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New Limited Edition Prints by Roger Dean Now Available QPR DVD Volumes 1 & 2 for Sale (New! in Shrink Wrap!) Sisters on Yes (and Vice Versa) Yes Belongs to the Whole World Can the Additional "stuff" on DVDs Jeff Berlin in Innerviews; 20 bit ABWH Remaster? Firebird Suite at the Olympics Planning a New York "Yes JAM 2002" MAGNIFICATION: In Defense of... Yes Inspires the Making of a Meditation CD Rick Wakeman with Indonesian Progressive Society Are Japanese Remasters Worth It? Why You Should Buy MAGNIFICATION Steve Howe "Classic Rock Legends" DVD Jazz Version of "Close to the Edge"? Good News for MAGNIFICATION fans! Reply To "Live Versions of Studio Tracks Rarely Played Live" A
Trevor Rabin Comeback: Nostalgia? High Vibration From: Marco Casalino mcasalino@ewong.com Location: Lima, Peru Last Monday good pal Carlos 'Monito' Pardo passed away in a car accident when going to work, at the age of 36. He was a big fan of Yes and really enjoyed music. He conducted a radio program here in Lima in 'radio 99' and was always in tune with the latest events. I remember when 20 years ago we walked and he sang bass rhythms and wanted me to tell him what it was (it was Squire's notes he said). When Jon Anderson made it to Peru in 1993 he was first there and had the opportunity to meet him; later in 2000 we were at Yes concert in Lima and wow that was memorable, as well as other concerts we attended (King Crimson, ELP). I don't know how we will do without him here on earth, but I know that up there music is sounding better.... During his funeral wake we couldn't help but play Jon and Vangelis as well as Yes music. Bye, friend. New Limited Edition Prints by Roger Dean Now Available From: Jim Hartley
jhartley@sfae.com Roger has released a new series of limited edition prints that relate to Yes, Pink Floyd and Uriah Heep albums. The larger pieces are all original screen prints hand-created meticulously by Roger himself. Each is hand-signed by the artist and numbered. These limited editions can be acquired from San Francisco Art Exchange and your questions answered by calling 800-344-9633 or emailing jhartley@sfae.com Two smaller sets have also been made available as limited edition Giclee prints relating to Yes and Asia. See below for details. Photographs can be sent to you via email attachment for any pieces you'd like to see in closer detail. Just advise the picture you want to see and provide your email address. The pieces that are available are: · Arches I and Arches II from the KEYS TO ASCENSION album of Yes: Priced at $1,200 · Dragon's Garden from Pink Floyd's "Them and Us" album: $1,200 · Magician's Birthday from Uriah Heep's album of the same $1,450 · Yes Square Chop Logo and Dragonfly: $150 each or $500 for the set of four. · Asia Pyramid: $150 each or $500 for the set of four. Click here for images and complete details Jim Hartley QPR DVD Volumes 1 & 2 for Sale (New! in Shrink Wrap!) From: David Simmons
david@ubumusic.com I have an extra copy of the Yes Live at QPR double DVD Vol. 1 & 2 for sale, (import from Hong Kong. Plays anywhere in the world). I was purchasing a copy on e-bay and accidentally clicked the button twice so now I have two copies of both volumes. For those who haven't seen or heard the QPR concert it's a wonderful artifact from a time gone by. Steve Howe's guitar work on the opening section CTTE is the nest work I've heard from the maestro. I don't wish to make a profit from my mistake
and am selling the 2 DVD set for my cost and postage only. I will
even throw in a VHA copy of YESSONGS. Total price is $62.00 us.
e-mail me now and claim this wonderful "prize". From: John Shortridge
jshortri@rmi.net I just discovered that there were 3 variations of the bonus CD that came with MAGNIFICATION. I got the one with "Close to the Edge". I'd like to do a trade for the other 2 that were released. Would someone like to do a CDR or CD trade? I really love MAGNIFICATION. A very strong piece
of music. From: Denis Boutet
dboutet@rds.ca Hi, we need a singer for a Yes' tribute. We're
from Montreal and three Rivers, Quebec, Canada. We're doing all since
the beginning. We have the gear from those years and it's sounds great.
If you think that you have a little bit of talent, give a shout and
let's try it. Sisters on Yes (and Vice Versa) From: Patsy Mercuri "mercuryhouse@msn.com I don't usually watch evening TV programming, but for some reason, on this particular night, I was flipping the channels and I kept coming back to this show. It has actors I don't particularly like and not much in the way of depth, but for some reason, I just knew I was supposed to watch it this particular night. Because it isn't a show I watch regularly, I'm not even sure I have the name right. It has Dyan Cannon in it, as the mom of three sisters. One married with kids, one still finding herself and one of whom, is divorced but is being romantically pursued by her ex. Anyway, he repeatedly asked her to re-marry him. After blowing him off the entire show, it ends withher, having left a trail of undergarments for her ex - that leads to the bathroom, in the bath tub with a very Roger Dean logo-esque Yes written in bath bubbles on the wall behind her. He enters, excitedly, and asks ifthat <display> meant she was a fan of the band, or was it the answer to his question. To which she replies, BOTH. The show setting is, I believe, based in Southern California....wouldn't it be awesome if Jon could make a guest appearance in some way ? Oh well, just thought you'd like to know. From: Bill Jackson Billyj358@aol.com I wanted to pass along this survey that was conducted by the Cleveland (Ohio) Plain Dealer 's Web site last week. Readers were asked to name what band they felt should next be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; i.e., who deserved it. Saturday night a local radio station broadcasted the results of the poll and played songs from those making the list. The Plain Dealer web site lists the results and giving sample reader comments about their choice(s). My comment about Yes made the article-look for "Bill from Mansfield". Where did Yes finish in this poll? Check it out. Further evidence it's time for them to be nominated and inducted.
