For such a diminutive figure, the presence that Jon Anderson has on stage is truly remarkable. Now in his 80’s, the much loved singer is back on the road with the Band Geeks, top-notch musicians founded by bassist Richie Castellano, and for more than two hours they delighted the Symphony Hall audience with a set of mostly Yes classics and a handful of newer songs. With the venue close to capacity, there was a real sense of excitement as the band were welcomed on stage to the strains of Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite, and once Jon appeared it was the cue for the first of many standing ovations.
‘Close to the Edge’ started the evening, and it was clear that Jon’s voice had lost none of its sparkle, hitting the high notes effortlessly, and his energy remained infectious. The next twenty minutes were riveting as they moved through the songs different movements, the band doing justice to one of prog rocks crown jewels. Guitarist Angus Clark made a strong impression and with Jon in such commanding form it made no difference that there were no other “legacy” Yes members on stage with him. This simply sounded like Yes would sound if Jon Anderson had never left. It was back to The Yes Album for ‘Perpetual Change’ before a recent song, ‘Counties and Countries’, that was highlighted by some wonderful vocal harmonies and thunderous drumming from Andy Ascolese. They continued with a mesmerising ‘And You and I’, brand new song ‘Giving is Loving’ and closed the first half with ‘Soon’, Jon’s voice sounding absolutely captivating as it rang out across the hall.
Welcomed back for the second half, ‘Awaken’ provided a show stopping high point; the last of the great Yes epics sounding reinvigorated and featuring Jon’s wonderful harp solo. ‘I’ve Seen All Good People’ had a few people out of their seats and dancing along, ‘Once Upon a Dream’ was a sixteen minute grandiose song that showcased the songwriting abilities of all concerned. Jon was ready for ‘Starship Trooper’, but it was Angus that led them into the joyous ‘Leaves of Green’. It was then time for the aforementioned ‘Starship Trooper’, the ‘Wurm’ section allowing all the band a chance to extend themselves, in particular Richie who prowled the stage with his huge bass sound in a sight that evoked the memory of the great Chris Squire. A jubilant ‘Roundabout’ closed out the show, Jon happily dancing with his wife Jane at the side of the stage and the majority on their feet and enjoying the moment.
The whole evening was a genuine triumph and the closest thing to a Yes concert since Jon toured with Trevor Rabin and Rick Wakeman almost a decade ago. With the promise of a new studio album to come, hopefully it won’t be too long before we see Jon and this wonderful band back here at Symphony Hall.
Set 1:
Close to the Edge
Perpetual Change
Counties and Countries
And You and I
Giving Is Living
Soon
Set 2:
Awaken
I’ve Seen All Good People
Once Upon a Dream
Leaves of Green
Starship Trooper
Roundabout
