Yes Measure Up To Usual Standards

Concert Review
YES
Artpark
Lewiston, NY
Tuesday August 2, 2016
Review/Photos: Joseph Suto

Yes has always been about musicianship and pushing boundaries. They are the innovators of the term progressive rock. The band has seen many changes throughout it’s history in regard to members coming and going and always seem to transcend to another level and stay relevant. Tuesday evening Yes played the outdoor stage at Artpark to a very respectable crowd. By the time the show was over, they had left their indelible mark as they showed why they are so revered. All that despite playing music many in the crowd seemed unfamiliar with for the early portion of the show.

As I looked at each band member I realized not one of these gentleman were on 1987s Big Generator tour, my first Yes concert experience. Currently the band is comprised of guitarist Steve Howe, keyboardist Geoff Downes, bassist Billy Sherwood and singer Jon Davison. To start off this tour the band has enlisted drummer Jay Schellen to “keep the seat warm” for Alan White who is recovering from recent back surgery. White is expected back at some point during the tour.

The band is currently in the midst of a 28-date outing in the states where they are doing another album series. This time around the band is performing Drama in its entirety and sides one and four from Tales From Topographic Oceans as well a some of their greatest hits.

The band came out and played Drama first. Notable selections included opener “Machine Messiah” and “Into The Lens”. This year was the first time the band has ever performed the whole album from start to finish.

Following Drama, Howe acknowledged the crowd and wished Alan White a speedy recovery as he introduced drummer Schellen to the Artpark faithful.

The band closed out the first set with “I’ve Seen All Good People” (the first familiar song of the evening which drew a great response) and “Siberian Khatru”.

Following a brief twenty minute intermission, the band returned with “And You And I”. It was clearly the highlight of the night for me as the band played it to perfection. They closed out the second set with the selections from Tales From Topographic Oceans.

Despite the majority of the crowd being seemingly unfamiliar with a hefty portion of the material, the band won over a few new fans with their performance. Many of the songs were clearly played for the diehards. At this stage in the bands career, instead of playing a safe hits set, they are still pushing the boundaries, something the Yes institution has done since day one and apparently will do until the band decides to call it a day. Judging from the show on Tuesday, they are far far from done.