http://www.cleveland.com/rockhall/survey/ From: Stephen Layton
srl_1958@hotmail.com Having read many times and been repeatedly entertained and informed by Bill Martins astounding book, "Music of Yes", I would like to request (assuming he reads these pages) respectfully that he graces us with an update to the point at which he leaves off with his views on TALK. In light of recent developments his summation at
the end is quite prophetic. Please Bill, I beg you, share your
perspective on the KTA's, OYE's, LADDER and of course MAGNIFICATION. I
bet you're having a ball with all this great new Yes music!!! Yes Belongs to the Whole World From: Graeme Stewart
graeme.s@onmail.co.uk Following my submission to NFTE regarding releases of Yes DVDs in Europe, I received an offensive response in my e-mail. The contents told me basically, that I was lucky to have Yes albums released in my country at all, that America is the best country in the world (on the basis that three of the band live there), and that I did not deserve to have Yes, as American fans are better than anyone else, borne out by the fact that Yes recorded KTA in America. I don't believe for one minute that this is these are the views of al that many American fans, just the same as I don't expect many British or European fans hold similarly biased views. I am glad to have seen, heard and loved this band for over 25 years. I play their music to anyone who wil4 listen, in the hope that they will find the magic I know is there. I don't jealously guard Yes for myself, and neither should anyone else. I would imagine that all the band members, past and present, would feel the same. YES MUSIC IS FOR SHARING. It saddens me that I cannot make a complaint against the stupidity of region coding music DVDs, or raise the matter, on behalf of Yes fans all over Europe about availability of Yes DVDs at affordable prices with out receiving abuse albeit from one misguided individual. If this person can't see what YES MUSIC is all
about, what it has meant for all these years to so many people, then my
faith in Human nature, and my belief in the power beauty, and passion of
yes music has been damaged. If that person can't see the meaning of my
contribution without believing it to he a slight on his or her country,
then that is there problem I just want to do what I can to help my
fellow TRUE Yes fans get their hands on the DVDs they want to see
I expect that this person will no doubt rant and rave at me again,
proving, once and for all, that they JUST DON'T GET THE MESSAGE. Can the Additional "stuff" on DVDs From: Edward Mansfield
emansfield@doubleport.com On the subject of concert videos I'd like to air a minor gripe that I have in the hope that any video directors might be reading this. Video directors, please, please, try to refrain or at least keep a really tight control on any creative urges you might have in terms of adding special effects and superimposed imagery, etc. So many times a good concert video is ruined by all the additional "stuff" that directors seem to love to splash all over it. Most times I want to watch a concert video because it's the next best thing to actually being there in the hall, which means that I want to hear and see the band. Different camera angles, with close-ups and wide
shots are fine, that just adds an extra dimension (although a lot of the
time the close-up is on the wrong player), but please cut out all the
pretentious arty stuff. What brings this especially to mind is
that I just watched the KEYS TO ASCENSION video for the first time the
other night and I was really ticked off because a great concert was
ruined, visually, by all the superimposed special effects. Just my
humble opinion, of course. From: Michael Porter
ra3035@email.sps.mot.com I'm amazed that anyone can call Howe's flubs a "laid-back" interpretation. This is not "whining", this is stating a fact. Howe himself says that he doesn't practice near as much as he used to, and it simply shows, that's all. He has demonstrated an inability to execute passages he used to do flawlessly, THREE TIMES IN A ROW. That's not
complaining, it's simply a fact. Jeff Berlin in Innerviews; 20 bit ABWH Remaster? From: Anil Prasad
aprasad@innerviews.org Innerviews just published an interview with bassist Jeff Berlin in which he comments extensively on working with Bill Bruford. He also discusses his time with Kazumi Watanbe, in addition to some cute comments about Tony Levin's approach w/Bill vs. his own. You can read it here: I recently heard there was a 20-bit remaster of
the ABWH CD released in Japan. Can anyone confirm this and
how one might be able to purchase one? Firebird Suite at the Olympics From: Tim Jenson
soundchaser2@hotmail.com I hope that everybody watched the emotional
opening ceremonies of the 2002 Olympic games. The entire show was
great but by far the best part was when they synchronized the firework
display to the opening of "Firebird Suite." I was convinced for
sure that Yes was going to come on next and play "Siberian Khatru" or
"Yours is No Disgrace." It was the only thing missing from the
celebration. Man, how great would that have been!! Planning a New York "Yes JAM 2002" From: Brian
iguigd@aol.com I am looking for musicians in the New York metro area with the unsurpassed devotion to play Yes music! Grab your guitar, bass, keyboard, drum sticks, and vocal chords for this one-time event. At this time, this project is in the planning stage. Depending on the amount of participants, this event will be staged at a rehearsal studio. If by chance I get an overwhelming response maybe on stage at a club. If you are interested please email Brian at iguigd@aol.com. Please e-mail me with the following information. Name, favorite Yes song(s) you would like to play, instrument you play, or if you plan on singing. Again, at this time this event is only in the planning stage. Depending on the amount of participants, we could be playing at a rehearsal studio, or club. If by some reason (HOPEFULLY NOT) I do not receive a favorable response, this event will not take place. I am open for any suggestions, comments, or
concerns regarding this event. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
MAGNIFICATION: In Defense of... From: Barry P. Saranchuk
