DRAMA, instead of the abomination that was the AOR-Rabin-era incarnation?

If you don't already own it, buy this CD today - if you are a true YES fan, you will not be disappointed and will end up loving it as I do.

Enjoy!!
i also LOVE this CD and saw the concert at the garden state arts cernter in NJ..
i am actually wearing the anderson bruford wakeman and howe T-shirt right now!

[Surely! Surely!]

i also LOVE this CD and saw the concert at the garden state arts cernter in NJ..
i am actually wearing the anderson bruford wakeman and howe T-shirt right now!



Very nice! I am forever affectionately envious!

Michelle

[jnbgtr]

Sorry to take issue, but to call Jeff Berlin's playing lame is one of the most ignorant posts I've read here. I don't know the performance you guys are referring to and my guess is that he went in unrehearsed. Jeff is one of the elite bassists in the world and while I am the biggest Squire lover there is Jeff can (technically) play circles around Chris and most other bassists alive. You really need to expand your musical horizons before posting nonsense.
I would expect a well-rounded alleged Yes fan to know of his playing on Moraz' Story Of I. The recording sucks as Patirck crowds the sonic spectrum but the playing is top-notch!!!


Yes . . there is a missing piece on this otherwise fine recording . . and that is Tony Levin is not even on it!

On Bass is a certain Mr Jeff Berlin who absolutly botches HOTS. I actually can't stand to hear him play this song. Squire nails this one every time and is the master & commander of this song.

Berlin just sucks on it. It's a pity that they couldn't get Chris to stand in just for this concert when Tony was ill. But then he and Jon weren't exactly speaking to each other at the time except through their lawyers of course.

I have seen footage of Tony Levin playing with ABWH and he is head and shoulders above Berlin's lame excuse for Bass playing.

Mike

[Roadkill]

I didn't know there was a live CD of this tour. Blimey; ABWH was my introduction to the music of Yes. I loved the album at the time (since I moved to CD it's one album I never got round to updating) and thought there was a great deal of spirituality to it with a good, modern sound. Such a shame that the material from the ABWH lineup on Union was so weak.

Well, I have a mission now: find the live CD of the Evening Of Yes Music Plus tour.