Line up change

[bondegezou]

No, it's been clearly stated by the band now that Jay is the drummer on the album.

What he said. There were early reports that White had recorded parts. However, it's Schellen on the album. Sherwood has said something that suggests White may have played on demos for the album, so maybe that led to the early reports that White had recorded parts, or maybe they were just wrong.

[Mr. Holland]

Is that still the case?

No, it's been clearly stated by the band now that Jay is the drummer on the album.

[Kenny]

Yes, Alan, that is my understanding.

Is that still the case?

[Mr. Holland]

Yes, Alan, that is my understanding.

Cool!

[bondegezou]

Yes, but do we know whether it was Alan who did the bulk of the drum work? Given how frail he apparantly was for some time (as the video about his stolen drumkit showed)?

Yes, Alan, that is my understanding.

[Yesed]

Nice to know Alan possibly had some influence on the new album. The amount he has Im sure is productive and helpful, though small. If its not finished, and up to Jay on drums, I hope he has an influence on the rest of the band, especially Mr. Howe.

[Mr. Holland]

I think the bulk of the work on the album was done before Alan passed away.

Yes, but do we know whether it was Alan who did the bulk of the drum work? Given how frail he apparantly was for some time (as the video about his stolen drumkit showed)?

[bondegezou]

So with Jay possibly replacing Alan, maybe a new direction upward, I hope, for a new album. Im always hopeful.

I think the bulk of the work on the album was done before Alan passed away.

[Yesed]

I dont have a problem with the current line up, per se.. , or what it will officially become now with White gone. Its the music they produce, shying away from strong innovative Yes sound. I knew when The Quest was anticipated with Steve at the helm, it would either go classic Yes or classic Steve Howe. I think its an ok Steve Howe album, but a disappointing Yes album. Their worst imo. So with Jay possibly replacing Alan, maybe a new direction upward, I hope, for a new album. Im always hopeful.

[Frumious B]

There is a reason my Yes bootleg collection ends with 2004.

[Frumious B]

I mean, just listen and compare “Awaken” on Montreux 2003 to “Awaken” on Yes 50 Live. There is so much more richness, fullness and fun little details in that 2003 performance. I would say that the current band’s version comes off like a sketch in comparison.

[Somis Sound]

I have to say thay while Lugano is very good, as was the show I saw in London in 2004, I think Jon's voice sounded very raspy for the greater portion of the tour. No wonder, as Rick later admitted that Jon was suffering from asthma and stuff for a large part of the tour.

I think my favourite tours/shows over the years indeed were shows with Jon, Chris, Steve and Alan present. Union tour, Open Your Eyes and The Ladder tours especially. Very vibrant shows.

However, I thought in 2014 for the three album tour Chris was really a shadow of his former self and there was a real lack of energy all together on that tour. The 2016 and 2018 shows I saw where much better. The 2016 European Drama/Fragile tour was the last tour where Alan did full shows and the amazing thing was that he was playing better and with more energy than in say the 5 years before that. It was almost like a last revival before his health issues really kicked in.

2018 I saw amazing versions of RSOG and Ritual, with Jay really bringing the goods and also Billy was so focused and giving it his all that it all truly came to live. In my experience Ritual was better than I experienced it in 2004.

Well Arno, I guess we have to agree to disagree bro. But I do agree those tours with Chris, Jon, Steve, and Alan, were all very exciting and good. The band was fired up for sure. But the last tour I saw with Chris, I thought he sang better than ever and was in great form.... He was super pumped on The Game and The Fish at the show I saw. It was incredible. I even enjoyed Believe Again, which I don't like on the album.

In regards to the post Chris stuff, it reminds me of a master chef passing his recipe on to another cook. Sure it's pretty much the same dish, but without the magical nuance, perhaps not enough of certain ingredients, and authenticity of the master chef(s). I saw them do Drama. Jay is a great drummer with lots of power, Billy is a very good bass player and pretty good singer, but for me there was a lot missing other than playing the right notes. But again, Into the Lens took me to another place, it was great. But the rest of the show I had one eyebrow raised... Same at the 50th. But I really enjoyed seeing Tony back and thought JD really came a long way as a performer and singer live. But not having Chris Squire (and Jon Anderson) on stage with his presence, sound, VOICE, and nuance, is a huge missing link for me as far as THE Yes experience. And I understand it can never happen again.... But I think it's great you, Rabin105, and others are still stoked and I think it's cool they are celebrating the magic music of Yes! Heck I even like 5 songs on H&E. Not sure if that is a good or bad thing LOL...

[Mr. Holland]

Yes, Hartford was during the 2nd North American leg of the 2004 tour, and at least Rick has talked about howe bad that leg was. The 1st go round was awesome. I was at and taped the Toronto show in May 04, and met the band before the show.

Freudian slip?

[Art Vandaley]

This is a bit over the top. And Somis is o e hell of a musician. He never claimed to be superior to Howe or Billy, Geoff or Jay. He explained why he’d like to see the story end already. I don’t think he’s being condescending. Why would you choose to ignore Somis? The guy is pretty laid back and easy-going.

You've made your point many times and I usually choose to ignore it. But. Gotta say that is the most disrespectful and condescendin' comment I've read about the current band.

Steve Howe
Geoff Downes.
Jay Schellen
Billy Sherwood
Jon Davison.

I gather you have some recordin', audio experience. Good for you. I never could play a note. You may know of what you speak but I suspect you don't. Maybe you are a better muso than the 5 men above but I suspect you arem't. Just my 2 cents.

[Khatrooper]

That is your opinion

I disagree as I was there in 04 and you know what it was the worst show I ever saw from yes period. That’s right the 2004 Hartford show was so bad
honestly the best yes show I saw was 2016 topographic drama tour

Yes, Hartford was during the 2nd North American leg of the 2004 tour, and at least Rick has talked about howe bad that leg was. The 1st go round was awesome. I was at and taped the Toronto show in May 04, and met the band before the show.