blackplasticsound@yahoo.com Wow! I have to say that I've never really before today checked this site out, but to see all these "so called" Yes fanatics going at each other about which of the last few Yes CD's is "best" is sort of crazy. I agree with the person who, a few issues back, stated that "progressive" music fans don't want their favorite band to "progress"! Yes over the last few CD's seemed to me to be finding a new voice, that, somehow, still fits the original aesthetic of the band. I've heard it said they "wanted to make music that would help to instill a positive attitude in the listener", hence even their name was positive. For me this new CD, without the use of many cliches, does just that. It is a bright new sound for the band, that's not too far from the original, and returns to "love" themed lyrics (that don't have to fall to the overuse of the word "love" itself) that set the band apart from the crowd. In these times of craziness we all need a little something positive...and this new Yes CD has enough positive attitude to get anyone through, if you give it a chance. Great job guys! THANKS! From: Gary Davis
artshop@artist-shop.com I know a lot of you like to hear it when Yes is doing well in some chart or other. I just received a list from Phantom of their current top 100 selling imports. Phantom is one of the biggest import distributors in the country. Currently Yes occupies three places in their top
100 for the Japanese HDCD mini-LP releases of 90125, BIG GENERATOR and
YesTERDAYS! The positions are 69, 76 & 84 respectively. From: Greywolf
greywolf@starwolf.com In regards to the submission questioning "back, back, back", wanting Rick "back", wanting Trevor "back" and then calling it Regressive Rock, I wish to point out that the argument, while a good one, is technically flawed. "Progressive" in the sense of Progressive Rock means that the music itself makes progressions outside the box of blues-oriented Rock and Roll; it does not mean, necessarily, that such music is always pushing the envelope. To comment on the "back, back, back" thing, I'd like to put in that whatever they do will be right for them at the time they do it. I suggest we enjoy them for what they are and what they do. Yes will not tour forever, and when they are gone, we will miss them very very much. My only wish that I have ever had was that I knew the route to take to get them a tape so I could be their keyman, but I've never been able to meet the right person in the right place at the right time... :) [Not to mention having the right equipment...] Regarding "South Side of the Sky", I guess I fall into the baffled category, ESPECIALLY with regard to the piano/vocal centerpiece. They're describing a storm that's swirling all around them in the first and last parts of the song, or that's how it feels to me, anyway...and in the middle, there's this serene musical depiction of the eye of the storm, if you will, and it just seems to fit so perfectly. Ah, well. Someday in Valhalla with other similarly-minded musicians, I'm sure I'll get my turn :). Regarding MAGNIFICATION. I'm mixed on it. It's a splendid effort, but I haven't listened to it aught but once, so I can't really say one way or t'other as to its true quality. The one that was not "In The Presence Of" was one of two songs that actually brought tears to my eyes at the concert; I think it was "Give Love Each Day". The other was Ritual. Tour stuff: Hm. I liked "The Revealing Science of God" in 1998 on the "Open Your Eyes" tour. That was really well done. "Awaken" on the same tour was also very well done (much better than had been done for KTA). Overall, though, the best concert I saw was the Summer of 2001 when they dropped into my back yard (well, I'm about a mile and a half out from the Pavilion). "Close to the Edge" and "Ritual" just SMOKED this time around; much better than the show in 2000. I've always liked "Siberian Khatru" and "Perpetual Change" as well, and "Turn of the Century" is one I've kind of adopted as my own personal anthem. Beautiful work. Going forward? I look forward to whatever it is they will produce, for the opportunity to hear it and say "Yes", or to say "No", or to say "Not Yet", solely as an individual expressing an opinion that nobody else will hear. I love what they have done. Their music is spiritually uplifting without being overly preachy; they confer the presence of a divine spirit in whatever form one may choose without dictating its nature. As others have posted, it's brought them closer to the divine and it's helped them through hard times. Thus is it in my case as well. Thank you, gentlemen. Here's to your lives
and the energy you have given us. And thank you, posters, new and
old, for it is so nice to have some common ground with others in my
life. From: Dan Summers
summers@tsoft.net This is a crazy idea, but I think the band
should bring back the Peter Max-designed logo used on TALK. Even though
TALK is a Trevor Rabin album, and Steve Howe is currently in the band,
the logo for TALK deserves to be brought back for a future project. Just
an idea. From: Bill Habick
lostsymphony@yahoo.com Hello Yesfans! Cartman has done it again. Just as he raised the world's consciousness of the band Styx by singing "Come Sail Away" on South Park, this past December he chose to do the same for Asia. In episode 513: Kenny Dies (doesn't he always) which aired 12-5-01, Cartman goes to Washington, D.C. in order to get Congress to pass legislation to support stem cell research which could help his friend Kenny who is dying. During his speech he begins to sing the lines to "In The Heat Of The Moment" and is joined by the entire assembly of Congress. Only Cartman could elicit such an emotional response. In the February issue of Spin magazine there's a reference to our favorite band. Under the reviews section in the back for the new album POINT by Cornelius they state the following: "...Cornelius expressed his hope that the songs of the future would grow in length from three to 30 minutes, encompassing multiple narratives and moods. It's hardly an earth-shattering pop conceit--for starters, just say Yes..." It is always nice to see our band receive compliments, I guess it was one. Of course, the same issue had a list of the 50 greatest bands of all time. No, Yes wasn't one of them. Then again if they were included I probably would've thought I had died and gone to heaven. Back in December after I rushed to Best Buy to
buy a copy of MAGNIFICATION with the bonus disc, a couple hours later I
slipped it into my CD player and went into the kitchen to cook dinner.
