Yes is a band that has successfully reinvented itself over and over. During
each stage of the process, this progressive rock legend never seems to wane
in enthusiasm or excellence in its own fiery form of execution. Without question,
the glue that somehow holds it all together is the irreplaceable “voice”
of Yes, Jon Anderson. Anderson’s high strung pipes are as much a part
of the band’s sound as Steve Howe’s fluent guitar histrionics and
Chris Squire’s effervescent bass lines. Augmented by longtime drummer
Alan White along with “new” members Igor Khoroshev (keyboards) and
Billy Sherwood (guitar), Yes is as strong and vibrant as ever. House
Of Yes: Live From The House Of Blues, available as a DVD as well as
a 2-CD set, is a classic reminder that that after all these years, the answer
is still…Yes.
Recorded in glorious Dolby Digital 5.1 at the House of Blues in Las Vegas,
Yes has toned down their act as a thriving stadium/arena attraction, opting
for a more intimate setting. Touring behind The Ladder, Yes
sinks in comfortably within the confines of the House of Blues stage and plays
an astute selection of tunes from their colorful catalog. The opening number
– “Yours Is No Disgrace” – clocks in at over 20 minutes.
From there, your eyes and ears are treated to newer material like “Homeworld
(The Ladder)” and “It Will Be A Good Day (The River)” slotted
in with such epic landmarks as “And You And I” and “Awaken.”
Boasting a crystal clear picture and state-of-the art audio playback, the DVD
also features a short feature on the making of The Ladder album,
still images from the tour and in the studio, interviews with band members and
links to Yes Web sites. Always in step with the latest in cutting-edge technology
(Yes has been involved with CD-ROMs and video games), the DVD format is the
perfect vehicle for a multimedia-conscious band like Yes. There’s no doubt
that Yes has miles of terrain to cover before they’re through.
~ Shawn Perry