After track 4 finished I thought my stereo equipment had gone wacky or
it skipped to the bonus disc which sounded like that hidden masterpiece
FISH OUT OF WATER. I ran to examine the player and happily
discovered it was still MAGNIFICATION paying homage to Squire's
brilliant first solo album. Oh, Yes!! From: LynneElf
lynneelf@hotmail.com I just read the Steve Howe interview with Mike Tiano (NFTE 238) and noticed the mention of the movie "Smashing Time" that featured Tomorrow (with Steve Howe) as a band called The Snarks. The movie is out on DVD format now, however the
VHS version has been discontinued. I've been able to locate it at
several on-line stores and at a local store that ordered me a copy
(picking it up this weekend). It's priced between $14-20,
depending on where you go. Yes Inspires the Making of a Meditation CD From: Trudy Brandenburg
brandet@yahoo.com I have been a meditation guide for nearly 3 years and recently formed my meditation company and released a meditation CD. Yes is thanked on the inside cover. Without their guidance through their music over several decades, I seriously doubt I would be on the path that I am on now. I am pleased and thankful that I discovered Yes in my youth. The actual CD is mainly a result of an event during the last Yes tour. I was sitting in the crowd, waiting for some sort of answer to my usual inner question - "What am I supposed to be doing?" Literally, Jon turned and looked me straight in the eye while I was thinking this to myself and said, "Here's a song of our new CD." When he said, "new CD," he said it with an emphasis and it nearly jolted me from my chair. Through him I received the message to make my CD. Yes has been "The Messenger" for me throughout my life and this was yet another message. On the way home from the concert, listening to "The Ladder," my thoughts about making the CD were confirmed when Jon sings "Talk to me);Is there something that I'm supposed to teach (Speak to me); Is there something that I'm supposed to find As I reach to the healing in each spoken word." If you would like to check out my meditation CD, here's the site, enjoy: I keep checking the tour schedule - it's how I
plan my vacations and this year, a work trip as well. To everyone
in Yes...A dreamer with a reason to live; Is as clear as his next
invention. Thank you, Yes, for this, a dream turned invention. Rick Wakeman with Indonesian Progressive Society From: Surjorimba Suroto
surjorimba@lycos.com Indonesian Progressive Society (IPS) finally got the opportunity to meet Rick Wakeman (RW) during his short visit to Jakarta, Indonesia. It all started when two IPS members interviewed RW after press conference (Tuesday, Feb 19th 2002). Back then RW was very excited to know that there was a prog community in Indonesia and wanted to know more about IPS. Responding to this, IPS Chairman Andy Julias tried to contact the promotor. After introducing IPS and himself, the promotor said no problem but still no words from RW. After the show (Thursday, 21st Feb 2002) Andy Julias along with two other members, Surjorimba Suroto (public relations) and Sigit Prabowo (program & events) went backstage in hope to find RW. Aftersome brief talk with security, one person was allowed to meet RW and that would be the Chairman himself. The talks went around 30 minutes and Andy said RW was pleased to meet IPS and agreed to have a nice meeting with IPS during the weekend. It was discussed earlier that we will talk mostly about progressive community in UK and introducing our community to him. The promotor also reminded us since the space might be small, the guests will be limited to only around 20 people. Some contacts were made during Friday and finally the meeting was scheduled on Sunday, Feb 24th 2002, 10.00 a.m at Lagoon Tower, Hilton Hotel where RW and band stays. That Sunday morning RW came alone earlier and we took place at the lobby, where many seats available and very suitable for 20-30 people. The talks led by Andy Julias (chairman IPS) went smoothly and Rick Wakeman answers each questions and shared many things about the community in UK (FYI, Rick is the Honorary President of Classic Rock Society UK). RW told us how the CRS began and how difficult those days to make a prog community. The record industry was not supporting. The media was not supporting. Not even local radio stations and CD shops. We couldn't imagine a country like UK, who was the origin of legendary bands such as Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, Yes, etc could be something like this. Oh BTW, Tony Fernandez & Damion Wilson joined us later. RW was very delighted to hear that we have monthly event like ProgNite and the annual event ProgFest. He was very sad knowing he couldn't see the show (the next ProgNite will be on Feb 28th, while Rick will return to UK on Feb 26th). He gave some advice to the members of Discus and In Memoriam, as well as many valuable advice to IPS. Rick was very happy when Iwan Hasan of Discus told him that Discus made some appearances in BajaProg Mexico and ProgDay USA last year. When we asked about other prog community in other countries, Rick replied that there were many of us especially in South America. Those communities were very active and growing every day. IPS really should make contact with these communities so we can be a big prog family. Rick also told us his plans in the future (making studio album with English Rock Ensemble) and possibilities to join Yes this year. Then we took pictures (a family picture with Rick, Tony and Damion) and they signed signatures on CDs, books, LPs, etc. Rick told us that there was a small picture of Richard Nixon in the Six Wives LP. A friend who brought the LP showed him and yes, the photo of Richard Nixon was there in the distance. Very small, even on the CD cover that photo couldn't be seen. He was also surprised when he signed Wally's s/t LP (Rick was the producer and string arranger). Even he forgot about this band. He also laughed seeing posters and pictures from magazines when he was very young (early 70's). Rick, Tony and Damion made short speech and comments for our forthcoming Progfest (scheduled Apr 5th 2002). All were recorded in pictures, audio tapes and video. They also signed papers to be published together with ProgFest program book. I also gave Rick a picture of Rick and me during the interview at press conference. Before we dismissed, a friend asked Rick if he would play a tune for us (there's a grand piano in the lobby) and surprisingly Rick played not only one song, but a total of 3 songs ("The Meeting", "And You and I", "Wonderous Stories")!!!! All songs were accompanied by the spontaneous choir by IPS members. We're really happy that morning. For around 2 and a half hour Rick, Tony and Damion met us like a family. Not as a legendary artist meeting their fans. Those guys were very humble and we loved them for being wonderful persons. Rick himself was scheduled to play one song live on a local TV station, RCTI, on Monday Feb 25th 2002. The show was called Impressario and it airs every Monday 9.00-10.00 pm. Last night I watched him played The Dance of a Thousand Lights (from Return to the Centre of the Earth album). He used a grand piano with recorded orchestral from the album. His playing was marvelous! He also made some statements about Yes, his son Adam, and his experience during his short visit to Indonesia. He's really a nice person. He promised to tell Yes (he'll meet them next month) about Indonesia and he'll ask them to make a show in our country. Wow! Surjorimba Suroto From: Gabriel Daigle
wehaveheaven@mail.com/ What a truly beautiful album. For a new father (my son Noah is seven months old), I couldn't receive a greater present from the men who now make up Yes to share with my son. The message and the medium is simply divine. This is right where these men are supposed to be. As a listener, the experience of a new album was different for me this time, as I bought the domestic release, yet had been listening to individual tracks from the album on auralmoon.com for quite some time. As taken as I was by the tracks individually, as
a whole, they are even more striking. The sequencing could not be
any better. Only "Time is Time" makes no sense in its placement.
Ending with "In The Presence Of" feels much more natural. The
tracks I always come back to are "Dreamtime", "Give Love Each Day" and
"Magnification." They are all magnificent pieces. To be able
to sing "Give Love Each Day" to my son (sun) is pure heaven. I
cannot help but have tears of joy looking in his eyes as I sing it.
Thank you for this moment in time Jon, Steve, Chris and Alan. You
made the album Yes was supposed to make at this time. This album
needs to be toured with a full orchestra to give it the justice it
deserves. And how about all of TFTO for the second half of the
show, with "To Be Over" for the encore. That would be bliss.
Peace and love to all. From: Roz Rousian
Rousian@webtv.net I look at these sites & wonder if anyone really knows about Yes! Forget Steve Howe, Rick Wakeman, or Trevor Rabin, etc. There would be no Yes sound without Tony Kaye. The sheer, beautful organ & contemporary sounds he brought to the band during their most exciting period of their early works; from the brilliancy of "Everydays" to the great "Then" and of course "Yours Is No Disgrace" are all masterworks in themselves. Much more so than "Roundabout" & "Close To The Edge". His return of course, on "90125" was nothing short of brilliant, even Rick Wakeman would agree, with the tremendous rolls of "Our Song" "Hearts" & later compositions like "I'm Running" & "I Am Waiting". Not to mention his incredible showmanship onstage was an event to watch & aren't likely to see again at any other Yesshow you will ever see. I promise you! I find his constant exclusion from these archives quite sad! I personally would love to see Tony Kaye make one more great comeback be it in Yes or anything else he has chosen to. Also, for the YesWorld site to not even give him a proper page or even a decent shot of him on their so-called "alummni members" site & to be reduced to a mere "vital statistic" line is extremely cruel & insulting to this man's legacy & everyone else who knows the contribution he has made to this band. If anyone can see fit to correct this & give Tony Kaye his proper due & find out what this genius is doing now, would be greatly appreciated! Its about time that Tony Kaye get the recognition he deserves! By the way, I'm a drummer/writer who misses this man's keyboard work very much! [The reason you don't see Tony in the Alumni
site is because he isn't interested in having a web site and is out of
the public eye. --MOT] Are Japanese Remasters Worth It? From: Sheldon Light
sheldonlight@earthlink.net Just a brief request for information, from one dedicated Yes fan to all the others. Has anybody purchased the Japanese remastered versions of 90125 and/or BIG GENERATOR, and if so are they worth the expense? Does anybody know if they will ever be released in America, and if so when? Money is not really the issue, but being ripped off is. The reason for my hesitation is quite frankly that the record companies of the world have quite a range when they define "remastered". For example the YesYEARS box set was supposedly remastered, which I guess in that case, "remastered" meant that they made sure that the volume levels were consistent from song to song. On the other hand, since then all of the old (pre-Trevor Rabin) Atlantic CDs have been "remastered" and re-released, and they sound spectacular. You can see why I am hesitant to spend the money. Anybody who has information on this please feel free to e-mail me. Also if there is anybody who has a copy of the
TALK CD Rom for sale, I would be interested to hear from you.
Thanks. From: Tony Rima
t.rima@edmont.co.uk I have been a Yes fan since THE Yes ALBUM and saw them in concert at the Colston Hall, Bristol in 1975, but due to divorce and remarriage, I lost touch with their career, I did buy the odd CD though. I recently came across my copy of the 1978 Wembley concert which was broadcast on the radio in the UK. It is an excellent concert and set me on the mission of rediscovery of Yes in a big way. I now have most of their CDs. I really rate THE LADDER & KEYSTUDIOS but UNION has yet to grow on me. I have not yet got OPEN YOUR EYes. I have MAGNIFICATION and cannot make up my mind if I like the strings. The tape I mentioned earlier is starting to wear and has a couple of breaks due to having to change tape etc so if anyone has a CD copy of the 1978 Wembley BBC broadcast, I would love to get a copy, or any live concert come to that. If you can help I'd love to hear from you. Having only recently discovering NFTE I am
rapidly reading through the back issues. I cannot believe the attitude
of some people. All the moaning about set lists, same encores etc. What
is wrong with them? I have only had the privilege of seeing Yes live on
one occasion and I'll tell you, I wouldn't care what they played if I
could get to see them. Give the guys a break and just be thankful
they are there playing for you. From: Lionel Gibaudan
Lionel.Gibaudan@wanadoo.fr I'm Lionel from France, I'm 41. I've just started my homepage at
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/gibau/ This page is dedicated to bass guitar and prog rock. Then, there is two interesting sections for Yes fans: - A bass lines section with standard notation PDF files with Chris Squire's bass line ranscribed. - A gallery section with unseen pictures taken during 1997's Philadelphia's shows in OYE tour. You are welcomed to visit my page.
Why You Should Buy MAGNIFICATION From: Pedro Oliveira
prmoliveira@yahoo.com Comparison is a form of violence. Those who expect Yes to go back (for inspiration) to 1972 or 1974 are probably fooling themselves. As the best progressive band alive they follow their own course, connected as they are with their own creativity and outstanding musicianship. I just got MAGNIFICATION and have been listening to it for the past five days. It is arguably Yes best album in several years. The music is great, the depths of emotional response it generates is sometimes quite moving. In my own case it made me remember the feeling of awe and exhilaration I felt when listening to "AYAI" and reading "Journey to Ixtlan" in 1974. "Give Love Each Day" is a case in point. Then you have Yes addressing burning issues in the world today, like the refugees, in "We Agree". The band keeps its trademark of speaking out their minds about what they see in the world while "perpetuating this song of love." "Don't Go" is a beautiful song, a pop song, and there is nothing wrong with that for its vibrant and powerful. Equally powerful is "In the Presence of", a reinvention of the best Yes musical and lyrical tradition. By buying MAGNIFICATION you are not only supporting a band that has been around for 30 years with a life-affirming, artistic message. You would be helping their message of freedom, inclusivity and love to touch the world. If this sounds quasi-religious then forget about it and just check out the new album. The guys sound better than never. Oh, almost forgot. Will you guys come to
Australia? We love when you play. From: Jeff Schneidereit
jeffadele@aol.com In reading the endless bickering of what yes should play next or what is the best release seems far beyond the theme of most Yes music. It seems to me that these fans are demanding that the members of Yes bring back the positive memories of the past. Hearing "Close to the Edge" may spark deep memories of great times in the seventies which listening to "We Agree" may not invoke, but listen to Steve's guitar. However, there is not another band that I am aware of, that has produced any music like CLOSE TO THE EDGE or MAGNIFICATION. My suggestion is to form great memories in the past, present and future. I agree that after thirty years of listening to Yes, I would like to hear additional songs at the concerts, but I value more the recent resurgence of new music as a group. I think that Yes foretold this future when they wrote TALES FROM TOPOGRAPHIC OCEANS. Listen to it again, but really listen to the words. Remember, "The strength of your seeing lies with
you". Steve Howe "Classic Rock Legends" DVD From: Howard L. Dick
hld_job@prodigy.net Just wanted to share with all that you need to purchase the new DVD from "CLASSIC ROCK LEGENDS" on Steve Howe. It's kind of a autobiography of Steve, from when he started playing guitar to prior of Yes reforming a UNION from AROUND THE WORLD IN EIGHTY DATES back in 1991. The interview takes place back in 1991. There is some guitar playing by Steve, he talks about his guitars collection, and some of the players who Steve was inspired by playing the guitar. The art work is by Roger Dean. This is a true collector's item for any of Steve's fans and guitar players in general. Thanks Steve for sharing with us all this masterpiece. [This DVD contains "Careful with that Axe" and
first appeared as a Japanese laserdisc in 1991. Steve was not involved
in the DVD release. --MOT] Jazz Version of "Close to the Edge"? From: Noel Pratt
npratt@asce.org At YesCon '85 or '87 (both Philadelphia area), one of the exhibitors was playing the CTTE suite done in a fantastic jazz fashion. I haven't heardit since then, but the memory stuck! Does anyone know who did it, where it can be obtained, anything...? Thanks. From: Andy Sutton
andy@eilands.com Just a brief note to publicize Virtual Jon, an interactive web site that generates lyrics in Jon's unique style, optionally incorporating some words that you supply. It's been around for a few years now, but some of you may not know about it and might find it fun. If you come up with anything you like you can store it and email a URL to friends or yourself to view it again. Otherwise every song is unique. Point your browser to: http://www.eilands.com/vjon Enjoy! Good News for MAGNIFICATION fans! From: Keith K Smith
seventysixfifty@hotmail.com OK, so the latest album debuted on the Billboard 200 chart somewhere around...#187. WAIT! Before you start shouting, "Oh, no!" or writing this off as a disaster...let me continue, please. You will be pleased to know that MAGNIFICATION made the Classical Crossover chart, topping out at #7. It was still #10 as of February 6, 2002. So there! Keep in mind also, that Yes never do quite what you expect...although some of the songs seemed to segue into others in recent years. ("Face to Face" seems to be the twin song of "Lightning Strikes", much like "Finally" seemed to be the twin song of "Love Shine".) Too many people are stuck on the 1971-73 era of the band. Case in point...my own mother. I would play SYMPHONIC MUSIC OF Yes, and she'll understand everything up to "Owner of a Lonely Heart", but then I have to explain that she probably doesn't know about "Survival", the next track; as far as that's concerned, she's "lost". I have also AFFIRMATIVE: THE Yes SOLO FAMILY ALBUM; two of the later tracks prove that the individual members continue not to rest on their laurels, and Peter Banks' "Dominating Factor" prove that his forced departure from Yes may have been just the jar he needed to expand his talent (if you excuse the pun--finally!). I also have seen Chris Squire take on more vocal parts in recent years, and more choral arrangements than Jon "alone" for the most part. What I wonder is...why aren't the songs of recent years more prominent in their tours? I doubt that the newer fans would be that disappointed if they DIDN'T hear "Close to the Edge" for the 20th time in the concert venues. Yes shouldn't feel they have to rely on the 1971-73 period to hold an audience. As a matter of fact...I help clean the floor for the Kroger store in local Delta Township, Michigan...I've heard "If Only You Knew" about 5-6 times in the past 3 months over the satellite music service there. And the release of the song has been over two years ago! Eventually there will come a point in time where
the current members of Yes, or their successors, will have so much
material to draw on that they will just have to "let go of the distant
past" and concentrate on their recent material. I already have about 31
albums to choose from. And I still have room to collect more.
It's just that I feel the "retrospective" releases in recent years do
not really do this group justice. Perhaps someday soon there will
be a big, giant multi-CD issue (say, GENERATION ONE?) spanning all of
the Yes material up to then, and we can leave it (excuse the pun again)
at that, and perhaps the "classic" bickering would stop and we could get
to know the "Generation Two" phase of this group. (The newer
material DOES stand out more these days, guys.) Who knows?
Jon, Chris...comment? From: Anthony Roberts
ukyestony@aol.com Being an obsessive Yes fan and supporter of Stoke city FC, I have discovered that in about 1976 Yes were 'rained off stage' in an attempted open air gig at the old Victoria ground 'soccer' stadium (for the benefit of our friends in the US) during the Tales From Topographic Oceans tour about 1974 (ish) Apparently, they said at the time they would return for 'free' (but never did) I was a bit young for attending concerts but distinctly remember the QPR gig being televised on the BBC if this gives a clue to the timing and validity. About 5 years ago stoke city moved to a new plush 28,500 seater stadium which is a marvelous open air venue which has already hosted such acts as Bon Jovi. An idea hatched in my mind thus: given the above circumstances: Wouldn't it be marvelous for Yes, ELP and ASIA to all play on a one off day long gig at the stadium to fulfill the promise made many years ago and that be video and DVD for posterity as a fitting finale to the wonderment that was/is progressive rock ?? Not only this but, it would be all my own idea, I'd get VIP tickets, be 'helicoptered' in and get to meet all my heroes to boot and, in the football ground of the soccer team I love so much. WELL? come on then (wink wink) From: Dave Beer
dave.beer@mscsoftware.com As we look forward to a tour this year I wanted
to offer a suggestion that I hope the guys will take to heart. As a
long-time fan I really appreciated it when the fans were given the
chance to buy tickets ahead of everyone else for the Ladder and
Masterworks tours, making it possible to be near the stage and witness
the splendor. On the other hand, I was disappointed when this wasn't
offered for the MAGNIFICATION tour. Please reconsider and let the fans
get the good seats. From: Geoff Mather
gd_mather@hotmail.com I typed out the STORY from the OLIAS OF SUNHILLOW (vinyl) album. If anyone wants me to email this to them, please contact me at gd_mather@hotmail.com. From: John Costello
jcostello10@hotmail.com I agree with Craig's ideas (from NFTE #254): Wondered if you saw my NFTE post re asking the band to do a one off concert of studio tracks (not played since Howe re-joined) and released as a CD and/or DVD? Do you really want another Yes live release where we get the 5th or 8th live version of certain tracks?? To be honest I really do welcome any release and not really moaning. Anyway... Time for once, the fans get a change. Especially with Rick possibly coming back this really may be the last chance to get another couple of hours of great live music not put out as a live CD / DVD before (or at least in the last 20 years). "Suggested" set list :- Mind Drive Future Times / Rejoice Parallels South Side Of The Sky Circus Of Heaven Into The Lens Release Release > ---Break--- Soundchaser Wonderous Stories Arriving UFO Long Distance Runaround / The Fish Survival To Be Over That That Is > ----------- Encore 1 - Tempus Fugit Encore 2 - Love Will Find A Way Encore 3 - On The Silent Wings Of Freedom Over the years I've picked up on people posting reviews on what they want to hear and what they're fed up hearing. I'm not asking for Roundabout, And You & I etc to be dropped forever - just to do a one off couple of shows and record it with this set list. Most people agree with this and some have suggested "Shock To The System", "I'm Running", "Endless Dream" etc. I'd love to hear really anything that would make a change. Most comment are where people say it would be great to hear these in a live 2002 context with the latest technology. IT would be fantastic if they did this. At least the TORMATO tracks. Note: I'm not being selfish and only picked tracks I want to hear eg, RELAYER, TORMATO & DRAMA etc, but more realistically what they would consider doing. I think you'll agree all Rabin stuff inc Love is probably out the window. It'd be a dream if the band agreed to do this. If you don't support this then thanks for your time. At least I've tried to do something about it.. This is not moaning!! It's just I really love & care what this band do! 1) So far, I've e-mailed approx 600 plus people in Europe side!!!! 2) Have e-mailed Eagle Records!!! 3) Have had a lot of great & positive feedback from people who really do want to see this happen. 4) Only two people moaned. One wanted Trevor back and the other wanted ABWH back!! There's no pleasing some people eh!!!!! 5) The Steve Howe Appreciation society have kindly agreed to forward my e-mail to Steve & his management. 6) the band do listen if someone makes the effort as they played Gates in Glasgow after several of us wrote to Yes c/o the venue requesting it be played. Just trying to do something different, you know Now working on the US. If this doesn't come off I've got absolutely no regrets. Have had a lot of fun though. Best wishes & take care and thanks again for
reading From: Derek Meade
derekm@bushinternet.com I have just replied to an e-mail from Craig Stuart about his idea of a petition from Yes fans to be passed on to the band via NFTE. I like the idea of fan power! Whether it works or not doesn't really matter- it's the attempt that is important. His list is interesting but does contain a
couple of songs that I think are too weak to merit serious suggestion.
I'm sure some of my own suggestions will be frowned upon by others as
well. So be it! personal favourites are always going to be subjective. I
really would like to include at least one track from TALK- "I Am
Waiting" for preference or "The Calling". I think "Circus of Heaven" is
too silly for such an experiment and "Arriving UFO" is an OK track at
best. Still, I've probably really upset someone with that comment!
I really hope that enough support is given to Craig's suggestion so that
the band are at least aware of our preferences. "All Good People" is a
great song, but how many different versions do we need in one lifetime? From: Steve Brittenham
stephensebrit@aol.com I just got an email from craig@cstuart.co.uk trying to drum up support for a different kind of Yesshow, so I'll cast my vote along with him. I'd love to see a tour with one song from every album, preferably ones we're not used to hearing. Don't get me wrong, there's not a single Yes song I don't like, and when I hear "Roundabout" and "All Good People" a thousand more times I'll still love them, but I'd really love to hear something live I've never heard live before, or even something that's never been recorded. But that's my own selfishness. Though I enjoy a note-for-note performance, I equally appreciate new arrangements of songs already familiar. That's what makes music and musicians so alive! My real opinion then: Yes - regardless of
what we want to hear, or what you think we want to hear, play what you
want to play, however you want to play it! I've enjoyed every
Yesshow I've seen over the past 27 years, and I'm confident I won't be
disappointed next time. We love when you play! Reply To "Live Versions of Studio Tracks Rarely Played Live" From: Andrew Mehlman
amehlman1@attbi.com Hear are my comments on the very thoughtful effort by Craig Stuart: 1. I would love to hear much more of MAGNIFICATION live. This is a great album and like most Yes music will really come alive when played live. Specifically, I would like to hear "Magnification", "Spirit of Survival", "Give Love Each Day", "Can You Imagine", and "Dreamtime", and would be happy with anything else they choose to do. 2. I would definitely love to hear "Mind Drive" live. Especially if Rick is going to be along for the next ride, it would be great to hear this. Anything else that they want to do from Keys would be great and might actually help them to re-stimulate some sales that they didn't get because they didn't perform it live. 3. They could play "Close To The Edge", "Gates", and "Awaken" every show and I would never, ever complain. These masterpieces deserve to be played as often as the band chooses to. Anything from Tales is right there also. It would be real cool to hear The Remembering or The Ancient at some point. 4. As far as your list goes, other than "Mind Drive", the other songs that really interest me to see live are "South Side of the Sky", "Sound Chaser", "To Be Over" and "Silent Wings of Freedom". I would add to that list "Heart of The Sunrise" and "Turn Of The Century". Although the rest of your list is all great music, I would not choose any of the other songs at the expense of the others that I am mentioning. Yes concerts are so precious, that I would really like to see them do their absolute "A" list material. As far as the pre-Yes album music, I always have enjoyed "Time And A Word". If Rick is coming back and there will be an orchestra (???), I can only imagine how beautiful this would be. 5. Since there are many Yes fans that make an effort to see them multiple times when they are on tour, it really is a treat when they vary the set list slightly, especially when they play several shows in a general region. Fortunately, I got to see them several times last year in the Northeast U.S., and although there was some variation, it was mostly set tweaking (removing Wonderous Stories and adding Starship Trooper). A conscious effort to provide some variation not only would reward supporters like myself, but might also encourage others to see more shows. There's my two cents. Whatever they do,
I'll be there. A Trevor Rabin Comeback: Nostalgia? From: Joshua David Ramsey
joshuadramsey@hotmail.com I hate for my first post to Notes to be negative in scope, especially since we're discussing one of the most positive forces in rock history, but a question has arisen that prompts me to get something off of my chest. Jeff Mise <mizer89@hotmail.com>, in Issue #254 (15 February 2002), writes "It is an ongoing argument to many types of yes fans across the globe why Trevor Rabin has not returned sooner to the band or solo scene." As for the solo scene, I'd like to see Rabin back in action, although admittedly I'm not going to actively pursue any of his new work (though I might check it out if I hear about it here or at YesWorld). I'm sure that his soundtrack work is much more lucrative than he could expect with a solo album, but that could lead to him having the leisure time to work on something which is more what he would want to do than an attempt at moneymaking (which would be a good thing). As for Yes, I won't speculate on Trevor's reasons or Yes's reasons for not reuniting. My own feelings are that a reunion with Trevor at this point would change Yes's status from a legendary act to an 80's nostalgia act. Now, I'm not kidding myself into thinking that the current 70's lineup doesn't attract quite a number of nostalgia seekers, but the underlying sense is that Yes is a legendary band. If Trevor came back and replaced Steve, resulting in a shift to being predominantly 1980's style, Yes would be lumped into the same category as A Flock of Seagulls, Poison, or Devo (though Yes's musicianship would be several hundred times greater than these groups [to exaggerate only slightly]). This is certainly not a lambasting of Trevor Rabin's ability as a guitarist or songwriter, nor a comparison to Steve Howe. It's just an observation of how the demographics would change at a Yes show featuring the 1980's line-up. I prefer to think of Yes as a band that changed the course of rock music, helping pioneer "Progressive Rock", than a band that composed a strong pop album, achieving a couple major hits. Right now, the fans are predominantly devoted fans. However, if the 90125 line-up reemerges, although quite a few of the devoted fans would also see the show and buy the albums (not to mention the fans that prefer Rabin Yes that remain devoted), the majority of the crowds would be the people that bought 90125 in 1983 as kids, and haven't touched the album since 1985, coming back to recapture their youth as adults approaching middle-age. I think Yes is on the right track now. I feel that the current core line-up has been on a steady progression in musical quality starting from OPEN YOUR EYES through MAGNIFICATION (each album better than the previous). MAGNIFICATION is an exceedingly strong album, and I firmly believe that if Yes would do another album or two with the current core line-up, they would blow our minds even further than they have with MAGNIFICATION (tough job, I think). A shift in direction through a major personnel change would upset the progression, and put the band at square one again. In the past, being at a rebuilding point has shown some varying success: THE Yes ALBUM, FRAGILE, RELAYER, DRAMA, 90125, and KEYS. However, I think losing the momentum Yes has currently built up can only be detrimental at this stage. The band is only now starting to shake off the feeling that the hair-metal pop influence of the 1980's will get the band airplay today, and is finally focusing more on experimenting musically again. In any case, I do wish all the best to Trevor
Rabin. I'm always thrilled to hear his wonderful music in the
soundtracks; I always point out to friends with joy that "the guy that
did this soundtrack was in Yes!" However, with the current marketing
strategies of promoters, for Trevor Rabin to regain his former position
in Yes would be damaging to both the band's image, and his own image.
Yes can be either the legendary innovators or "that 80's band", and
Rabin can be either a highly talented and renowned composer or "just
another guitarist for a nostalgia act".
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